CWI News – August 16, 2024
President's Message
What an incredible week it has been! From visiting with faculty at the in-service sessions to seeing the amazing crowd at the Fall Address to the unveiling of our Otter mascot, the kickoff to the 2024-2025 school year was extraordinary. The only thing that could top it off will be seeing our students back in full swing next week.
Thanks to all of you who participated in these events. It was inspiring to see the CWI community come together and gratifying to acknowledge individual employees, including our Faculty and Staff of the Year recipients. Belenda Snow, Nursing Simulation Faculty, and Sara Matson, Senior ERP Analyst in IT, were chosen by their peers from an outstanding field of nominees who we were also pleased to honor. For the first time this year, we honored employees Jana McCurdy and Courtney Ronan with the Pillar Award in recognition of their support and consistent giving to the CWI Foundation since its inception in 2009. And 160 employees reached years of service milestones of 5, 10 and 15 years. Congratulations to all who were recognized and thank you for everything you do for CWI!
As much as individual success should be applauded and celebrated, it is also important to recognize the significant role that collaborative work plays in advancing our organization. As we embark on this academic year, let’s prioritize the spirit of collaboration and unity—embodying the concept of One CWI. By embracing our interconnections and understanding how our efforts impact other campus units, we can foster a culture of mutual support and strengthen our ability to best serve our constituents.
Finally, as noted in my remarks, I am setting aside time throughout this year to visit departments and classrooms to learn more about your experiences, to meet with students and staff or simply to listen. Please email Janice McGehee at janicemcgehee@cwi.edu with your requests. I am looking forward to increased opportunities to engage with our campus community.
As always, thank you for your ongoing commitment and for being the driving force behind CWI’s success.
Respectfully,
News Highlights
The 2024 State of the College Address Recap
College of Western Idaho (CWI) President, Gordon Jones, delivered the 2024 State of the College Address to faculty, staff, and community on Wednesday, August 14, at the Galaxy Event Center in Meridian, ID.
Preceding the Address, well-deserved recognition was awarded to outstanding staff and faculty. The 2024 Staff of the Year Award was presented to Sara Matson, Senior ERP Analyst in IT, and the 2024 Faculty of Distinction Award went to Belenda Snow, Nursing Simulation Faculty. Additionally, 160 employees who reached their 5, 10, and 15 years of service were applauded as their names were displayed.
A new honor — the Pillar Award — was presented to two employees who have steadfastly supported and given to the CWI Foundation since its inception in 2009: Jana McCurdy and Courtney Ronan.
The State of the College Address was then delivered by President Jones and served as launching pad for the new school year, an opportunity to welcome faculty and staff, celebrate highlights from the past year, and provide vision moving forward. His presentation showcased several of CWI’s transformational programs, including Workforce Development and Dual Credit, the BAS degree, and Farm to Fork among many others.
Also introduced was the new Artificial Intelligence (AI) Committee, a group of 18 faculty and staff whose focus will be to ethically and safely integrate AI into CWI’s academic programs and operations. Leadership will be provided by Jillana Finnegan as well as important contributions from faculty, including AI innovators Liza Long and Joel Gladd, both of whom have been recognized by the Idaho State Board of Education.
President Jones provided updates about the impressive progress being made on campus development projects. This included the recent news that, thanks to a major gift, Ag students will soon be doing their work in what will now be known as the Simplot Agriculture Building.
Culture and collaboration were a central focus of the address. “As we continue to elevate our focus, we must also recognize the significance of culture – specifically a culture that collectively commits to our mission and which understands that getting our work done together is equally important as the work itself,” President Jones said. “We are working towards the greatest good for CWI as a team. It’s not about any one department or person; it’s about the collective success of our entire community.”
Lastly and with fanfare, the new CWI mascot — the Otter — was unveiled to celebrate a new chapter in CWI’s history. Those wanting a closer look can check it out on the website, across campus on posters, and on new items available in the bookstore.
Those unable to make the address can view it on our YouTube channel, linked below.
It’s Play Time during CWI Day at the Western Idaho Fair!
Get ready to enjoy CWI Day at the Western Idaho Fair on Saturday, Aug. 17! Students, alumni, employees, family, and friends of the College of Western Idaho (CWI) community are invited to attend what has been the social event of the summer for over 125 years, taking place this year from Aug. 16 – 25.
CWI Day at Western Idaho Fair
Saturday, Aug. 17
11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Western Idaho Fairgrounds
General Admission to the Fair is $10, and an additional Carnival Wristband can be purchased for $32 for those eager to enjoy the many exciting rides.
CWI students and employees can purchase discounted ($3 off) General Admission tickets.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Let's Go Otters
The new College of Western Idaho's (CWI) mascot was launched on August 14 during 2024 State of the College Address. Through an inclusive and collaborative journey and in partnership with our campus community, the Otter was established as CWI’s official mascot.
The Otter serves as a symbol for our thriving community to rally around while also paying tribute to the accomplishments and growth at CWI. This mascot will embody the curious, resilient, dynamic, and collaborative spirit of the College, mirroring our students’ ability to thrive and innovate in any field or environment.
You can learn about River the Otter at cwi.edu/mascot and follow the inspiration and creative journey that went into it's development. Explore a behind-the-scenes look at logo and wordmark designs, the anatomical analysis, and the brand guide for usage.
Ready to sport your Otter spirit? Visit the CWI Bookstore to find Otter gear such as t-shirts, hats, sweatshirts, and more.
If you have any questions about the mascot, reach out to Marketing & Communications at communications@cwi.edu.
Let’s Go Otters!
Wishing Well Fund Accepting Applications
Looking for extra financial help to fund a classroom need or program? Now's your chance as the College of Western Idaho (CWI) Foundation’s Wishing Well Fund is accepting applications!
The Wishing Well Fund was established to encourage our staff and faculty to innovate and enhance CWI's educational environment and develop student learning opportunities. All the funds granted must be used for the direct advancement of departments or programs, contributing to students' growth and learning experiences.
This Fund is only possible thanks to the generous contributions of CWI employees and our supportive community partners, who are passionate about funding projects that extend beyond the standard departmental budget and require a financial lift to enhance student experiences.
The application must be signed both by you and your Dean/Director and submitted online to the CWI Foundation by 3 p.m. on Oct. 31. Late submissions will not be considered.
The maximum award amount is $1,500, and funds must be utilized by May 1, 2025.
For more information about the Wishing Well Fund or to request an application, please reach out to the Foundation at foundation@cwi.edu.
Veterans Gain a Degree Pathway Through CWI Partnership with Mission43
College of Western Idaho's (CWI) mission to provide an affordable and accessible education for all has new support from Mission 43, a charitable organization that serves retired military veterans and their spouses in the state of Idaho.
Mission43 had been looking for an educational partner to create an easy-to-navigate path for veterans to receive college credit for past military training. CWI stepped up to the plate and created an Associate of Applied Science degree in Management, which can be completed in as little as one semester for qualified veterans. With a generous scholarship from Mission43 for their members, the degree provides an excellent opportunity for veterans.
Support from Mission43 also allowed CWI to hire a dedicated Veterans Services Coordinator. Shannon Kerr began working for the College in January of this year.
Mission43, an initiative of the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation, is committed to supporting Idaho's post-9/11 servicemen, women, and their spouses by providing the resources they need for a successful transition after leaving the military, allowing them to excel academically, in their next career, and within their communities.
CWI and Mission43 have worked together closely to level up support for veterans, with College staff attending a coffee hour at the Mission43 Fieldhouse and traveling to Boise to record a podcast.
Additionally, roughly 60 CWI students and staff veterans attended a luncheon in May where they heard from the Mission43 Director, Dan Nelson; Education Director, Alison Garrow; and Idaho Backcountry Veterans.
The College also attended the Gowen Field Education and Employment workshop with Mission43 — an event that provided opportunities for students to meet and learn about other organizations that support veterans.
Got AI? New Program Offering Prepares Students for an Artificial Intelligence Future
In a digital landscape that is constantly evolving, 2024 is experiencing a seismic shift in the technology sector. As reported by TheStreet.com, approximately 263,180 jobs have been displaced in the tech industry, with a remarkable 106,630 positions transitioning into Artificial Intelligence (AI)-focused roles. Recognizing the need to empower students with AI-related skills, thought leaders at College of Western Idaho (CWI) have created the Artificial Intelligence and Cloud Computing (AICC) program.
This isn’t the first time new technologies have revolutionized entire industries. Indeed, similar disruptions have stemmed from the introduction of the cotton gin, the telegraph, the automobile assembly line production model championed by Henry Ford, and of course the integration of computers in the late 70s. “Computers did not replace workers; rather, they redefined the job market. As a result, acquiring computer skills has become a non-negotiable and foundational demand for every professional,” said Scott Didriksen, instructor of AI and Software Development at CWI. “Similarly, AI is set to initiate a comparable workplace transformation,” said Didriksen.
The new Associate of Applied Science degree allows aspiring technologists to be part of this transformation and dive into the world of AI and Cloud Computing. It’s tailored for those craving data analytics, cloud services, and the ethical application of AI in business and cybersecurity contexts.
The curriculum, created through close collaboration with industry heavyweights, will prepare and empower students to spearhead innovation throughout their careers. Experience immersive, practical learning with proficient instructors who integrate real-world predicaments into the classroom.
Not only is CWI leading Idaho in its degree offerings, but also in its ethical integration of AI into the classroom. Liza Long, Assistant Professor of English at CWI, champion of AI-empowered pedagogy, and a proud recipient of the Generative AI in Higher Education Fellowship recently shared, "Students, when educated to harness AI in a responsible and ethical manner, are capable of delivering superior work. These competencies are essential in the contemporary workspace. Preparing our students for this reality aligns seamlessly with our college's mission.”
Whether you're deciphering complex data or safeguarding networks from cyber threats, CWI is the launchpad where passion ignites purpose. Here's a snapshot of the high-impact learning areas you'll explore:
- Ethical AI Implementation: Master the art of ethically leveraging AI in business and cybersecurity scenarios.
- AI-Driven Tools: Acquire expertise in using AI tools to sift through large data sets and convert them into actionable insights.
- Cloud Computing Skills: Develop a robust understanding of cloud infrastructure and services, with potential certifications in AWS Cloud, PCEP (Python), and CompTIA Data+.
- Hands-On Projects: Participate in practical projects that simulate real-world challenges, from crafting AI tools to analyzing cybersecurity threats.
- Industry-Relevant Skills: Build a comprehensive foundation in data analytics, cloud computing, and machine learning, preparing you for a spectrum of sought-after careers.
The Artificial Intelligence and Cloud Computing program is accepting applicant now for Fall 2024.
- Admissions Express Event: Aug. 5
- Admissions Deadline: Aug. 9
- Classes Begin: Aug. 19
- Registration Deadline: Aug. 21
Accelerate your journey to becoming a future-ready tech professional.
