CWI News – Dec. 20, 2024
In the Spotlight
This year’s College of Western Idaho (CWI) Gingerbread Battle is in the books, and it was a great one! The three contestants battled with each other and overcame surprises to create CWI themed gingerbread houses in just 10 minutes, and we have a winner! Read the article below to see who won.
President's Message
Greetings CWI Team,
As the year draws to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on the achievements we’ve accomplished together in 2024 and express my deepest gratitude to each of you for your contributions to the College of Western Idaho’s success.
This year, we celebrated too many milestones to mention, but here are few highlights:
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Accreditation Success: We completed the final steps in our NWCCU Year-Seven Comprehensive Evaluation of Institutional Effectiveness accreditation process, reaffirming our commitment to excellence in education.
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Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Business Administration: We continued the development of our BAS degree in Business Administration, which will officially launch in Fall 2025. This new program will expand opportunities for our students to pursue advanced education and career pathways.
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Surgical First Assist Program: We celebrated the graduation of the inaugural cohort of our new Surgical First Assist Program, one of only 13 such programs in the nation. This initiative addresses critical workforce needs in the medical field, and we are proud of its success.
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Powering the Treasure Valley Campaign: Generous support from partners like Simplot and Delta Dental demonstrates a recognition that CWI serves to Power the Treasure Valley. Their leadership accelerates our Campaign, propelling CWI to new heights and ensuring brighter futures for our students.
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Entrepreneur Lab: We opened the Entrepreneur Lab, a dynamic space fostering creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The inaugural Entrepreneur Lab Showcase was a standout event, where students showcased their talent and ingenuity, competing for a $1,000 grand prize by pitching their innovative business ideas.
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Community Partnerships: We strengthened our community ties through impactful collaborations such as Rodeo 101 with the Snake River Stampede, partnerships with the Boys and Girls Club of Nampa, the Twilight Criterium, and a special event celebrating our Metallica Scholars Initiative grant. These partnerships highlight CWI’s essential role in the Treasure Valley.
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Otter Mascot Launch: The unveiling of CWI’s new Otter mascot marked a major milestone in strengthening our brand identity. Thanks to the creative efforts of our marketing team, the mascot’s introduction sparked excitement and fostered a stronger sense of community among students, staff, and alumni.
None of this would have been possible without your hard work, dedication, and belief in CWI’s mission. Your contributions make a difference every single day.
This holiday season, I’m wishing you a peaceful and joyful winter break, filled with time to relax, recharge, and enjoy with family and friends. Let’s carry this momentum into 2025, as we continue to shape the future together.
With deep appreciation and best wishes,
CWI in the News
Strategos Podcast Network: Gordon Jones on Overcoming Educational Challenges in Idaho
News Highlights
Delta Dental of Idaho Invests in Idaho's Future Oral Health Workforce with Major Donation
College of Western Idaho (CWI) has received a significant $1.5 million investment from Delta Dental of Idaho, delivering a significant investment in Idaho's oral health workforce by supporting the College’s efforts to establish a permanent Health and Science Building.
The grant underscores Delta Dental of Idaho's 53-year legacy of advancing oral health care across the state, further strengthening its commitment to ensuring Idahoans have access to exceptional oral health care providers.
"It's essential to have well-trained dental hygienists and assistants entering the oral health workforce, and CWI's plans for their program are exceptional," said Senior Director of Community Outreach and Oral Health for Delta Dental of Idaho, Heather Brown.
Delta Dental of Idaho's financial support will help fund state-of-the-art facilities for dental assisting and future dental hygiene programs. The investment will bolster efforts to meet the growing demand for healthcare education in Idaho, offering students hands-on training while improving dental care accessibility statewide. "CWI's initiative perfectly aligns with Delta Dental of Idaho's mission," Brown continued. "This donation benefits the future dental workforce and improves the health of Idahoans."
The Impact
“Delta Dental of Idaho's investment in College of Western Idaho's Powering the Treasure Valley Campaign is elevating health education in our region. Their generous contribution will help CWI construct a cutting-edge Health and Science Building and establish a new Dental Hygiene program, meeting vital workforce demands while creating expanded opportunities for students and the community," said CWI President, Gordon Jones.
The new Health and Science Building will expand educational opportunities for Idahoans and foster interdisciplinary teamwork across healthcare programs. It will also train future dental hygienists and assistants for long-lasting careers (hygienists typically serve for 15-20 years; assistants for 10-15 years).
Strategic Grant Partnership
Delta Dental of Idaho's $1.5 million grant will support:
- Oral Health Center
- Dental Assisting Lab
- Future Dental Hygiene Program
By contributing to this initiative, Delta Dental of Idaho continues to shape the future of oral health care in Idaho, supporting programs that broaden access to oral health care, enhance the dental workforce, and improve oral health education.
Learn more about the Dental Assisting program at CWI.
2024 Practical Nurse Pinning Ceremony
Family, friends, and loved ones gathered at the St. Alphonsus McCleary Auditorium Thursday, Dec. 12, to recognize and honor College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Practical Nursing (PN) program’s 2024 cohort. The twelve PN students celebrated the end and graduation of their program’s coursework with a traditional nurse pinning ceremony.
Pinning ceremonies are a custom steeped in history dating back to the Crusades when medals were given to those who tended to the sick and injured.
The ceremony began with a welcome from CWI Nursing Department Chair, Allison Baker, acknowledging the sacrifices and determination each graduate has demonstrated through this rigorous educational journey. She added the perseverance and adaptability these students maintained throughout the program will prove useful as they embark on their careers as nurses.
As these graduates head into the workforce, Baker reminded them, “Nursing is not merely a profession, it is a calling to make a difference in the lives of others during their most vulnerable moments. Your hands will not only administer medication but will also offer comfort and solace. Your presence will be a source of strength to those in pain and your knowledge will be a beacon of hope in times of uncertainty.”
In addition to Baker, CWI Provost Denise Aberle-Cannata, offered encouraging remarks, followed by graduating students Anna Self and Bryony Barton, who was nominated and chosen as class speaker.
As she reflected on the last 12 months, Bryony shared about the struggles she and her classmates faced going through coursework and exams, but also how they were able to persevere through the help of one another. “Not only did we complete this program, we developed friendships and knowledge that hopefully will continue into the future. We are ready to have 3 very powerful letters behind our names: LPN.” Barton said.
The winner of the prestigious Nightingale Award, named after the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale, was Grace Meyers.
The students were then pinned by their instructors — marking the completion of the program. Graduates are now eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN).
Click on the button below to view a recording of the ceremony:
For more information, visit the Practical Nursing page or contact Allison Baker at allisonbaker2@cwi.edu or 208.562.2307.
Holiday Greetings and Gingerbread Battle Winner
Happy Holidays and Gingerbread Winner
This year’s College of Western Idaho (CWI) Gingerbread Battle is in the books, and it was a great one! The three contestants battled with each other and overcame surprises to create CWI themed gingerbread houses in just 10 minutes.
The Contestants
- CWI students were represented by Anthropology student, Zayne Sedrick and his art inspired creation highlighted with an artist bear painting a masterpiece.
- CWI staff were represented by the Dean of Admissions and One Stop, Luis Caloca and his automotive built house with trades tools accenting the structure and landscape.
- CWI faculty were represented by the Department Chair of Agriculture, Andrea Schumaker and her healthcare inspired house complete with bandage wrap and pathways to the E.R..
Midway through the contest, CWI President, Gordon Jones, surprised the participants with elements from CWI programs to integrate into their designs.
Watch the Battle
Look back and see all of the fun in this years Gingerbread Battle on CWI’s social media channels.
Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Twitter
In the end, you the viewers, selected this year’s winner.
Congratulations to Andrea Schumaker and her healthcare inspired gingerbread house in winning this year’s CWI Gingerbread Battle! Hear from Andrea and President Jones.
Be on the lookout for the next great CWI Gingerbread Battle and be thinking about who you would like to represent your area at CWI.
2024-2025 Winter Break Building Hours
College of Western Idaho (CWI) campus buildings and One Stop Student Services locations will be operating under special hours during the holidays and winter break, starting Monday, Dec. 16 through Monday, Jan. 20.
- Dec. 16 – Jan. 20 – No Classes
- Dec. 23 – 25 – Campus Closed
- Dec. 31 – Campus Closed at Noon
- Jan. 1 – New Year's Day, Campus Closed
- Jan. 20 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Campus Closed
Nampa Locations
Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC)
Monday – Thursday: 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday: 7:45 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (beginning Jan. 4)
Sunday: CLOSED
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB)
Monday – Thursday: 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: Opens for select Saturdays for MSC on Jan 4.
Sunday: CLOSED
Nampa Campus Administration Building (NADM)
Monday – Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Nampa Campus Aspen Classroom Building (NASP)
Monday – Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: CLOSED
Nampa Campus Multipurpose Building (NCMP)
Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday: CLOSED
Sunday: CLOSED
Nampa Campus Willows Building(s) A, B, C
Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: CLOSED
Canyon County Location
Canyon County Center (CYNC)
Monday – Thursday: 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Saturday: CLOSED (open Jan. 11 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
Sunday: CLOSED
Boise Locations
Ada County Center Lynx Building (ALYN)
One Stop Student Services
Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday: CLOSED
Sunday: CLOSED
Ada County Center Mallard Building (AMAL)
Monday – Thursday: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday: CLOSED
Sunday: CLOSED
Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN)
Monday – Thursday: 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. (beginning Jan. 4)
Sunday: CLOSED
Ada County Center Quail Building (AQUL)
Monday – Friday: CLOSED
Saturday & Sunday: CLOSED
CWI Horticulture Building (HORT)
BUILDING OPEN
Hours are set at this location and vary.
2024 Holiday Check Processing Notice
Due to campus closures for Winter Break, College of Western Idaho’s Business Office will not issue employee reimbursement or vendor checks on the following dates:
Dec. 23 – Jan 3
Normal processing of checks will resume on Jan. 9.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Accounts Payable at accountspayable@cwi.edu.
Ready, Set, Thrive!
Get ready for an exciting new semester at College of Western Idaho (CWI)! We are thrilled to offer new students the chance to discover everything our college has to offer — both inside and outside the classroom.
Join us for Ready, Set, Thrive!, a two-day event hosted by Student Advising and Success & Student Engagement. Explore our campuses, discover all the academic resources available to you, and connect with advisors, faculty, and fellow students. Plus, indulge in a delicious free lunch, have a chance to win awesome CWI prizes, and get a head start on learning about CWI before your classes even begin!
Advising Drop-Ins
Student Advising & Success will be hosting two-days of drop-in advising sessions designed to help you register for classes or ask a quick question at the Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC), Room 201; Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN), Room 1205; and over Zoom.
Thursday, Jan. 16
9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 17
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Resource Drop-Ins
Come out to CWI’s Ada County and Nampa campuses to explore a few of the College’s resources. Bring your friends and family and enjoy some free food!
Thursday, Jan. 16
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC), Lobby
Friday, Jan. 17
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN), Student Commons
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to kick-start your college journey. We can't wait to welcome you to the CWI community!
To learn more about Ready, Set, Thrive!, contact Student Engagement at studentengagement@cwi.edu. For those with questions or in need of more information about Academic Advising, contact academicadvising@cwi.edu.
Safety Fest 2025: Empowering Safety in the Community
Join College of Western Idaho (CWI) for Safety Fest 2025, an engaging and informative event hosted by CWI's Workforce Development and Safety Fest of the Great Northwest. This annual gathering will take place for the second time at CWI's Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC). Designed for everyone in the community, Safety Fest offers invaluable opportunities to enhance safety knowledge, obtain certifications, and connect with industry experts — all at no cost to participants!
Jan. 7 – 9
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC)
Why Attend?
- Free Safety Classes: Expand your expertise with a diverse selection of classes, including OSHA training, CPR certifications, and more.
- Trade Show: Explore a dynamic vendor showcase featuring the latest safety tools, resources, and services.
- Professional Growth: Gain certifications that advance your skills and knowledge at no cost.
Safety Fest is your chance to prioritize safety in your professional and personal life while engaging with like-minded community members. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from experts and enhance your safety expertise.
For more information, visit Safety Fest or contact Glenn Karn at glennkarn@cwi.edu.
