CWI News – Feb 14, 2025
News Highlights
Shaping Metal, Defying Odds: A CWI Graduate’s Path to Success
Reagan Heffelfinger is no stranger to metal. A recent graduate of College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Machine Tool Technology program, Heffelfinger began working with her dad on his Volkswagen as a 3-year-old. By the time she was 16, she was performing regular maintenance on her own car.
Her road to becoming a machinist — the same trade as the storied Rosie the Riveter of World War II fame — may seem like it would have been a straightforward one. However, Heffelfinger’s path, full of roadblocks and detours, has been representative of a common experience for many students at CWI where “traditional” fully embraces the untraditional.
A Heartbreaking Discovery
In high school, Heffelfinger began experiencing troublesome symptoms more common to adults twice her age, including shortness of breath, a racing heartbeat, and dizziness. Traumatically, she found herself going from cardiologist to emergency room to heart surgery, all within the span of three months. “That year was hard. I went from what I thought was healthy to having three heart conditions, two of which are chronic.”
Forks in the Road
After graduating high school during the pandemic, Heffelfinger enrolled at Arizona State University to study mechanical engineering online, but she quickly realized that a four-year degree wasn’t a good fit.
She then enrolled in CWI to study health sciences, with the goal of becoming a nurse. However, as she waded through microbiology and similar courses, she again understood that this career path wasn’t for her.
Heffelfinger’s dad, always her biggest supporter, gently nudged her to explore machining and reminded her that her uncle had been a machinist in the Navy. After more research, she eagerly joined the two-year Machine Tool Technology program at CWI.
“It just clicked”
In the first year of the program, students go from learning the fundamentals of machining to manually crafting a small-scale working motor. Once again, however, Heffelfinger’s health presented her with complications by making attendance difficult and causing her to fall behind. Despite these limitations, CWI’s uniquely supportive culture — exemplified by encouragement from her instructors and classmates — helped Reagan complete her first year.
Things began looking up in year two as students learned how to program and use machines for cutting. “Once I learned how to talk to and use the machine, it was a night and day difference. I saw that I actually could make an engine, and I did.”
Shaped by Metal
“When I first started the Machine Tool program, all I saw were blocks of super hard metal, and I had no idea how to go about making anything. Toward the end of my second year, I was able to look at a bar stock and know exactly how to make the parts I needed,” she said reminiscing. “I knew how to face it and how to cut it and how to machine it.”
When she started the program, Heffelfinger’s dad and grandfather made her a leather apron made of different colored squares. It became a source of pride and reflective of her untraditional experience becoming a journeyman machinist. Looking back, Reagan recalls that “this road has made me more durable and resilient as a person because metal doesn’t want to be carved. My job is to make it into something beautiful or something useful, and I’m good at it.”
Master machine tooling and turn your passion for precision into a career through our Machine Tool Technology program.
Visiting Artist Series Welcomes Back the Idaho Shakespeare Festival
Join College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Visiting Artist Series in welcoming the Idaho Shakespeare Festival’s (ISF) Shakespearience program as they perform the play, Twelfth Night, and host an acting workshop on Tuesday, Feb. 18.
Students and community members are invited to take part as the Idaho Shakespeare Festival breathes life into one of Shakespeare’s timeless classics, Twelfth Night, with a captivating blend of tradition and modernity to present the beloved tale.
Synopsis
“Better a witty fool, than a foolish wit”
Shipwreck, disguise, love triangle, mistaken identity, mischievousness, and… yellow stockings? This is the recipe for one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedic romances. Twelfth Night brings to life the story of Orsino, the Duke of Illyria, and his deep love for Olivia. Meanwhile, the shipwrecked Viola, separated from her twin brother Sebastian, disguises herself as a man, takes the name of Cesario, enters Orsino’s service, and is ordered to woo Olivia for him. Ironically, Olivia falls in love with Cesario (who is really Viola disguised) and Cesario (or Viola) falls in love with Orsino. Add to the mix twin sibling confusion when Sebastian surfaces and falls for Olivia! Complicated? Maybe. But then again, so is love.
Following the performance, the ISF cast and crew will host a free, hour-long acting workshop for audience members.
SHAKESPEARIENCE: TWELFTH NIGHT
Tuesday, Feb. 18
Performance: 6 – 7 p.m.
Acting Workshop: 7 – 8 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building, Room 122
The performance is suitable for all ages and will be sign-interpreted (ASL).
CWI’s Visiting Artist Series is made possible through a grant from Idaho Commission on the Arts, which is supported by National Endowment for the Arts. Visiting Artist Series events, featuring visual and performing artists, are free and open to the public.
For those with questions or need more information, please contact Brenda Fisher at brendafisher@cwi.edu.
CWI Breaks Ground on CapEd Student Success Center
College of Western Idaho (CWI) marked a major milestone in its ongoing commitment to student success with the groundbreaking of the CapEd Student Success Center on the Nampa campus. Made possible through a generous gift from CapEd Credit Union, the center will become a dynamic hub for students, offering centralized services, flexible classrooms, and collaborative spaces designed to enhance both academic and personal growth.
CapEd Credit Union’s support underscores the power of community partnerships in expanding access to education and workforce development. Todd Christensen, Chief Marketing Officer of CapEd, expressed their enthusiasm for this initiative. “CapEd has a legacy of supporting education in our community. The new CapEd Student Success Center is a continuation of this commitment. The credit union is excited to partner with CWI to help power the Treasure Valley’s workforce with accessible and affordable higher education — education that prepares individuals for successful employment and careers.”
CWI President Gordon Jones emphasized the lasting impact of CapEd’s contribution, noting that the center will be a cornerstone of the College’s mission. “This center represents our shared commitment to empowering students,” Jones said. “CapEd’s generous gift helps ensure our students have the resources they need to succeed in one convenient location, furthering our mission to transform lives through education.”
Once completed, the CapEd Student Success Center will serve as a hub for essential student resources, including a student store, technology commons, and flexible spaces designed to foster collaboration. The facility will streamline access to services for CWI’s growing student population, creating an environment that supports learning and career readiness.
The groundbreaking event also marked the public launch of CWI’s Powering the Treasure Valley campaign, a $138 million initiative aimed at expanding campus facilities, increasing student scholarships, and driving workforce development. The campaign has already secured $123.4 million in funding, including a major gift from the Laura Moore Cunningham Foundation.
“CapEd is a leader in this campaign,” Jones said. “They are one of the first to show faith and confidence in CWI’s mission and have stepped up to help us power the Treasure Valley.”
With construction underway, the CapEd Student Success Center is expected to open in 2026, ushering in a new chapter of opportunity for CWI students and the greater Treasure Valley community.
Cyber Newsletter: Popular Cyber Scams Series 5
Online Shopping Scam
“It was too good of a sale to pass up!”
Websites and social media ads can deceive consumers with eye-catching sales but fail to deliver the promised goods or deliver counterfeit products. This type of scam can also involve fake checkout processes, which can result in financial loss or identity theft for the buyer.
Helpful tips: Beware of unrealistic deals that sound too good to be true, especially when found on lesser-known or new sites. Shop at reputable online retailers with a history of secure transactions, positive customer reviews and fair return policies.
Tech Support Scam
“I received an urgent pop-up message telling me to take action immediately!”
Pop-up messages, cold calls, or emails are tactics used by scammers posing as legitimate tech support. Their goal is to deceive users into believing their computer has issues or has been hacked into, which can lead to victims providing control of their device and disclosing personal information.
Helpful tips: Be cautious of unsolicited contact. If called unexpectedly, hang up and call the company directly on a verified phone number. Avoid clicking on suspicious messages and don’t grant remote access to your device.
For more information about CWI’s organizational security please contact Michael Wilson at michaelwilson1@cwi.edu
For more information about cyber awareness or cybersecurity, you can either contact Michael Wilson or Sara Hoyt at sarahoyt@cwi.edu or cyberdefense@cwi.edu. Or visit the Cyber Defense Center website
To report a possible cybersecurity issue, please submit a help desk ticket to IT.
Get Ready for Next Semester at Admissions Express!
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is hosting Admissions Express — an event to help answer questions and start new students off on the right foot before the next semester begins.
Admissions staff will be there to help guide you through the admissions process and answer questions.
ADMISSIONS EXPRESS
Thursday, March 6
6 – 8 p.m.
Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC)
What to expect at Admission Express:
- Apply for admissions
- Register for classes with Academic Advisors (limited appointments)
- Turn in required documentation
- Complete New Student Orientation
- Get answers about financial aid
- Obtain a Student ID
There will be information sessions beginning at 6:30 p.m for the following programs:
- Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology
- Collision Repair Technology
- Drafting Technology
- Engineering
- Heavy-Duty Truck Technician
- Machine Tool Technology
- Powersports & Small Engine Repair Technology
- Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
There will be information sessions beginning at 7:15 p.m for the following programs:
For those with questions or in need of more information, please contact One Stop Student Services at 208.562.3000 or onestop@cwi.edu.
CWI Entrepreneur Lab Kicks Off Spring 2025 with Exciting Events
College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Entrepreneur Lab is kicking off the 2025 spring semester with a series of inspiring events designed to ignite entrepreneurial passion and equip participants with the tools needed to succeed. Whether you’re exploring the world of entrepreneurship for the first time or looking to expand your skills, February is packed with opportunities tailored for everyone.
With two incredible events scheduled, and available virtually, you can join the action from wherever you are. For more information or to sign up for these events, visit the Entrepreneur Lab. Don’t miss your chance to explore, connect, and take your ideas to the next level. Bring your curiosity, creativity, and big ideas — CWI will provide the rest, including the pizza!
Here’s what’s coming up at the Entrepreneur Lab:
First Steps
Friday, Feb. 7
3 – 4 p.m.
Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NCAB), 100B
This monthly session lays the foundation for turning ideas into reality. Whether you are curious about starting a business or ready to take the leap, this event will inspire you to take your first steps.
Speakers Jimmie and Sheryl Wisler, owners of International Minute Press in Nampa, will share their entrepreneurial journey. Since purchasing their print shop in 2021, they have grown the business by an impressive 70%. With backgrounds in operations, marketing, and management, their story is one of persistence and success, packed with insights to motivate your entrepreneurial aspirations.
Business Basics
Friday, Feb. 14
Noon – 1 p.m.
Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NCAB), 100B
For aspiring entrepreneurs looking to build a solid foundation, this session is all about mastering the essentials. From business setup to record keeping and tax filing, guest speaker Joe Welker will guide you through the key strategies to help your business run smoothly.
This is your chance to gain actionable advice to ensure your entrepreneurial journey gets off to the right start.
Entrepreneur Lab Showcase & Competition
Thursday, April 24
2 – 7 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB)
CWI’s Entrepreneur Lab is joining the annual Connection Project, providing participants the chance to present their business ideas, gain valuable exposure, and compete for prize money. Request your spot now to be included! This dynamic event is the perfect opportunity to showcase your creativity, connect with other innovators, and take significant steps toward achieving your entrepreneurial dreams.
If you have any questions or need further information, reach out to entrepreneurlab@cwi.edu.
Ordering Promo Items Just Got Easier
College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Marketing department is working to empower departments to reach out directly to vendors for promotional item orders. To help uphold the College's brand, and allow departments to collaborate with vendors more easily, Marketing has created the CWI Logo Usage Guide for Vendors along with a useful list of approved those companies that CWI works with. All this information can be found for ongoing reference under Employee Resources > Communications & Marketing on my.cwi.edu.
PLEASE NOTE:
- As a standard practice, Marketing works directly with vendors regarding the sending and use of CWI logo files and does not share these design files internally.
- Marketing will still need to be involved in the review and approval process for items requested by departments (see more details on the order workflow in the Usage Guide).
- At this time, this guide is exclusive to our Institutional brand. Coming soon will be a supplemental guide for our new mascot, the Otter. If you want to include the Otter before Marketing sends the guide and assets to vendors, you will need provide details about the item (color, imprint size, imprint colors, etc.) to Marketing in order to send the vendor appropriate file(s).
Don't hesitate to reach out to communications@cwi.edu if you have any questions.
