CWI News – Feb. 20, 2026

Most evenings, after clocking out at Micron Technology, Inc., Cesar Rodriguez heads home and walks straight into his garage.

The hood of an off-road vehicle is lifted. Tools are spread across the bench. An engine waits to be rebuilt, tuned, and pushed for a little more horsepower. For Rodriguez, working on vehicles has always been his way of learning, experimenting, and solving problems firsthand.

“I’ve always been the type of person who can’t look at a machine without wondering how it works,” he said.

That instinct to take things apart and put them back together is what led him to the Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology program at College of Western Idaho (CWI).

Now in his second year of the program, Rodriguez has found a place where mechanical skills and engineering mindset meet. What started as an interest in working with his hands has grown into a clear path toward the semiconductor industry.

“I love to work with my hands, but I also wanted to get into the engineering field,” he said. “The Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology program combines both of these aspects perfectly.”

Rodriguez began at CWI in Fall 2024 after taking time off following high school. Originally interested in Powersports and Small Engine Repair Technology, he discovered Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology while exploring programs through One Stop Student Services. The blend of electrical systems, mechanical troubleshooting, and precision tools immediately caught his attention.

“I just became really interested in the program and have had a passion for it ever since,” Rodriguez said.

At first, he expected the program to be intimidating, knowing that engineering often carries that reputation. However, he quickly discovered it was different. 

“The environment has been very inviting,” Rodriguez said. “The instructors are great, and other students are very helpful. Everyone wants to see you succeed.”

That support proved pivotal when an instructor encouraged him to apply for a position at Micron. Rodriguez submitted his application, not expecting much. As a young student early in his program, he didn’t think he would be qualified for the role.

Then he received a call back.

“When I started talking with recruiters and managers, they seemed really interested in me,” said Rodriguez. “Hearing about the roles and what they do there really resonated with what I was learning, and it motivated me to keep working toward opportunities with companies like Micron.”

Today, he works as a Diffusion Equipment Technician Apprentice at Micron, balancing two-and-a-half days on the job with full-time coursework. The partnership between CWI and Micron has allowed him to align his work schedule with his classes, creating what he describes as a seamless transition between school and industry.

“The tools that I use daily on the job are tools that I use in class,” he said. “I’m able to move that foundation from school over to the job.”

Maintaining that balance has not been without challenges. Juggling his apprenticeship with school, Rodriguez had to sharpen his time management skills quickly. Working ahead on assignments and staying organized has helped him maintain a 4.0 GPA throughout his semesters so far.

“That pushes me to really understand the course material and apply it effectively,” he said.

Rodriguez’s hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed. Last semester, he was awarded the Emerging Professionals Scholarship, which is a faculty nominated award seeking to recognize students demonstrating going above and beyond. He was nominated by Mechatronics Technology Instructor, Dr. Darryl Jessie, who noted that Rodriguez works ahead on assignments, identifies issues in course modules weeks in advance, and consistently produces high-quality work.

“I see Cesar as exemplary in the three criteria for this award: integrity, innovation, and professionalism,” Jessie said. “He consistently demonstrates initiative and high-quality work in and out of the classroom.”

Beyond grades and job titles, Rodriguez finds motivation in the troubleshooting itself. Whether he is reading schematics in class, tracing signals with a multimeter, or rebuilding an engine in his garage, the process is the same.

“You don’t expect a perfect outcome on the first try,” he said. “Having that troubleshooting base is the most important part.”

With plans to graduate next year, Rodriguez intends to move into a full-time role at Micron and eventually step into a trainer position, helping guide new apprentices as they enter the field. Mentorship is something he already practices in the classroom, assisting classmates and sharing what he has learned.

“It’s rare to find a place where your hobbies, your job, and your education all line up so perfectly,” he said. “Building strong relationships and networks really does help bridge the gap between school and career.”

In the garage, engines come apart and go back together piece by piece. In the lab, circuits spark to life under careful hands. On the manufacturing floor, every measurement and adjustment matters. 

For Rodriguez, it’s all part of the same rhythm; his curiosity, his skill, and his drive moving seamlessly from hobby to classroom to career. He’s found the place where it all clicks, and it’s exactly where he’s meant to be.

College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Speech and Debate team opened the Spring 2026 semester with an impressive showing at the 53rd Annual Michael Dugaw Smelt Classic, held Feb. 13 – 15 at Lower Columbia College in Longview, Washington. CWI students brought home six individual awards and three team honors, including a season-long Silver Award in the Northwest Forensics Conference (NFC).

The Dugaw Smelt Classic served as the final designated tournament of the 2025–2026 NFC season, with results determining overall conference standings. Based on cumulative season points, CWI earned the overall Silver Award among two-year schools and a third-place finish in Division III Debate. At the tournament, the team placed third among Division III programs.

“Whenever a team undergoes a change in coaching staff, it presents a unique challenge the following season. To immediately see this kind of success emphasizes the dedication and skill at the heart of the CWI Speech and Debate program,” said Communication Department Chair, Jim Gatfield. “I couldn’t be prouder of Dr. Julia Bennett, Johnny Rowing, and all the students in Speech and Debate. Go Otters!”

Full Results

Speech Awards

Dramatic Interpretation
Top Novice, 3rd Overall – McKay Steffler

Impromptu Speaking
6th Place Novice – Thane Eddington

Debate Awards

IPDA Public Debate
Novice Semifinalist – Brayden Wilkerson
Octofinalist – Thane Eddington
Octofinalist – Gregory Jones
Octofinalist –  McKay Steffler

Team Awards

2025–2026 Northwest Forensics Conference
Silver Award – Overall Division III
Third Place – Division III Debate

53rd Annual Dugaw Smelt Classic
Third Place – Division III

For more information about CWI’s Speech and Debate team, contact Julia Bennett at juliabennett@cwi.edu.

College of Western Idaho (CWI) has officially launched its website on a new Drupal 11 platform, completing a major modernization of the technology behind cwi.edu.

What This Means

Think of this upgrade as trading in your car for a brand-new model. The steering wheel is still in the same place, and it still gets you where you need to go, but the engine, safety features, and technology under the hood are completely updated.

While much of the visual experience remains familiar, the infrastructure powering the site has been rebuilt. Many features and tools were redesigned to work within the new system, and content structures were refined to improve organization, accessibility, and overall usability.

Why It Was Needed

The previous platform, Drupal 7, was originally released in 2012 and had reached the end of its supported life. Moving to Drupal 11 ensures the site now runs on a modern, fully supported system built to meet current security standards and web expectations.

For the CWI community, this means a faster, more reliable website designed to perform well and adapt to future needs. For the web team, the new platform offers a more streamlined and flexible editing experience.

Looking Ahead

This launch represents a long-term investment in CWI’s digital future. By rebuilding the foundation now, the College ensures cwi.edu remains secure, accessible, and ready to grow alongside the needs of its students and community.

For content updates or changes, please continue to submit Help Desk tickets to Marketing & Communications / External Marketing Website. Email communications@cwi.edu with any questions.

Students, employees, and community members are invited to visit the Ada Community Library Bookmobile at College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Ada County Center on Feb. 24. The Bookmobile will be parked in front of the Ada County Center Mallard Building (AMAL).

Hosted in partnership with Ada Community Library, the visit brings free library resources directly to campus and is open to the public.

Library Bookmobile
Tuesday, Feb. 24
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Ada County Center Mallard Building (AMAL)

Visitors can browse and check out materials on site and sign up for a library card. Those interested in obtaining a card should bring a photo ID and proof of address, such as a utility bill.

Checked out materials can be returned to any Ada Community Library branch or to the library drop box located in Room 1121 in the AMAL building, available Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

CWI’s Adult Education department has partnered with Ada Community Library for the past year and identified transportation as a barrier for many students. Bringing the Bookmobile to campus expands access to educational materials and community resources by meeting students where they are.

For questions about the Bookmobile, please contact askit@adalib.org.

The College of Western Idaho (CWI) community brought the energy back to Idaho Central Arena on Wednesday, Feb. 4, as the Idaho Steelheads claimed a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Greenville Swamp Rabbits in overtime and a shootout.

Students, faculty, staff, and community supporters filled the CWI section to cheer on the Steelheads while celebrating another successful CWI Night. To kick off the game, CWI President Gordon Jones joined CWI students, state leaders, and community supporters on the ice for the ceremonial puck drop. The moment reflected the College’s commitment to recognizing students and our partners who help support their futures.

Throughout the game, fans had the opportunity to learn more about CWI’s Career and Technical Education and Apprenticeship programs, which were featured as the programs of the night. From hands-on technical training to earn-while-you-learn opportunities, the spotlight reflected the College’s strong connection to workforce development across the region.

One of the most exciting moments of the evening came during the second intermission when CWI Biology student, ShanDale Youmans, was randomly selected as the recipient of the $1,000 SCORE Big Scholarship. The scholarship, funded in part by CWI Night group ticket sales, supports current and future students as they continue or begin their education.

“This scholarship has allowed me to focus more on my classes instead of worrying about balancing work and finances,” Youmans said. “It gave me a sense of relief and reassurance that I can dedicate more time to my coursework and succeed academically.”

CWI Night continues to bring together school pride, community partnership, and scholarship support in one exciting evening at the rink.

The next CWI Night is set for Feb. 25, when the Idaho Steelheads take on the Wichita Thunder. As always, $5 from every CWI group ticket sold goes directly to student scholarships. Join us at Idaho Central Arena to cheer on the Steelheads and help students SCORE Big this season.

The fun does not stop at CWI Nights. Discounted tickets are available to the CWI community for all Steelheads home games throughout the season, offering even more chances to show CWI pride while cheering on the Steelheads!

CWI Nights

Join College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Visiting Artist Series in welcoming artist Jill Storey to the Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB) on Feb. 26 – 27. 

Jill Storey is an American pastellist whose work is inspired by the complexities of the human form and the Northwest landscape. Through subtle details and the interplay of light and shadow, her work explores how mood and perception are shaped within a composition. 

Storey earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Saint Mary’s College in Indiana and continues to refine her practice through workshops and online sessions. She has received grants and scholarships from the Alexa Rose Foundation and the Idaho Commission on the Arts. Her work has been featured in juried exhibitions nationwide, including the Galleries of the National Arts Club in New York, the Sun Valley Museum of Art in Idaho, and the Brea Gallery in California. 

An award-winning pastellist, Storey has earned recognition in numerous regional and national exhibitions and competitions. Honors include Best of Show at the Northwest Pastel Society’s Members Show, Second Place in Contemporary Impressionism at the PSWC Pastels USA – 99 Voices International Juried Exhibition, and Second Place overall at the Art and Soul of the Magic Valley National Art Competition. 

Storey is a Signature Member of both the Northwest Pastel Society and the Pastel Society of the West Coast. She is also a member of the Pastel Society of America, the New Orleans Drawing Group, and the Boise Open Studios Collective. Her work is held in the permanent collection of the Idaho State Historical Society and in private collections across the country. She currently lives in Boise, Idaho. 

Join us as Storey presents a lecture on her artistic practice and creative process. 

Artist Lecture

Thursday, Feb. 26 
6 p.m. 
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), room 206

In addition to the lecture, Storey will host a hands-on workshop focused on the foundational materials and techniques of pastel painting. Participants will work from a simple still life using a limited palette of dry pastels, ranging from hard to very soft, on papers with varying textures. The workshop encourages experimentation and exploration of how pastels interact with different surfaces and with one another. 

Pastel Workshop 

Friday, Feb. 27 
10 a.m. – 1 p.m. 
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), room 206

CWI’s Visiting Artist Series is made possible through a grant from the Idaho Commission on the Arts, which is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts. Events are free and open to the public. 

For those with questions or in need of more information, contact goranfazil@cwi.edu. 

Congratulations to College of Western Idaho (CWI) Math Solutions Center Teaching Faculty, Chelse Bulthuis, who has been named Faculty of Distinction for November 2025.

Bulthuis joined the CWI community in October 2019 as a part-time adjunct instructor in the Math Solutions Center and began serving in their full-time teaching faculty role in January 2023. During their time at the College, they have taught a variety of college-preparatory math courses, including Introductory Prep Math (MATH 097), Advanced Prep Math (MATH 098), and Expanded Prep Math (MATH 099).

For Bulthuis, teaching is rooted in a belief that education has the power to transform lives.

“I teach because I believe in the power of education to change lives and open doors to new opportunities,” they said. “I am especially passionate about supporting students as they navigate challenging math concepts and learn how to find their voice. I love seeing students build confidence, express their needs, and take ownership of their learning.”

Bulthuis earned a Bachelor of Science in Pure and Applied Mathematics from Boise State University in 2016. During their undergraduate studies, they worked as a learning assistant, where they began developing their teaching philosophy and strengthening their skills in facilitating group work while supporting students academically and emotionally.

Bulthuis believes CWI provides students with a supportive and inclusive environment where they are encouraged to grow and succeed.

“CWI meets learners where they are while maintaining high expectations and a strong sense of integrity,” they said. “It is a caring, inclusive community where students can prepare for a brighter future. I value working at an institution that prioritizes student success while continuously evolving to meet the needs of our community.”

Through their role in the Math Solutions Center, Bulthuis focuses on preparing students for transfer-level math while helping them develop skills that extend beyond the classroom.

“Students develop skills in self-advocacy, communication, time management, and independent learning,” they said. “These competencies are essential for success in college and are valuable in a wide range of career paths. By emphasizing academic rigor and personal growth, CWI equips students with the tools they need to succeed in their educational journeys and future careers.”

One of the most meaningful parts of Bulthuis’ time at CWI has been seeing students grow in confidence and pursue their goals. They recall running into a former student who shared that earning a degree once felt out of reach. With support from the Work-Base Learning Center, faculty, and advising staff, the student completed the Drafting Technology program and began a career they are passionate about.

“Seeing the confidence they developed in themselves was a powerful reminder of the impact CWI has on students’ lives,” Bulthuis said. “It reinforced for me how transformative an education at CWI can truly be.”

Bulthuis believes CWI empowers students to recognize their potential and contribute to something greater than themselves. In return, they say CWI empowers them to create accessible and inclusive learning environments that support students from all backgrounds and experiences.

“Because of CWI, I have been able to grow both professionally and personally,” they said. “I am grateful for a community that supports career development while also recognizing the importance of compassion, understanding, and overall well-being.”

Bulthuis grew up in Baker City, Oregon, after spending part of their childhood in Nevada. They are the youngest of four siblings and credit their family experiences with shaping their resilience and appreciation for connection.

They currently live with their fiancé, Daniel, and their dog, BelLyra. The couple met through the Boise State University Math Club and are planning their wedding for July 22, a date inspired by their shared love of mathematics since 22/7 is a classic approximation of pi.

Outside of teaching, Bulthuis enjoys hiking in the Boise foothills, camping, playing board games, cooking, and attending live theater. They are a fan of The Lord of the Rings book series and Star Trek. They also bring creativity into everyday life by turning routine tasks into improvisational songs, something they jokingly refer to as real-life musical plot points.

Bulthuis says they are honored to be recognized as Faculty of Distinction and credit their colleagues in the Math Solutions Center for their collaboration and dedication.

“Working alongside my colleagues has been a true privilege,” they said. “Their insight and commitment inspires me daily, and I value the work we do together to support our students.”

College of Western Idaho (CWI) is excited to share an important update to the 2026 Commencement Ceremony. 

Beginning this year, Commencement will be held on campus at the Ford Idaho Center, creating a more community-centered experience that celebrates our graduates on CWI’s home stage. The addition of the Ford Idaho Center to CWI’s portfolio provides an incredible opportunity to honor students' achievement in a venue deeply connected to both the College and the western Treasure Valley. 

2026 CWI Commencement Ceremony  
Tuesday, May 19 
7 p.m. 
Ford Idaho Center 

“This represents an exciting step forward for our students to celebrate this milestone in a venue on CWI’s main campus,” said CWI President Gordon Jones. "This inaugural class will begin what we anticipate a long-lasting tradition for years to come."

Additional details related to the 2026 Commencement ceremony are being finalized and will be shared as soon as they become available. Please visit CWI’s Commencement webpage for the most current information and continue to watch CWI email account for updates. 

We look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 together!