CWI News – Jan. 20, 2023
Spotlight
College of Western Idaho Trustee, Cherie Buckner-Webb, spent Thursday with Adult Education Supervisor, Trevi Hardy, touring Adult Education classes and hearing inspirational stories from students in those programs.
Buckner-Webb was able to meet several faculty members who serve students in English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, such as Multicultural Nursing Assistant class, and Apple classes. She sat in on one of the classes and witnessed firsthand some of the training and education ESL students go through each week.
News Highlights
Student Resource Fair and Club Fest Helping Students Get Involved and Stay Connected
In preparation for the Spring 2023 semester, you may be ready to check out what College of Western Idaho (CWI) has to offer outside of the classroom! Student Affairs has put together opportunities for all CWI students to explore the different resources available on- and off-campus, while also enjoying fun activities and tasty food at CWI’s Spring 2023 Student Resource Fair and Club Fest.
Students will be able to learn about and chat with various clubs, organizations, offices, and departments on campus. The two events will give new and returning students an opportunity to learn about the CWI community and gain important information regarding campus life to have a successful, enjoyable academic journey.
Should you attend the Student Resource Fair and Club Fest? Yes! Here are five reasons why:
- Learn about different resources available on campus including Tutoring Services, Academic Advising, Counseling Services, and more.
- Get involved in extracurricular activities at CWI, like clubs and academic programs, and become part of the community on campus.
- Learn how participating in extracurricular activities and utilizing resources on campus can help you develop leadership skills, time management skills, and more.
- Make connections, meet other students with similar interests, and make friends outside of the classroom.
- Learn more about the culture of the College.
The Student Resource Fair will also bring together about a dozen off-campus community partners. These organizations are excellent resources to help students with basic needs, such as Valley Regional Transit, childcare and family support, financial support resources, low cost medical care options, and domestic violence resources.
Ada County Campus Pintail Building (APIN)
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB)
There will also be free burritos (chicken, asada, and vegetarian) from Nampa’s La Pantera Market #2 for CWI students by visiting a designated number of tables at the fair and fill out their Resource Fair Passport.
That's not the only reason students will want to visit the fair’s booths and tables! Three lucky students who fill out the passport will be entered in a raffle for a chance to receive an Amazon gift card. Names will be chosen and contacted by Student Affairs following the events.
Can’t make it in person? Visit the Resource Fair virtually all semester long in myCommons on Blackboard!
For those with questions or in need of more information about the two events, contact Erin Ortiz at erinortiz@cwi.edu.
Heller Named Faculty of Distinction for December 2022
Congratulations to Biological Sciences Instructor, Gary Heller, who was named College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Faculty of Distinction for December 2022!
Heller has been part of the CWI community for the last 12 years, where he has taught a wide variety of Biology and Environmental Sciences courses. Before teaching and CWI, Heller held various roles in wildlife management.
He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Management from Cal Poly Humboldt in Arcata, California, and his Master of Science degree in Zoology and Physiology from the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyoming. While in Wyoming, Heller worked as a consulting wildlife biologist and throughout the state and the western region on habitat analysis, raptors, and other bird species, impacts of mining, oil, and gas development, and threats to endangered species.
In 1996, Heller moved to Boise after accepting a new job — not in wildlife management, but as a youth pastor for a local, non-denominational Christian church.
“It was still ‘wildlife management,’ just with different creatures and without all the tranquilizing equipment,” Heller joked. “My five years in this position were both challenging and very rewarding, and I continue to maintain friendships with many of my former students.”
After his work in Christian youth ministry, Heller discovered what he believes is his true calling in life — teaching in the biological sciences. He became a biology and physics teacher at a private high school in the Treasure Valley for a year and taught several environmental science and general education courses at the University of Phoenix in Meridian.
“I truly enjoy the process of helping students understand challenging material and concepts as well as encouraging them to excel not only in my classes but in their future careers and life,” said Heller.
After another stint in youth ministry and working as a project manager for a local non-profit for several years, Heller returned to his call to teach and joined the faculty team at CWI in January 2011.
“I have had many wonderful students over the years. I really enjoy challenging students to think and look beyond their perceived limitations,” Heller said. “I remember an Anatomy and Physiology lab student several years ago who, with some encouragement from myself and other faculty, went on to pursue their medical degree as a physician. We could see their potential.”
Other faculty around CWI have also noticed how passionate Heller is to teach and how he helps guide students to reach their full potential. Students say they always recommend Heller to others who are in search of a biology class because they know they will learn a lot and have fun while doing so.
“Gary is funny, supportive, and brings compassion to his students,” said Biology student, Ophelia Griffith. “Biology is a hard class to take. He is a stern educator, but he is someone who genuinely wants you to succeed.”
“I’ve had Gary for many classes, and he has been an exceptional instructor,” said Geology student, Allison Lerback. “His attitude is kind and hilarious. He is an absolute pleasure to be taught by, and I always look forward to his classes.”
One of Heller’s favorite parts of being in the classroom and teaching others is having the opportunity to educate others about the human impacts on the environment — which he said gives him hope for the planet.
“Students tend to ‘get it’ by the end of a semester in Environmental Science,” Heller said. “They always come away from the four field trips in the Environmental Science lab with a much better understanding of their personal impact to, and responsibility for, our planet.”
Heller provides his students with essential academic learning as well as real-world knowledge and experience, such as how to build a resume, create a cover letter, and pursue job opportunities. He also works to bring in industry professionals to speak to and interact with his classes each semester, which has resulted in dozens of students earning internships and jobs over the years.
“CWI empowers students to become and do MORE than they initially believe they can when they first start with us,” Heller said.
Outside of the classroom, Heller enjoys being outside and interacting with nature, whether it be fishing, bird and wildlife watching, landscaping with native plants, or hiking. He also is a huge Boise State and Seattle Seahawk fan!
Black Celebrates 15 Years of Service at College of Western Idaho
Congratulations to College of Western Idaho (CWI) Registrar, Connie Black, who will be honored with the College’s first 15-Year Service award in February.
Black began her CWI journey on Feb. 11, 2008, drawn to helping create a new community college that would fill a need for access and affordability to higher education in the Treasure Valley.
“While the early team was small, I loved contributing to the effort of building a new college,” Black said. “The work felt really meaningful. It was energizing, surprising, rewarding — often exhausting — and a huge learning and growth opportunity for me!”
Being able to get a front-row seat to watch the College’s growth since its inception has been a highlight for Black. When she attended a nephew’s high school graduation in May 2009, she remembers the moment during the ceremony when graduates announced where they were attending college the next year. A small section announced they were going to CWI, which made her ecstatic. The following year, another nephew was graduating high school, and the section of students who announced they were attending CWI had become one of the largest groups.
Black can’t wait to see how the College will continue to grow over the next 15 years.
“Many wish lists have been created envisioning the campus and buildings we want to create. We are nearing the point where we will soon see those spaces built,” Black. “I can't wait to see what CWI will look like over the next decade!”
While CWI has grown tremendously over the past decade, Black said the community still feels small in the sense that faculty and staff all know and care for one another. She enjoys working and interacting with others who share the same passion to help educate and transform lives each day.
“Each May at commencement, faculty and staff show how proud they are of our graduates — but even more rewarding is seeing the pride students have in themselves,” Black said. “Our division routinely shares student success stories. These experiences continually reinforce my choice to be here at CWI.”
As part of her work with CWI’s Office of the Registrar, Black leads the team that is responsible for the integrity of all student records, registration and graduation services, class scheduling and curriculum management, compliance related to student privacy, the academic calendar, and collaboration with many areas of the College.
“Connie Black is well-known throughout the institution as a professional who functions with a student-centered perspective, wisdom beyond her years, and someone who is kind and generous in her relationships,” said the Assistant Vice President of Enrollment and Student Services, Patrick Tanner. “Her strong sense of commitment to advancing student success is indeed built on her years of service in the profession and especially at CWI, but perhaps more accurately, Connie's practice and philosophy stem from her leadership approach that is based on lifelong learning. This allows her to be curious, to strive to understand deeply and to consider the many angles and functions that are inputs to her various responsibilities. She also engenders great respect from her peers throughout Idaho which is why she has held multiple leadership positions in statewide and regional organizations.”
Black’s best piece of advice for others at CWI is to enjoy where they work, whom they work with, and whom they serve.
“Because of CWI, I continue to be a life-long learner and witness the benefits to everyone engaged in the learning and growth process,” Black said.
Before her work with CWI, Black spent several years at Boise State University where she held various positions at their Office of the Registrar and College of Technology. Black has spent a total of 31 years working in higher education.
