CWI News—July 22, 2022
In the Spotlight
This year’s INBRE Scholars are immersing themselves in scientific research working with Assistant Professor of Biology, Suanne Oppenheimer, as part of the Idaho INBRE Research Program. Their project this summer focuses on hormonal basis to behavior associated with competition between native and invasive trout species.
President's Message
I hope you all are enjoying summer, finding ways to stay cool, and spending time with family and friends. During an evening drive earlier this week near Emmett, I was reminded of the beauty of our great state as golden hour light highlighted pivots irrigating farm fields full of alfalfa and corn. We are fortunate to live in the Treasure Valley!
On Wednesday, I had the pleasure to present with Wendi Secrist, Executive Director of the Idaho Workforce Development Council, during the Council of State Governments West conference with legislators from 13 states attending the event in Boise. It was a chance to share all the amazing work being done at the College of Western Idaho (CWI) to empower students with high-quality educational opportunities that leads to employment, continued education, and career advancement. Additionally, we discussed the importance of CWI being responsive to the needs of our community. I am so proud of our team's work to ensure we are aligning our curriculum to meet the needs of employers and ensure our region remains economically vibrant.
On a final note, I look forward to seeing everyone during Fall Address on Aug. 17 at the Galaxy Event Center at Wahooz. Stay tuned for more information.
I hope you all have some well-deserved time off planned for the summer and thank you for all you do to serve CWI's students.
Bold Appreciation
It's time for another employee ticket giveaway!
Enter for your chance to win admission tickets and reserved concert seats to the Canyon County Fair by entering a number between 1 and 100 via the link below. Nine employees closest to nine numbers, chosen at random, will each receive two tickets to one of the three concerts listed below.
Canyon County Fair Concert Line Up:
- Thursday, July 28 – Mark Chestnutt with Kameron Marlowe
- Friday, July 29 – Jordan Davis
- Saturday, July 30 – Flo Rida
Entries must be received by noon on Tuesday, July 26. Winners will be announced the afternoon of Wednesday, July 27, via email.
Members of President’s Cabinet and the Executive Operations Team are not eligible. Limit one entry per CWI employee.
Email communications@cwi.edu with questions.
News Highlights
Dando 300 Scholarship Honors Late CWI Student
A new scholarship opportunity is now available for Machine Tool Technology students at College of Western Idaho (CWI). Named after late CWI student, Nathaniel Stewart Dando, a 2019 graduate of the program, the Dando 300 Scholarship was created by Nathaniel’s father, Ross Dando.
“This scholarship is in honor of my amazing son,” Ross said. “Nathaniel was an awesome young man full of dreams and plans for his future. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle no matter how bad the weather was or how deep the mud was. We lost Nathaniel to suicide on March 2020. His motorcycle race number was 300.”
Nathaniel’s college journey began like many other students in search of a better job and future.
Ross instilled in his son if you want something, start with a dream, then work hard to achieve it. With a little patience and determination, he landed the job he wanted, however, he was in need of the education and training to go along with it. Nathaniel admitted school was not his thing, and was often a struggle. However, his belief in dreams coming true through hard work kept him going. After two and a half years, he completed the Machine Tool Technology program and graduated from not only CWI but from the manufacturing floor where he had been working.
Tragically, in March 2020 Ross lost his son, Nathaniel, to suicide. This loss inspired Ross to support future students in pursuit of their dream job.
“Sometimes grades don’t show the strength and perseverance of a student,” shared Ross. “This scholarship is aimed at individuals, like Nathaniel, who just need an extra hand to ensure success in their educational experience.”
The Dando 300 scholarship assists second-year Machine Tool Technology students. In addition, Ross requested a match from his current employer, Micron. The company responded to this request with a match, elevating the value of the scholarship to $2,400; awarded annually.
To apply or learn more, visit the Grants and Scholarships page. Apply by July 30 for Fall 2022 classes which begin Aug. 22!
Dickinson Named Faculty of Distinction for May
Congratulations to Professor of Sociology, Charles Dickinson, College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Faculty of Distinction for May 2022. Faculty at the College since the doors opened to students in 2009, Dickinson’s courses have included Introduction to Sociology, Introduction to Ethnic Studies, Sociological Research, and more.
“In the past 20 years, I have taught over 8,000 students,” he said. “I teach as a way to pay forward all the support and mentoring I received as a student, to help make the world a better place, magnify a positive impact on society, and empower students as citizens, as workers, and as human beings.”
Dickinson loves the work faculty at CWI do to nurture students in helping them build confidence, skills, and opportunities for the future.
“CWI empowers students to grow to their potential. We provide students tools to build their own path. Because of CWI, more students have access to higher education in the Treasure Valley. Because of CWI, thousands of lives have been improved.”
As a professor, he sparks a passion for learning with students in the classroom.
“I found his class to be very important,” said one of his students, “I think everyone should be required to take sociology at some point. It isn't just crucial to learn about sociology for one’s degree, but for life in general.”
Dickinson keeps active at the College participating in Faculty Senate and serving on the Inclusive Excellence Committee. In 2021, he was named one of the Idaho GEM Innovative Educators of the Year.
Dickinson was born and spent his childhood in a small town in western Oregon and came to the Treasure Valley as a teenager. After graduating from Nampa High School in 1985, he spent several years working in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington before attending Boise State University (BSU), graduating with a BS in sociology from BSU in 1993, and he completed a masters from Idaho State University in 2002.
He and his wife of 23 years have two children, and they enjoy traveling on family trips to the beach. He said, “My favorite is the beach – whether it is cold water of home on the Oregon Coast or the warm water beaches of Florida, I just love the beach.”
Argyle Named Staff of the Month for June
Congratulations to Web Content Strategist UX, Jessica Argyle, College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Staff of the Month for June 2022. Argyle started at CWI in May of 2011 and worked as an Administrative Assistant supporting several departments across the College before becoming a Communications Representative in 2017 and transitioning into her current role July 1 of this year. Argyle is inspired by the opportunity she has to work on a vibrant campus and loves the culture at CWI.
“From my very first day as a CWI employee more than 11 years ago to today, I have felt inspired and empowered by the people surrounding me. From fellow employees to the students I have met along the way, my life is better because I am here.”
Out of the workforce for 10 years before coming to CWI, Argyle credits her success since then to those who believed in her along the way.
“I decided to go back to school after my supervisor, Jac Webb, offered the advice, 'Time is going to pass no matter what, so you might was well just do it.' After earning an associate degree in Communication from CWI, I went on to earn a bachelor's degree at Boise State University. Because of the education I received, I was able to land the job of my dreams which led me to the position I am in now – both of which have allowed me to share the CWI story. I am living proof CWI changes lives.”
In her role over the past five years as a Communications Representative, Argyle excelled as a storyteller helping to optimize the communication channels the College uses to share its message with the community.
“Argyle has done a stellar job sharing all of the amazing things happening here at CWI," said Audrey Eldridge, Executive Director of Communications and Marketing. "I am so excited for her new adventure as our Web Content Strategist. Her attention to detail, care for the student experience, and desire to utilize content to tell a story and streamline the student journey will be greatly utilized in this position."
Argyle was born and raised in Boise, Idaho, and graduated from Centennial High School. She lives with her husband in Kuna and has four teenage children, a dog, and two cats. She loves few things more than having a house full of her kids and their friends. Also a professional photographer, Argyle enjoys taking photos for individuals, families, and several businesses in the community.
"One of my favorite times of year is "Farmstead season". If you don't know what that is, you are missing out!"
