CWI News – June 20, 2025
In the Spotlight
College of Western Idaho (CWI) celebrated the naming of its new Simplot Agriculture Building on Friday, June 6, honoring a generous gift from the J.R. Simplot Foundation. The gathering marked a significant milestone in the College’s ongoing investment in Idaho’s agricultural future.
News Highlights
Painted for Success: From CWI Student to Industry Leader
For one College of Western Idaho (CWI) graduate, the journey to a fulfilling career didn’t start in a classroom - it started with a paint booth, a glass window, and a little curiosity.
At 23, after holding what felt like every dead-end job, Jessica Crowley found herself working at a local body shop. “I was the gopher,” she laughed. “I did everything from taking out the trash to moving cars around.”
But what truly captured her interest was the painter on the other side of the glass.
“He wasn’t very friendly,” she recalled. “But I’d stand there and just watch him. I thought, ‘That is so cool. I want to do that.’”
With encouragement from her mother, Crowley enrolled in CWI’s Collision Repair Technology program. It wasn’t long before she realized she had found more than just a class. She had found her calling.
A Program That Sparked a Passion
“I loved going to school at CWI and I absolutely loved this program.” Crowley said. “It was just the best two years of my life.”
It wasn’t just the classroom that changed her life. It was SkillsUSA - a competition that put her skills to the test on a national level and helped launch her career.
“SkillsUSA is what changed my life in this industry, period. It changed my trajectory, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without my involvement in SkillsUSA...I competed my first year and took second,” she said. “That lit a fire under me. I wanted gold.”
Crowley’s second year, she got her gold and not only won the state competition but went on to take third place in the nation.
During that national competition, a representative from PPG Paints, one of the largest paint companies in the world, handed her a business card. “I didn’t think too much of it at the time,” she said. “But that ended up being the beginning of my career.”
From CWI to Career Success
After graduating from CWI, Crowley painted for a year at Idaho Wrecker Sales while interviewing with PPG. The process took months and included cross-country flights and formal dinners she had never experienced before. Eventually, she was hired and relocated to Baltimore, Maryland.
In the years that followed, she held multiple roles at PPG, living and working across the country - from Maryland to Northern California - before eventually returning to Idaho.
Today, she serves as a Commercial Regional Manager at PPG, leading a team of 11 people across 16 western states. Together, they sell industrial coatings used in everything from flowerpots to farm equipment.
Giving Back to the Next Generation
Now that Crowley is back in Idaho, she gives back to the same competition that changed her life.
“I run the spot repair portion of the SkillsUSA Idaho competition,” she said. “And I also help run the national competition.”
For her, staying involved is more than just paying it forward - it’s essential for the future of the industry.
“There’s a huge skills gap,” she said. “Our industry is aging, and if we don’t have support - from donors, from companies, from people willing to share what they know - we won’t have the workforce we need.”
Crowley also encourages industry leaders and potential donors to invest in programs like CWI’s.
“We need community support,” she said. “Without it, students miss out on opportunities, and our industry continues to shrink. The people who helped me along the way gave freely of their time and knowledge. Now it’s my turn.”
Advice for Students Considering CWI
To students considering CWI or the skilled trades, Crowley’s advice is clear.
“If academics were never your thing, but you know you need to do something to get ahead in life – come to CWI and study a skilled trade,” she said. “The trades will give you a good life. I pay my own bills, I own a home, I work for a Fortune 500 company, and I make my own schedule.”
The key, she says, is dedication.
“If you show up, work hard, and put in the effort, this industry will take care of you.”
My Dream, My Degree: Cassandra Conner Conquers Doubt and Graduates
Every student has a story. As graduates near the completion of their programs at College of Western Idaho (CWI), their stories are often passed along. When given permission, we enjoy sharing these personal accounts — written by students themselves — with the CWI community, and hope reading them inspires you, too.
Written by Cassandra Conner
I attended the graduation of a friend of mine from Boise State in 2015, but while everyone happily celebrated their huge accomplishment afterward, I found myself standing aside with tears welling underneath my sunglasses.
I cried as I thought "I wish that was me. I wish I could graduate college and earn a degree, but that will never be me because I'm not smart enough. I can't do it,” This belief had lingered for years because I’d actually tried college before, but struggles with ADHD, and a lack of support made it feel like an impossibility. However, given time to reconsider during the pandemic, I eventually found the courage to try going back.
I made a promise to myself that in 2023, I would do it. I could be scared and worried, but I WOULD do it. I began with an online 8-week CWI 101 Pathways Career Exploration class with instructor Elizabeth Cook in March of 2023 and gained new perspectives I never anticipated.
I felt at home at CWI. I began to feel smart, successful, courageous, and found myself believing that I maybe I could be a great student. Still though, imposter syndrome kept trying to creep in making me wonder, “Is this was really me? Do I deserve this, and can I actually earn these grades while working full-time AND volunteering?
But I did and I'll tell you how: self-determination and the amazing faculty at the College of Western Idaho.
My college experience at CWI was the foundation of new dreams and goals for the future. As a person who is neurodivergent, I now realize that timing, hope, passion, hard work, and asking for support are keys to success.
If you’d told me 12 years ago that I’d be graduating with my associate’s degree AND transferring to Boise State, I wouldn’t have believed it. It’s the knowledge earned here and inspiration from faculty members like Cherie Buckner-Webb, Elizabeth Cook, Hilary Cobb, Annie Estvold, and the helpful librarians at CWI that drove me to complete my education. It’s how I will continue to positively impact my community.
I feel immense pride in my education and for being a graduate from College of Western Idaho.
CWI and Simplot Foundation Celebrate Shared Commitment to Ag Education
College of Western Idaho (CWI) celebrated the naming of its new Simplot Agriculture Building on Friday, June 6, honoring a generous gift from the J.R. Simplot Foundation. The gathering marked a significant milestone in the College’s ongoing investment in Idaho’s agricultural future.
Held on CWI’s Nampa Campus, the sign unveiling event brought together Simplot family members, representatives from the J.R. Simplot Foundation, CWI faculty, trustees, and students. The event recognized the deep-rooted partnership between CWI and Simplot — one that continues to grow stronger with shared commitment to education, innovation, and workforce development.
“The J.R. Simplot Foundation’s generosity is a lasting investment in Idaho’s agricultural future,” said CWI President Gordon Jones. “This building will not only provide state-of-the-art resources for our students, it will inspire them to lead, innovate, and strengthen the agricultural economy of our region.”
Set to open in Fall 2025, the Simplot Agriculture Building will serve as the centerpiece of the new Agricultural Sciences Complex. The facility is designed to support hands-on, industry-aligned instruction and accommodate CWI’s rapidly growing agricultural programs. With its modern labs and student-focused learning spaces, the building will help prepare the next generation of agriculture professionals to meet the needs of Idaho’s evolving economy.
“We’ve worked closely with CWI in the past and we not only believe in their mission to empower students through affordable, accessible education, but we have witnessed firsthand the impact this has on the workforce,” said John Otter, Simplot Board representative and family member. “When we saw this need in the community, and the opportunity to step in and help, that experience provided us with strong confidence to get involved.”
The J.R. Simplot Foundation’s support is also a major contribution to CWI’s Powering the Treasure Valley campaign — a multi-year initiative focused on expanding access, opportunity, and workforce innovation through strategic investments in campus infrastructure and student support.
Guests at the event enjoyed remarks from College leaders and Simplot representatives, along with a video tribute and ceremonial unveiling of the building signage. Attendees also had the chance to explore the new space and hear more about the vision for the Agricultural Sciences Complex.
An official ribbon cutting ceremony is planned for later this year to coincide with the building’s opening to students in the fall.
Learn more about campus development at CWI and the Powering the Treasure Valley campaign.
For Joey Zumwalt, Firefighting Runs in His Blood
For Joey Zumwalt, becoming a firefighter isn’t just a dream — it’s a family legacy. The Middleton, Idaho, native grew up watching his father serve as a truck captain with the Meridian Fire Department, and those early experiences laid the foundation for a career of his own in public safety.
“I saw firsthand how much my dad loved his job, and I wanted to understand why,” said Zumwalt. “After high school, I did a ride-along with his crew, and that experience confirmed it — this is what I want to do.”
Zumwalt, now an alumnus of the College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Fire Service Technology program, recently completed his Firefighter I certification and is currently participating in a Work Experience program with the Middleton, ID Fire Department — thanks in part to a scholarship from the Metallica Scholars Initiative. Through the band’s All Within My Hands foundation, CWI was awarded a $75,000 grant to provide students with essential safety equipment and help offset the costs of internships and training.
“The Metallica Scholarship has been a huge help in allowing me to pursue my goals,” said Zumwalt. “As a college student working part-time, the cost of education and training can be challenging. This scholarship came at just the right time. It took a major financial burden off my shoulders and made it easier to focus fully on learning and gaining experience.”
That financial support helps students like Zumwalt access vital gear, including self-contained breathing apparatuses (SBAs), used in training and live environments. “The grant from All Within My Hands has gone to funding the purchase of equipment called self-contained breathing apparatuses (SBAs), which the students use when they are assigned to a local department,” explained Darrin Raskopf, Director of the Fire Service Program at CWI. “They’re going to spend an average of a 24-hour shift every week for 52 weeks. It’s a lot of hours.”
“SBAs are one of the most important pieces of equipment that a firefighter has. That’s what allows us to go into the fires,” Raskopf added. “Each air pack is anywhere from $6,000 to $10,000, which is a lot for students to pay for out of pocket. This grant has allowed us to purchase an additional cache of SBAs that students can use as they continue on-site training.”
Hands-on learning, community partnerships, and dedicated instructors make the Fire Service Technology program at CWI a highly sought-after path for students pursuing a career in public safety. “These funds will be used to acquire crucial equipment for our students to gain valuable hands-on experience in the field, preparing for careers as firefighters,” said Gordon Jones, President of the College of Western Idaho. “Our Fire Service Technology program is more than just a path to a career — it’s a call to protect and serve our community.”
Zumwalt agrees. He cites the program’s instructors and the supportive atmosphere as essential to his growth and confidence. “The program is designed to challenge you in a way that builds your skills and confidence,” he said. “What stands out most is how supportive the instructors and staff are — they genuinely want you to succeed.”
His biggest source of motivation, however, remains close to home. “My family has been there for me every step of the way,” Zumwalt said. “My dad has been especially helpful since he went through a similar program and internship when he was in college. His experience and guidance have made a big difference.”
That support, combined with CWI’s industry-aligned curriculum and internship opportunities, is what helped Zumwalt complete major milestones, including earning his EMT certification and completing the fire academy. “I feel like I’ve come a long way,” he said. “There are many more milestones ahead, and I’m excited for what’s to come.”
“Students entering the Work Experience program at a fire station need total focus, and knowing they have the right equipment is a big part of that,” said Kelsey Backen, Division Chief of Training Operations. “This grant will help them have what they need to contribute to the department and have a stronger future in the profession of firefighting.”
Zumwalt now looks ahead to building his career in the fire service, with a commitment to keep learning and growing. His advice to others starting out? “Don’t give up. Stay focused, stay committed, and keep pushing forward — even when it gets tough. I made a promise to myself that no matter how long it takes, I’m going to keep trying until I get hired.”
When asked what he would say to the band behind the scholarship that helped fuel his success, Zumwalt kept it simple: “It’s awesome to see a band like Metallica giving back like this. Thank you for supporting future firefighters like me — it truly means a lot.”
Ready to become a firefighter? Get hands-on training and real-world experience with CWI’s Fire Service Technology program.
CWI Summer 2025 Movie Series
College of Western Idaho (CWI)'s Office of Student Engagement is excited to continue the summer movie series. Students and their guest(s) are invited to join CWI at Majestic Cinemas all summer long for free movies and snacks. Tickets sell out quickly, so be sure to claim yours as soon as they become available. Details on how to claim your ticket will be sent to your student email!
Important Note
Only CWI students currently enrolled/registered for upcoming classes (i.e. summer and/or fall semester) are eligible to register for themselves and the maximum number of guests listed below for the respective movie. If you do not meet the requirements as listed and/or submit a duplicate entry, you will receive communication indicating that your ticket will be canceled/released.
How to Train Your Dragon (Live Action)
As an ancient threat endangers both Vikings and dragons alike on the isle of Berk, the friendship between Hiccup, an inventive Viking, and Toothless, a Night Fury dragon, becomes the key to both species forging a new future together.
Friday, June 13 @ 6 p.m.
Tickets On-Sale: Thursday, June 5
- Each CWI student can claim a ticket themselves and up to one (1) guest.
- The first 75 attendees will receive a free medium popcorn and drink.
Disney’s Elio
Elio, a space fanatic with an active imagination, finds himself on a cosmic misadventure where he must form new bonds with alien lifeforms, navigate a crisis of intergalactic proportions and somehow discover who he is truly meant to be.
Friday, June 27 @ 6 p.m.
Tickets On-Sale: Thursday, June 19
- Each CWI student can claim a ticket themselves and up to three (3) guests.
- The first 40 children attendees will receive a free snack pack.
- The first 35 adult attendees will receive a free medium popcorn and drink.
Jurassic World Rebirth
Five years post-Jurassic World Dominion, an expedition braves isolated equatorial regions to extract DNA from three massive prehistoric creatures for a groundbreaking medical breakthrough.
Friday, July 11 @ 6 p.m.
Tickets On-Sale: Thursday, July 3
- Each CWI student can claim a ticket themselves and up to one (1) guest.
- The first 75 attendees will receive a free medium popcorn and drink.
I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025)
A group of friends is terrorized by a stalker who knows about a gruesome incident from their past.
Friday, July 25 @ 6 p.m.
Tickets On-Sale: Thursday, July 17
- Each CWI student can claim a ticket themselves and up to one (1) guest.
- The first 75 attendees will receive a free medium popcorn and drink.
For questions, please reach out to the Office of Student Engagement at studentengagement@cwi.edu.
Don’t Wait! Register Now for CWI Summer Camps
Do you have a middle or high school student that’s passionate about computing, cybersecurity, and STEM? College of Western Idaho (CWI) has a fun and engaging summer camp that helps kids level up their technology skills, but spots are filling up fast. Here are the details you need to know!
Cyber Summer Camp
Dates: June 23 – 27
Times: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN), Room 1425
Cost: $200/per student, grades 7 – 12 (scholarships available)
This week-long, daytime event is aimed at teaching high school students the basics of computing, cybersecurity, and information technology through a hands-on, fun, and engaging experience. Students will learn about CWI Dual Credit opportunities, Cyber Blue Teams, operating systems, gamified cybersecurity education, and computer hardware.
For additional information about CWI summer camps, contact Kae Jensen at 208.562.3336 or kaejensen@cwi.edu.
