CWI News – June 27, 2025
In the Spotlight
A major milestone happened for College of Western Idaho (CWI) on June 23 as members of the community gathered to break ground on a new academic facility in Boise’s River District. The ceremony signaled the beginning of a multi-year vision to bring expanded educational opportunities to the heart of the Treasure Valley. Several dignitaries were on hand to mark the event and deliver remarks, including CWI President Gordon Jones, Board of Trustees Secretary/Treasurer Molly Lenty, Tommy Ahlquist, CEO of AHLQUIST Development, Idaho State Lt. Governor Scott Bedke, and Boise Mayor Lauren McLean.
News Highlights
From CWI to Patrol: Juanita Hernandez’s Journey to Serve
This is a true story about someone from our community who, despite long odds and those saying, “you can’t,” stood defiant and dared to anyway — launching a new career that began at College of Western Idaho.
This is the second of a series of stories from our Let’s Get Started 2.0 spring recruitment campaign. In it we feature innovators, builders, healers, and protectors, each of which capably demonstrate what’s possible when we exercise a grain of grit. After all, if our neighbors can do it, so can you.
Education was the Key
For Juanita Hernandez, the journey to becoming a patrol officer began with a simple but powerful realization — her children deserved more. As a single mother of two, working full-time and navigating life as a first-generation college student, she knew education would be the key to building a better future.
“I come from a low-income family with six brothers and am the middle child,” said Hernandez. “My mom immigrated from Mexico, and I was born and raised in California,” Hernandez said. “Now as an adult and with two little ones depending on me, I was highly motivated to further my education. I wanted to break the cycle — not just for me, but for my kids.”
From Doubt to Day One
That commitment to change led her to the College of Western Idaho (CWI), where she enrolled in the Law Enforcement program. The decision didn’t come easy. She had obtained her GED in 2021 while working at McDonald’s and was unsure how to begin her college journey. But the welcoming support of CWI’s staff helped her take the leap.
“I wasn't sure how to begin but talking with CWI staff helped and guided me throughout the initial process. They were welcoming and accepting.
CWI’s Law Enforcement program prepares students for careers in the criminal justice system, emphasizing practical skills in criminal law, ethics, crisis response, and community service. Students graduate prepared for roles such as patrol officers, corrections officers, and investigators. With an Associate of Applied Science degree or technical certificate, graduates are ready to serve and protect.
Made to Protect and Serve
For Hernandez, law enforcement felt like a natural fit.
“I’ve always been passionate about helping others,” she shared. “While taking this course I learned so much that I can implement in my daily life as well as in my career. I’ve learned how much of a selfless yet rewarding career law enforcement can be.”
Hernandez earned her Intermediate Technical Certificate in 2023 and is now just one semester away from completing her associate degree. In the meantime, she’s already serving her community full-time as a patrol officer — a job she loves.
But her path wasn’t without challenges. Balancing work, parenting, and school pushed her to her limits.
“I feel I have had many hurdles throughout my journey,” she said. “I just remind myself how much I’ve overcome already and tell myself every day that ‘it’s difficult but not impossible.’ This is what I want to do, and I will find a way to make it happen.”
From Day One to Degree
She credits her success to the unwavering support of her family. “My biggest support and motivation have always been my mom, stepdad, and children,” she said. “Without them, I don’t think I would have been able to accomplish as much as I have.”
Now working in her dream field, Hernandez continues to look ahead, planning to pursue further education. To others starting their journey at CWI, she offers this advice: “Follow your heart and dreams. Do not give up on yourself despite your background. It’s never too late to invest in yourself. Take the first step and talk with a student advisor — they’re incredible at helping you map out your path.”
Juanita Hernandez is not just building a career. She’s building a legacy of strength, service, and determination — and showing others it’s never too late to start.
For those ready to serve, protect, and make a difference, explore more on CWI’s Law Enforcement program page.
CWI Breaks Ground on Bold New Development in Boise’s River District
A major milestone happened for College of Western Idaho (CWI) on June 23 as members of the community gathered to break ground on a new academic facility in Boise’s River District. The ceremony signaled the beginning of a multi-year vision to bring expanded educational opportunities to the heart of the Treasure Valley.
Several dignitaries were on hand to mark the event and deliver remarks, including CWI President Gordon Jones, Board of Trustees Secretary/Treasurer Molly Lenty, Tommy Ahlquist, CEO of AHLQUIST Development, Idaho State Lt. Governor Scott Bedke, and Boise Mayor Lauren McLean.
This event officially kicked off construction on the district’s first building — CWI's 101,000-square-foot facility, which will serve students in programs such as computer science, cybersecurity, and business.
Boise's River District is being developed adjacent to the Greenbelt and Boise River and will create a vibrant area on the west side of downtown. The project is a collaboration between CWI, AHLQUIST, Hummel Architects, Paradigm, and ESI Construction.
“This milestone is over a decade in the making,” said Gordon Jones, President of CWI. “We acquired this land in 2015 with a vision to expand our impact and serve the community in new and meaningful ways. The River District reflects our commitment to investing in Idaho’s future through education, opportunity, and innovation.”
In addition to CWI's facility, AHLQUIST will develop several key components within the district, including 220 residential units (town homes and apartments), a 640-stall parking structure, and 20,000 square feet of retail space.
“Located along the Boise River next to Quinn’s Pond and Whitewater Park — with direct access to the Connector — this is an ideal setting for a thriving, mixed-use development that enhances quality of life in Boise,” said Tommy Ahlquist, CEO of AHLQUIST.
Lt. Governor Scott Bedke praised President Jones and CWI’s positive impact in Idaho. “Enrollment in Idaho's community colleges is up 13%, where the rest of the United States, enrollment in higher ed is lagging… I take my hat off to the hard work that goes into these types of projects.”
“I hear so often from businesses that it is housing and transportation that are the constraints that we have to think about… the other piece of that is workforce development,” said Boise Mayor Lauren McLean, emphasizing the long-term impact the development will have on the Treasure Valley. “This project is all of those things. It's education, which is so key in partnership with businesses to address the needs that we have today.”
CWI’s Boise location is expected to open in the fall of 2027.
Learn more about CWI’s ongoing campus development projects and the Powering the Treasure Valley campaign.
CWI Youth Rodeo 101 A Big Success
College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Youth Rodeo 101 celebrated a third year of introducing Nampa's youth to the 100-year plus tradition of the Snake River Stampede. Nearly 100 kids from the Nampa Boys and Girls Club teamed up with professional cowboys from the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and rodeo royalty to learn first-hand and experience professional rodeo events including bareback, saddle bronc, and bull riding, as well as roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, and bullfighting.
The day began with a tour of the bucking horses, followed by the kids having a chance to come face-to-face with Jake, a spotted draft horse that leads the stagecoach every night of the Stampede. For many, this was the first time they were able to be up close and personal with such a big, beautiful animal. The kids also received an official PRCA back number and a CWI backpack full of mementos from their day.
“CWI is proud to bring this opportunity to our community,” said President Gordon Jones. “Both the rodeo arena and the classroom encourage resilience, curiosity, and the confidence to take on new challenges. This clinic gives young participants a chance to build lasting skills while connecting with a tradition that has thrived for 110 years.”
The College plans to continue this annual event and looks forward to educating our young community on this treasured Nampa heritage.
