CWI News – June 6, 2025
In the Spotlight
Students, faculty, and staff from the CWI community came out to support the Boise Hawks at Memorial Stadium, where they saw CWI Board of Trustees Chair, Jim Reames, throw out a ceremonial first pitch. Emmett High School incoming senior, Dylan Cruz, was randomly chosen as the $1,000 SCORE Big Scholarship recipient for the night. Cruz was awarded the scholarship by President Jones and the CWI Foundation board members on the field during the game’s third inning.
News Highlights
Metallica Scholar Carson Baker Finds His Station
Carson Baker always had a strong interest in public service. After earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and initially pursuing a path in law enforcement, he found himself drawn to firefighting. That interest turned into action when he enrolled in the College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Fire Service Technology program. Now an alumnus, Baker is celebrating the milestone of being hired full-time at Donnelly Fire Department — an achievement fueled by hard work, mentorship, and support from the Metallica Scholars Initiative.
“I enjoyed law enforcement but decided that, if I was able to get into CWI, I’d join the Fire Service Technology program,” said Baker. “I was accepted, and I’ve loved every part of becoming a firefighter.”
Baker is one of several CWI students who received support through a $75,000 grant awarded by Metallica’s All Within My Hands foundation as part of the Metallica Scholars Initiative. The program is designed to support workforce education across the country by removing financial barriers and helping students access essential training and equipment. For Baker, that support arrived at a pivotal moment.
“The Metallica Scholarship was a massive help during my internship,” he said. “It allowed me to stay out of debt and not have to take out a loan to pay for my turnouts. That allowed me to focus solely on the skills and knowledge that I needed to learn at my internship and ultimately allowed me to be hired full-time at a department.”
The scholarship funding was used to cover key expenses like breathing equipment, gear rental, and training materials. “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,” said 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,” Raskopf continued. “That’s what allows us to go into the fires. 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.”
CWI’s partnership with local departments, including Donnelly Fire, plays a critical role in helping students move from the classroom into their careers. “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.”
Baker credits the instructors in the program for preparing him for that transition and inspiring him along the way. “The instructors’ love for the job is very evident and it flows into their passion for teaching,” he said. “They constantly talk about how all the work they put into getting hired was worth it. That’s what kept me working hard.”
His classmates were equally motivating. “I would look around at who I was working with and think — these are people I’d trust with my life,” he added.
Gordon Jones, President of the College of Western Idaho, sees the impact of support like this reaching far beyond the classroom. “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,” he said. “Our Fire Service Technology program is more than just a path to a career — it’s a call to protect and serve our community.”
Now fully certified and employed in the profession, Baker is proud of how far he’s come. “It has taken two years of hard work to place myself into a position where I could get hired and fully pursue the fire service,” he said.
As for what he would say to Metallica? “That money is being used well and is making the impact on people’s lives that they would want it to. While it is one step in a journey, things like the grant do make an impact on a person’s success in the fire service.”
Ready to become a firefighter? Get hands-on training and real-world experience with CWI’s Fire Service Technology program.
CWI Students Win Awards at National Leadership Conference
College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) chapter of Business Professionals of America (BPA) attended the BPA National Leadership Conference in Orlando. More than 6000 students from across the globe participated in competitions and service events, from middle school to college levels. CWI students competed against others from institutions ranging from 2-year technical colleges to 4-year universities, showing the high level of skills obtained in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. Five students from CWI participated, four of whom achieved top ten finishes in multiple competitions.
Business Professionals of America is a Career and Technical Student Organization providing opportunities for students to expand their professional and technical skills. CWI’s local chapter is guided by lead advisor Seth Akers (Assistant Professor, Network Administration CS & IT Department).
Students achieved the following awards:
Second Place
Samuel McKinley – Digital Communication & Design Concepts
Third Place
Samuel McKinley - Network Administration Using Cisco
Top 10
Jack Lauteren – Network Administration Using Cisco
Jack Lauteren – Computer Network Technology
Jack Lauteren – Management, Marketing & Human Resources Concepts
Samuel McKinley – Information Technology Concepts
Samuel McKinley – Computer Security
Andrew Paulus – Computer Security
Winton Watkins – Server Administration Using Microsoft
Winton Watkins – Computer Network Technology
Those interested in learning more about CWI's chapter of Business Professionals of America can contact Seth Akers, lead advisor for the club.
Boise Hawks Boost Scholarship at CWI Nights
The College of Western Idaho (CWI) community was in full force at CWI Night, Wednesday, June 4, as the Boise Hawks played against the Ogden Raptors.
Students, faculty, and staff from around campus came out to support the Hawks at Memorial Stadium, where they saw CWI Board of Trustees Chair, Jim Reames, throw out a ceremonial first pitch.
Throughout the game there were noticeable signs CWI was in the house — from "Let's Get Started" advertisements to Hawks’ mascot, Humphrey, sporting some CWI swag. The College’s Enrollment team was also set up with a booth at the stadium to meet and engage with prospective students and signing several members of the community up for a chance to win the SCORE Big scholarship and a new CWI baseball jersey.
The CWI section along the third-base line was an incredible sight as our CWI community filled the seats and cheered on the Hawks, despite their 11-4 loss.
That wasn't the only thing to celebrate as Emmett High School incoming senior, Dylan Cruz, was randomly chosen as the $1,000 SCORE Big Scholarship recipient for the night. Cruz was awarded the scholarship by President Jones and the CWI Foundation board members on the field during the game’s third inning.
Stay tuned for more information about upcoming CWI Nights.
From Dream to Graduate: Overcoming Tragedy, Ash Shipley Finds Success
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.
Graduation is about rising above.
Written by Ash Shipley.
Trigger Warning: Abuse, death and dying
When I first set foot on the campus of College of Western Idaho (CWI), I wasn’t sure if I was ready for school again. It had been years since I had last enrolled in a school back in 2009 when I had to put my education on hold. It felt like a lifetime ago, and the thought of going back to school was daunting, but deep down, I knew I had to try.
In Spring 2021, I decided to dip my toes back into education, enrolling in just one class to test the waters. By week three, I was hooked. I realized that not only did I need to go back to school to pursue my dream of becoming a social worker, but I also wanted to focus on supporting the Deaf community. I couldn’t ignore the calling that had been within me for so long.
But life had other plans.
Just before my first official semester began, my world turned upside down. My husband suffered a sudden heart attack and slipped into a coma. It felt like a nightmare that wouldn’t end. I lived at the hospital, balancing the emotional weight of my husband's life hanging in the balance with the responsibility of caring for my two daughters and a demanding full-time job. I was exhausted, but I had to keep going, for him, for my girls, and for myself.
For a week, I hardly left his side, and when he woke from the coma, he didn’t recognize me or our daughters. My heart shattered as I watched him struggle with amnesia, desperately trying to piece together memories of a life that no longer seemed familiar to him. He was in the ICU for another month. I pushed forward with my studies, attending classes through Zoom in the sterile, white-walled hospital room with nurses and doctors interrupting at every turn. There were days when I felt like I couldn’t take another step, but my CWI instructors, particularly Sherry Matthews, lifted me up. Sherry was more than just an instructor; she was a lifeline. She showed me grace when I needed it most and helped me meet my goals while navigating one of the most challenging times in my life.
For the next few months, I juggled my full course load, worked 40 hours a week, cared for my teenage girls and for my husband as he went through memory rehabilitation. But I refused to let it break me.
I finally brought my husband home for good. But just two days after the end of Fall Semester, my world crumbled again. He passed away at home. It was a grief so deep it felt like I couldn’t possibly move forward. I thought about quitting school, about stepping away to grieve and heal. But I couldn’t. I knew my story wasn’t finished yet, and the support from the CWI staff made all the difference. I was surrounded by people who believed in me even when I wasn’t sure I could keep going.
Just when I thought the worst was behind me, I was forced to confront a painful chapter from my past. The reason I had to put school on hold in 2009 — a dangerous and abusive situation with my daughter’s father — returned full force. As I fought to care for my family, I had to endure a ruthless and unethical court custody battle that dragged on and on. The trauma of this renewed legal battle brought an added layer of stress and anxiety, but I knew I had to keep going, for myself, for my children, and for the future I was determined to build.
The support I received from CWI's instructors became the guiding light I needed to navigate these challenges. Each day was a new battle, dealing with my children’s mental health struggles, the weight of grief, the legal battle, and the demands of being a full-time student and a full-time employee. But through it all, I stood tall. I kept pushing forward, because I knew that in the midst of every storm, there is always a reason to keep going.
Today, I stand here, not just as a survivor, but as a testament to the strength that we all carry within us. I faced loss, hardship, and heartbreak, but I refused to let them define me. With each step, I grew stronger, more determined, and more passionate about my future in social work with the Deaf community. I didn’t just make it through, I thrived.
Graduation is not just a celebration of academic achievement; it’s a reminder that no matter what life throws our way, we have the power to rise above it. I’ve proven to myself that no obstacle is too great when we choose to keep moving forward.
CWI Board of Trustees Accepting Applications for Zone 4
College of Western Idaho (CWI) Board of Trustees is currently accepting applications to fill a recently vacated trustee position. This opening provides an opportunity for a new board member to join in guiding the College’s mission and impact.
If you live in CWI’s Zone 4 district, encompassing parts of Meridian and Boise, and would like to apply for the Board opening – visit the Board of Trustee Vacancy and Appointment Process webpage highlighting the eligibility criteria, application materials, and the submission process. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled and are subject to Idaho’s Public Records Law.
“CWI’s Board of Trustees is deeply grateful for the contributions Trustee Gary Smith made during his time on the Board,” said Board Chair Jim Reames. “We look forward to receiving applications from individuals interested in serving as a trustee. Zone 4 is home to many dedicated leaders committed to supporting students and the community, and we welcome the opportunity to bring new skills and perspectives to the College through this important role.”
Please contact trustees@cwi.edu with any questions.
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.
CWI to Host 2025 Idaho Indian Education Summit
College of Western Idaho (CWI), in proud partnership with the Idaho Department of Education and the Idaho Indian Education Committee, will host the 2025 Idaho Indian Education Summit on June 12 – 13, at CWI’s Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB). This year’s summit centers around the theme “United Voices Through Indian Education,” reflecting a continued commitment to collaborative efforts that support student learning and honor the history and contributions of Idaho’s five Tribal Nations.
The summit will welcome K–20 educators, school administrators, tribal education leaders, and advocates from across the state and surrounding regions. This two-day event will feature plenary sessions and a wide array of concurrent breakout workshops designed to equip attendees with practical strategies, cultural insights, and classroom-ready tools.
Participants will engage in in-depth conversations about student achievement, Tribal sovereignty, and the integration of Indigenous knowledge and history into Idaho’s education system. Tribal representatives from the Coeur d’Alene, Kootenai, Nez Perce, Shoshone-Bannock, and Shoshone-Paiute Tribes will play a central role in shaping and leading discussions.
Dr. Justin Vance, CWI’s representative on the Idaho Indian Education Committee remarked, “We are honored to welcome educators, Tribal leaders, and community members from across Idaho and beyond to the 2025 Idaho Indian Education Summit here at the College of Western Idaho. This summit is an opportunity to listen, learn, and collaborate as we work together to uplift students and amplify Indigenous voices in education. We’re proud to be part of this meaningful gathering that celebrates culture, builds understanding, and supports a stronger future for all learners.”
Event Details
Event: 2025 Idaho Indian Education Summit
Theme: United Voices Through Indian Education
Dates: June 12 – 13
Location: College of Western Idaho, Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB)
Cost: $100 per participant
Registration: Indian Education Summit
CWI point of contact: Justin Vance, Ed.D. justinvance@cwi.edu
Teacher-In-Service: Credit for the Summit is also available!
Social Exhibition Dances
In addition to the daytime programming, a Social Exhibition Dances event is scheduled for Thursday evening at 6 p.m. on the back lawn of NCAB. This event is open to the community and will showcase traditional dances and cultural expression, offering all participants a meaningful opportunity to experience the vibrancy of Tribal communities firsthand.
Visit the Indian Education Summit / Events / Idaho Department of Education for further updates and detailed programming information.
Boost Your Retirement Savings in 2025
Ready to take your retirement savings to the next level? In 2025, you can contribute even more toward your financial future with updated limits for 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) plans. The annual contribution limit has increased to $23,500 — $500 more than last year. If you’re 50 or older, you can take advantage of an additional $7,500 catch-up contribution, helping you save even more. And here’s a bonus: employees ages 60 to 63 are now eligible for a “super catch-up” contribution of up to $11,250.
What's New:
- Beginning April 1, 2025, Fidelity Investments will be a new record keeper option for the 457(b) plan. To enroll, complete the Voluntary Retirement Enrollment Form.
Why Participate?
These voluntary retirement plans are a flexible way to invest in your future — on your terms. All employees are eligible, including part-time employees (excluding student employees), and you can change your contribution amount at any time throughout the year. While employer matching isn’t available, the real power lies in starting early and contributing consistently.
A Few Reminders:
- Contribution limits are shared between 401(k) and 403(b) plans.
- All employees are eligible to participate, including part-time (excluding student employees).
- Contribution amounts can be adjusted any time during the year.
Explore CWI's Voluntary Retirement Plans and start saving today!
Questions? Contact Human Resources Benefits at hrbenefits@cwi.edu or 208.562.3287.
Ordering Promo Items Just Got Easier
College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Marketing department is working to empower departments to reach out directly to vendors for promotional item orders. To help uphold the College's brand, and allow departments to collaborate with vendors more easily, Marketing has created the CWI Logo Usage Guide for Vendors along with a useful list of approved those companies that CWI works with. All this information can be found for ongoing reference under Employee Resources > Communications & Marketing on my.cwi.edu.
PLEASE NOTE:
- As a standard practice, Marketing works directly with vendors regarding the sending and use of CWI logo files and does not share these design files internally.
- Marketing will still need to be involved in the review and approval process for items requested by departments (see more details on the order workflow in the Usage Guide).
- At this time, this guide is exclusive to our Institutional brand. Coming soon will be a supplemental guide for our new mascot, the Otter. If you want to include the Otter before Marketing sends the guide and assets to vendors, you will need provide details about the item (color, imprint size, imprint colors, etc.) to Marketing in order to send the vendor appropriate file(s).
Don't hesitate to reach out to communications@cwi.edu if you have any questions.
