CWI News – March 15, 2024
News Highlights
Nampa Chamber of Commerce Members Donate to CWI Giving Day
Members of the Nampa Chamber of Commerce were hungry to support Giving Day for College of Western Idaho (CWI) during its March 13 luncheon. Following an initial pledge by Ryan and Angie Martin to match donations up to $1,000 — later increased to $1,750 — attendees contributed $1,900 which, when combined with matching funds, totaled $3,650.
CWI’s Giving Day, March 13 – 14, presented an opportunity for the community to contribute to several causes, including the Student Emergency Fund, CWI Food Pantries, Scholarships, and student clubs.
“Through your giving, you can advance CWI’s mission to provide an affordable education that leads to good paying jobs,” said CWI President Gordon Jones.
With support coming from the Chamber, community partners, and friends of the College, donations for the 2024 Giving Day are on track to exceed $48,500.
Farmworker Awareness Week Welcomes Artist Miguel Almeida
Join us in honoring the essential role farmworkers play in bringing fresh food to our tables!
National Farmworker Awareness Week takes place March 25 – 31 to honor farmworkers in the community and raise awareness of their challenges.
Join Student Engagement for a keynote address by local artist and muralist, Miguel Almeida, who will recount experiences as a farmworker and as an artist who illustrates stories of his community. Afterward, Almeida will guide attendees through a step-by-step painting event.
Keynote Speaker and Paint Event*
Tuesday, March 19
2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), room 122
Artist Bio
Miguel Almeida is a first-generation Mexican American illustrator/muralist based in Boise, Idaho. He works both digitally and traditionally to create colorful illustrations. His personal work is largely inspired by his Mexican roots. He combines colors inspired by Mexican folk art and heavy line work to create a modern graphic style. Almeida has worked with numerous clients from City of Boise, Idaho State Museum, Chocolate Skateboards, Calexico, Push & Pour, Google/DLR Group and many more.
*Keynote address is open to all. Paint supplies are limited to 50 attendees on a first-come, first-serve basis.
For questions or additional information, please contact Jeanette Orozco at jeanetteorozco@cwi.edu.
CWI Night at the Idaho Steelheads – March 20
Get ready for another exciting night of hockey and help us support students at the next CWI Night!
Scoring big for scholarships, College of Western Idaho (CWI) and the Idaho Steelheads continue their partnership as the Steelheads face off against the Tusla Oilers. We invite the entire CWI community to join us, including students, alumni, staff, families, and friends.
The game between the Idaho Steelheads and Tulsa Oilers will take place:
Wednesday, March 20
7 p.m.
Idaho Central Arena
Your $20 ticket game ticket includes a seat in the CWI section and a meal voucher for a Double R Ranch hot dog, chips, and a small beverage. For every CWI group ticket sold during CWI night, the SCORE Big Scholarship fund will receive $5.
Stop by the CWI table on the concourse for a chance to win a $1,000 SCORE Big Scholarship or a CWI hockey jersey, which will be awarded that night on the ice!
The thrill of hockey is available beyond CWI Nights! As part of the College’s partnership, CWI also provides a discounted ticket price of $18 for all Steelheads home games for the 2023-2024 season.
Tickets must be placed at least 24 hours prior to the event or subject to availability.
Two Career Fairs Await CWI Students in April
College of Western Idaho (CWI) and the Work-Based Learning Center are hosting two upcoming career fairs for students interested in employment in the social sciences, industrial, and technical fields. Work-Based Learning Center meeting will be available sharing tips and tricks to help students land the job they have studied for.
Pro Tip: Bring your resume and dress professionally.
Enhance your professional networking connection with local employers seeking to hire CWI students. Gain knowledge on career opportunities, job openings, employee benefits, pay scales, and much more. Take the time to invest in your future now, and explore opportunities offered locally and nationally.
Social Science Career Fair
Thursday, April 4
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN), Student Commons
Industrial and Technical Career Fair
Wednesday, April 17
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC), Lobby
Those with questions should reach out to Roberto Trinidad at robertotrinidad@cwi.edu or call at 208.562.2150.
Treat Yo’ Self at the Spring Into Wellness Event
Join Counseling and Wellness Services as we Spring into Wellness! Stop by to say hello to College of Western Idaho (CWI) counseling staff and the Social Work, Psychology, and Q&A student clubs. Get tips and ideas on how to prioritize your mental and physical wellness.
Tailormade for CWI students, this fun and informative event will give students the opportunity to enjoy a free chair massage, add self-care ideas to a wellness jar, earn snacks and other giveaways, and qualify for an Amazon gift card drawing.
Spring Into Wellness will take place at two CWI locations:
Tuesday, March 19
10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN) Common Area
Thursday, March 21
10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB) Student Lounge
For any questions, please contact Counseling and Wellness Services at counselor@cwi.edu or 208.562.2200.
Interested in Environmental and Urban Studies? Explore Boise State Transfer Opportunities at Panel Event
Are you a graduating student with an interest in environmental and urban studies? Are you looking for opportunities to expand your knowledge as you get ready to transfer to a four-year university?
Four professors from Boise State University's Environmental and Urban Studies Program are coming together to host an event about the program, transfer opportunities between the College of Western Idaho (CWI) and Boise State, and their latest research. The Transfer Opportunities event is specifically tailored for CWI students who are interested in environmental and urban studies or are still undecided about their majors.
Panel Presentation from the School of Public Service
- Dr. Krista Paulsen – Program Lead, Urban Studies & Community Development; Co-program Lead, Environmental Studies
- Dr. Christopher Courtheyn – Associate Professor, Public Service
- Dr. Jared Talley – Clinical Assistant Professor, Environmental Studies
- Dr. Jillian Moroney – Clinical Associate Professor, Urban Studies
Attendees will have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the Environmental and Urban Studies Program, explore potential career paths, ask questions, and establish connections with Boise State faculty members.
Transfer Opportunities
Thursday, April 4
3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), room 106
For those with questions or in need of more information, please contact Bryan Krouse at bryankrouse@cwi.edu.
Sponsored by the Geography and Geographic Information Systems programs.
Beta Sigma Pi Chapter President Wins $1000 Scholarship
College of Western Idaho (CWI) student Raquel Valdibieso, current Beta Sigma Pi Chapter President, has been named a 2024 Coca-Cola Academic Team Bronze Scholar and will receive a $1,000 scholarship. Beta Sigma Pi is CWI’s chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) and is dedicated to promoting academic excellence, scholarship and service, fellowship, and developing leaders.
Each year the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Academic Team program by recognizing 50 Gold, 50 Silver, and 50 Bronze Scholars with nearly $200,000 in scholarships. Each scholar also receives a commemorative medallion.
“The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges,” said Jane Hale Hopkins, president of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. “We are proud to partner with Phi Theta Kappa to make it possible for more deserving students to achieve their educational goals and support tomorrow’s global community leaders.”
Students are nominated for the academic team by their college administrators. Selection is based on academic achievement, leadership, and engagement in college and community service.
Coca-Cola Academic Team members will be recognized in both local and statewide ceremonies.
“We thank the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation for recognizing these student leaders and for investing in their futures,” said Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, president and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa. “Scholarships like these are integral to the success of these students in reaching their educational and career goals.”
Visit our Beta Sigma Pi page below to learn more about joining CWI’s chapter of PTK Honor Society:
2024 Juried Art Exhibition
College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Visual and Performing Arts department is excited to host the eighth-annual Juried Art Exhibition, which takes place during the College’s Connections Project.
This year’s juror is Sue Latta, a determined and intuitive sculptor who creates visually poignant and skillfully executed artwork utilizing a variety of processes, including welding, woodworking, carving, casting, and photography. With over 20 solo exhibitions, Latta’s work is found in collections throughout the United States and Canada. In addition to being a lecturer at Boise State University, she has served as an artist in residence for the City of Boise, the Livestrong Foundation, and the Visual Studies Workshop in Rochester, New York.
For more information or to view Latta’s work, visit her website.
Submissions are being accepted for the 2024 Juried Art Exhibition through March 22, and can be entered via the Connections Project Portal section on Blackboard. Students will be notified of results by April 12, with art being placed in the Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB) 2nd floor gallery before April 18. All currently registered students are encouraged to participate — the winner will receive $150!
CWI’s Connections Project event is Thursday, April 18. For those with questions or in need of more information, please contact Karen Brown at karenbrown@cwi.edu.
ASCWI Elections Open March 15
VOTE IN THE UPCOMING SPRING 2024 ASCWI ELECTIONS
As Spring 2024 semester continues, students at College of Western Idaho (CWI) are gearing up for the Associated Students of College of Western Idaho (ASCWI) elections. This tradition gives students the opportunity to have a say in the leadership of their college and help shape the policies and programs that will affect their experience on campus.
This semester, CWI students will be encouraged to vote on the ASCWI President, Vice-President, and Senators.
Spring 2024 Ballot
ASCWI President & Vice-President
- Rebecca Kay and Daniel Strilets
ASCWI Senator
- Joshua Braegger
- George Dennin
For more information on the candidates, visit the ASCWI elections page.
Student Government Elections
Students who wish to write in other students will also have the opportunity to nominate them by providing the student's full name and CWI email address.
Voting will begin on Friday, March 15, at 5 p.m. and will stay open until Thursday, March 21, at 11:59 p.m. More voting details will be sent through CWI student email closer to the polls opening. To vote in the student body election, you must be a currently enrolled student at the College.
Election results are expected to be announced on Friday, March 22, at noon.
For those with questions or in need of more information, please contact Sitlaly Escamilla at sitlalyescamilla@cwi.edu.
