CWI News – May 23, 2025
In the Spotlight
Families and friends came together Friday, May 16, to honor the perseverance and achievements of more than 1,585 College of Western Idaho (CWI) graduates. Held at ExtraMile Arena in Boise, CWI’s 16th Commencement Ceremony celebrated graduates as they embark on a new chapter in their lives. Mary C. Daly, president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco was the Commencement Speaker.
President's Message
Greetings CWI Faculty and Staff,
As we wrap up another successful academic year and look back on our recent commencement celebration, I want to express my gratitude to each of you. Your dedication to our students and unwavering support of CWI continues to inspire me.
To the incredible volunteers who helped make our Commencement Ceremony a memorable event – thank you. Your energy, enthusiasm, and willingness to step in ensured that the ceremony was both meaningful and impressive for our graduates and their families. I’d like to give a special shoutout to Connie Black, our Registrar, and the entire planning team for their outstanding work behind the scenes to ensure every detail of the ceremony was thoughtfully executed. Also, a big kudos goes to Jim Gatfield, Department Chair of Communications, for masterfully announcing the names of more than 700 graduates – delivering each one with clarity and care, averaging a name every three seconds for nearly an hour without pause.
To our faculty and staff, your hard work throughout the year has been nothing short of extraordinary. The commitment you bring to your roles, the passion you share in the classroom and beyond, and the care you show our students have been instrumental in helping them reach this important milestone. This year, 1,861 degrees and certificates were awarded, and 638 of our students graduated with honors.
Thank you for everything you do to make CWI a place where students are supported and celebrated. I hope you all find time to recharge and enjoy some well-deserved this summer.
Warm regards,
News Highlights
Batter Up! CWI Night at Boise Hawks is June 4
Enjoy an evening at Memorial Stadium and support students at an upcoming CWI Night!
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is proud to partner with the Boise Hawks to SCORE Big for scholarships as the Hawks take on the Ogden Raptors Wednesday, June 4. Students, alumni, employees, family, and friends of the CWI community are invited to attend and hit it out of the park!
CWI Night — Boise Hawks vs. Ogden Raptors
Wednesday, June 4
7 p.m.
Memorial Stadium
Your $15 ticket to the game includes a shaded seat in the CWI section on the third-base line. Five dollars of each CWI group ticket purchased goes directly back to the SCORE Big Scholarship fund.
Visit the CWI table just inside the gate for your chance to win a $1,000 SCORE Big scholarship or a CWI-branded baseball jersey — both will be awarded that night! Those sitting in the CWI section will also have a chance to take home CWI t-shirts and backpacks full of the College's awesome swag!
How CWI and Metallica Helped Justin Zieska Find His Fire
Justin Zieska, a second-year student in the College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Fire Service Technology program, is lighting the way toward a future in firefighting with passion, perseverance, and the support of the Metallica Scholars Initiative. A first-generation college student, Zieska credits his path to key mentors, dedicated instructors, and CWI’s strong partnerships with local fire departments.
Raised in California, Zieska was first inspired by his best friend’s father, the Fire Chief of Palo Alto, who coached his basketball team and left a lasting impression not only as a leader in the fire service but as a role model. Later, while working for retired Caldwell Fire Captain Ritch Wheaton, Zieska’s interest turned into a serious goal. “He would always talk to me about firefighting,” Zieska said. “That’s when I took the initiative to get my EMT and apply for the CWI fire academy.”
Now in his second year at CWI, Zieska has successfully completed both his EMT and Firefighter 1 certifications within a single year — an achievement that has opened doors to his current internship with the Nampa Fire Department. “I’m proud of how far I’ve come,” he said. “I wanted to be someone my classmates could rely on, so I pushed myself physically and mentally to be the best version of myself.”
Zieska is one of several students benefiting from the $75,000 Metallica Scholars Initiative grant awarded to CWI through the band’s All Within My Hands foundation. The funds provide students with critical resources, including self-contained breathing apparatuses (SBAs) and scholarships to offset the cost of required gear. “It has helped me majorly in the financial aspect,” said Zieska. “A lot of the schooling and gear can become expensive. Having that relief removes a lot of stress.”
The importance of that support is echoed by CWI Fire Service Program Director, Darrin Raskopf. “SBAs are one of the most important pieces of equipment a firefighter has. That’s what allows us to go into the fires,” he said. “Each one costs between $6,000 and $10,000, and this grant has allowed us to purchase additional units that students can use during on-site training.”
The Fire Service Technology program, which emphasizes real-world experience through partnerships with departments like Nampa Fire, continues to provide students like Zieska the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in the field. These internships are an essential part of the learning process and often a launching point for full-time employment.
“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 ensures they have what they need to contribute to the department and have a stronger future in the profession of firefighting.”
Zieska attributes much of his personal growth during the program to CWI’s instructors, especially Instructor Jon Metz. “He was always positive and encouraging. When I was getting down on myself, he lifted me up,” Zieska shared. “Watching him demonstrate drills was a thrill — he made it look so easy. I knew it would take time and hard work to reach that level, but he inspired me to keep at it.”
CWI President Gordon Jones highlights the broader impact of this collaboration. “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.”
Zieska’s story reflects the heart of CWI’s mission — to provide accessible, workforce-ready education through a robust connected community and strategic support. When asked what message he’d share with Metallica, Zieska responded simply: “Thank you very much for supporting the CWI fire program. We’re all very appreciative of the grant you’ve given us.”
Through the combined strength of personal dedication, professional instruction, and visionary support, Justin Zieska is proving that with the right tools and guidance, even the boldest goals are within reach.
Ready to become a firefighter? Get hands-on training and real-world experience with CWI’s Fire Service Technology program.
Graduates honored at the 2025 CWI Commencement Ceremony
Families and friends came together Friday, May 16, to honor the perseverance and achievements of more than 1,585 College of Western Idaho (CWI) graduates. Held at ExtraMile Arena in Boise, CWI’s 16th Commencement Ceremony celebrated graduates as they embark on a new chapter in their lives.
Speaking to a packed house in the 12,644-capacity arena, CWI President Gordon Jones welcomed attendees before speaking directly to graduates, “Today marks both an ending and a beginning. It is the culmination of years of hard work, late nights, and countless exams. But more significantly, it is a journey you took into the unknown when you started at CWI — a journey that now places you here tonight where we gather to celebrate your successes,” said Jones.
Chair of CWI’s Board of Trustees, Jim Reames, related how people react seeing him wearing the CWI logo out in the community. “It is a regular occurrence that someone approaches me and asks if I work at CWI. After I explain my role, the person tells me their story, which often begins with a tale of hardship or a rocky path to beginning college,” said Reames. “It almost always ends with the positive impact of their program of study, how well they connected with faculty and other students, and how their life is now changed because of their experience at CWI.”
The 2024-2025 academic year saw 1,585 CWI students graduate from the College, ranging in age from 17 to 70 years old, and earning 1,861 degrees and certificates. Other highlights included:
- 638 Graduates with Honors
- 341 Graduates with Multiple Degrees
- 169 Veteran Graduates
- Average Graduate GPA 3.25
- 289 Apprenticeship Graduates
- 35 Associate of Arts Degrees Awarded to Dual Credit Students
- 109 GED Candidates
Next, graduates heard from notable Idaho businessman Skip Oppenheimer, who, in addition to his role as Chairman and CEO of Oppenheimer Companies, also serves as Director of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. Setting the stage and introducing CWI’s Commencement Speaker — marking the first time someone without direct ties to the College had been invited to do so — Oppenheimer introduced Mary C. Daly, president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco.
Daly has served as an advisor to the Congressional Budget Office, the Social Security Administration, the Institute of Medicine and the Library of Congress. She has also been a visiting professor at Cornell University and the University of California, Davis. Daly holds a Ph.D. in economics from Syracuse University, an M.S. degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and a B.A. from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She completed a National Institute of Aging post-doctoral fellowship at Northwestern University and is a research affiliate at the IZA Institute of Labor Economics.
Speaking directly to students, Daly shared her untraditional path to education and eventual success — one full of challenges and roadblocks. Growing up in Missouri, she dropped out of high school at the age of 15 and started working several jobs to help support her family. She went on to earn a General Education Development (GED) certificate — the equivalent of a high school diploma — and begin her career in economics. “My GED stands and the single best degree I’ve ever earned,” Daly affirmed, holding up her framed certificate to show graduates.
“We will all have moments in our lives where we feel stuck or off course. But time passes, constraints fade, doors open, and your ambitions follow,” said Daly. “We live in a world where single decisions are rarely final, where all of us have the ability to choose, and choose again, and frankly, that is what I love about CWI. It’s filled with possibilities, and it’s filled with choosers.”
“Each of you chose. You put in the hard work, dedication, and desire to earn a degree, and you expected a lot of yourselves, and you rose to meet the challenge,” Daly said.
After hearing from Student Speaker Rebecca Rose Kay, ASCWI president and graduate of the Business program, hundreds of CWI students received their certificates and degrees.
President Jones concluded the ceremony by once again offering his congratulations, “You are not just walking away with a degree, but with the power to shape your own future. Whether you choose to continue your education, enter the workforce, or pursue other passions, you have the ability to make a difference in the world. And, you will continue to have a connected community at CWI, supporting you every step of the way.”
More Than a Degree: Karter Stuckey’s Path to Purpose at CWI
Graduating from College of Western Idaho (CWI) represents a powerful personal triumph for Karter Stuckey after years of uncertainty and growth. Stuckey completed high school in 2021 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, facing a senior year without the rites of passage many take for granted — no prom, no ceremony, and ultimately feeling left behind.
“Late into my senior year, my siblings suffered some health challenges, and my mom moved with them to Idaho,” said Stuckey. “I stayed behind in Oregon with my dad to graduate with my friends, but the reality of the pandemic left me feeling lonely and isolated. It was incredibly difficult.”
After taking a gap year to focus on his mental health, Stuckey relocated to Idaho and enrolled at CWI. He wasn’t sure what to expect. What he found was a college that would not only support his academic growth but would help him rediscover his confidence and passion.
Now in his second year at CWI, Stuckey is preparing to graduate in Spring 2025 with an Associate of Arts degree in Psychology.
“I chose this program because I care about the world around me deeply,” he said. “I want to be a light for those who are struggling, especially for children experiencing difficult circumstances. They deserve to know that the world hasn’t given up on them and that people care.”
While navigating his studies, Stuckey also coached a competitive soccer team, winning multiple tournaments and traveling often. Balancing academics, coaching, and his personal life posed challenges, but he credits the understanding and communication with his instructors for helping him stay grounded.
“Communication with all my professors made it possible. They were so understanding,” said Stuckey. “One of my professors, Kelsey Bobroski, really supported me when I was struggling. She helped with due dates and was genuinely compassionate. Emily Bergstrom was also influential in creating an amazing classroom environment. They helped me build not just academic skills, but life skills.”
Stuckey’s hard work paid off. In 2023, he joined PSI Beta, the national honor society for psychology students, and made the Dean’s List — an achievement that surprised him given his past struggles with academics.
“My professors provided so much support and helped me achieve my goals,” said Stuckey. “They helped me find an even deeper passion for psychology.”
Reflecting on his experience, Stuckey encourages new students to make connections early and seek out help when needed.
“Reach out to your teachers! Every single professor I’ve had at CWI has been so understanding and willing to help.”
Now looking ahead to a future dedicated to helping others, Stuckey sees his time at CWI as foundational — not just for his career, but for his personal growth. He will continue his path in psychology when he starts at Idaho State University in the fall.
“CWI is more than just a school. It’s a place where you make friends and develop lasting connections,” he said. “My time here truly helped me become a better person. I love this school, the environment, and the faculty.”
Discover how you can turn your passion for helping others into a meaningful career — explore the Psychology program at CWI.
Unlock New Skills at CWI’s 2025 Summer Camps
This summer, College of Western Idaho (CWI) is offering engaging and educational summer camps designed to provide high school students with hands-on learning experiences in technology, cybersecurity and more. With opportunities to build skills, connect with peers, and even earn college credit, these camps are a perfect way to make the most of the summer break.
CYBER SUMMER CAMP
Dive into the world of computing and cybersecurity at CWI’s Cyber Summer Camp. This week-long camp introduces students, grades 7 – 10, to computer hardware, operating systems, and the fundamentals of cybersecurity through interactive activities. Attendees will explore gamified cybersecurity education, learn about hackers and cybersecurity threats, and gain valuable hands-on experience.
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)
Registration: Register by Wednesday, June 18
SUMMER BRIDGE CAMP
CWI’s Summer Bridge Camp is a week-long enrichment and skills development program designed for current 11th-grade students interested in exploring careers in Computer Science/Engineering, Automotive/Manufacturing, and Health Sciences. Participants will engage in two classes each day, leadership development workshops, and off-campus industry tours tailored to their chosen field. The program also includes career preparation sessions, guest speaker presentations, and an empowerment workshop. Students will have the opportunity to connect with CWI faculty, staff, and peers through interactive activities and icebreakers. Breakfast, lunch, and transportation for off-campus visits will be provided.
Date: July 7 – 11
Time: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC)
Cost: FREE
Registration: Register by Friday, May 16
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.
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.
