CWI News – May 31, 2024
News Highlights
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 range of fun and engaging summer camps that help kids level up their technology skills, but spots are filling up fast. Here are the details you need to know!
Micron Chip Camp
Dates: June 24 – 26
Time: 9 a.m – 3 p.m.
Location: Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC)
Age(s): Students in Grades 6 and 7
Cost: Free — breakfast, lunch and snacks provided
Sponsored by the Micron Foundation, Chip Camp is a no-cost day camp filled with hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) activities so students can see and experience what engineers and scientists do at a semiconductor company.
You can find more about Micron's global Chip Camp program by visiting Micron.
Cyber Summer Camp
Dates: July 22 – 26
Time: 9 a.m – 3 p.m.
Location: Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN), room 1425
Age(s): High school
Cost: $200 per student
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.
Raspberry Pi Summer Camp
Option 1: July 8 – 12
Option 2: July 15 – 19
Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN), Room 1425
Age(s): High school
Cost: $200 per student
The week-long event is aimed at high school students and will be focused on teaching the basics of computing and cybersecurity through hands-on experience using Raspberry Pi's. Students will learn how to build a Raspberry Pi and about Programming, Circuit Design, and Cyber-Physical Systems.
Raspberry Pi Summer Camp – Option 1 Raspberry Pi Summer Camp – Option 2
For additional information about CWI summer camps, contact Sara Hoyt, Cyber Defense Center Director at sarahoyt@cwi.edu or 208.562.2553.
Volunteer and Catch a Summer Concert for Free at the Ford Idaho Center!
Want to attend a summer concert at the Ford Idaho Center for free while supporting College of Western Idaho (CWI) students? We have the opportunity for you!
The Ford Idaho Center has once again partnered with the College to support the CWI Food Pantry program. Monetary donations will be collected throughout the Ford Idaho Center’s summer concerts, which spans from Sunday, June 9, through Saturday, Oct. 12.
The Ford Idaho Center is inviting two volunteers to each concert. Volunteers will work a 90-minute shift to mingle with guests and encourage a monetary donation via the CWI Giving website. After their shift, volunteers get to stay and enjoy the concert — free of charge!
Friends, family, and members of the community are welcome to volunteer alongside a CWI volunteer. The maximum number of volunteers per show is two. In order to offer this opportunity to as many CWI colleagues as possible, we will be limiting volunteer registration to no more than two shows. If we have open spots remaining, we will allow for additional sign ups.
On the day of a volunteer shift, a representative from the Ford Idaho Center will meet with volunteers as they arrive at the venue. More information and details about shifts will be sent to volunteers after sign-up.
For questions, please email CWIFoodPantry@cwi.edu.
Volunteer Opportunities and Concert Shows
| Date | Concert |
|---|---|
| Sunday, June 9 | Third Eye Blind |
| Friday, June 14 | Jackson Country Stomp |
| Saturday, June 15 | Whiskey Myers |
| Sunday, June 30 | Sam Hunt |
| Thursday, July 11 | Kenny Chesney |
| Thursday, July 25 | Chris Stapleton |
| Friday, July 26 | Neil Young |
| Thursday, Aug. 1 | Micheal Franti & Spearhead |
| Friday, Aug. 2 | Luke Bryan |
| Saturday, Aug. 3 | Jason Mraz |
| Wednesday, Aug. 7 | Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, John Mellencamp |
| Thursday, Aug. 8 | Koe Wetzel |
| Saturday, Aug. 10 | Flatland Cavalry and Trampled by Turtles |
| Friday, Aug. 16 | Dirty Heads and Slightly Stoopid W/ Common Kings, The Elovaters |
| Sunday, Aug. 18 | Falling in Reverse |
| Wednesday, Aug. 21 | Tyler Childers |
| Sunday, Aug. 25 | Switchfoot / Blue October / Matt Nathanson |
| Wednesday, Aug. 28 | Jelly Roll |
| Thursday, Aug. 29 | Lindsey Stirling |
| Tuesday, Sept. 3 | Hozier |
| Friday, Sept. 6 | Jason Aldean |
| Wednesday, Sept. 11 | Slipknot |
| Thursday, Sept. 12 | Pentatonix |
| Saturday, Sept. 14 | Lainey Wilson |
| Thursday, Sept. 19 | Dan & Shay |
| Tuesday, Oct. 1 | Colter Wall and Friends |
| Wednesday, Oct. 2 | Ian Munsick |
| Sunday, Oct. 6 | Breaking Benjamin & Staind with Special Guest Daughtry |
| Saturday, Oct. 12 | Korn |
Ready for a Home Run? Get Ready for CWI Night at Boise Hawks!
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 Idaho Falls Chukars Tuesday, June 18. 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. Idaho Falls Chukars
Tuesday, June 18
7 p.m.
Memorial Stadium
Your $10 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!
Graduates Celebrated at the 2024 CWI Commencement Ceremony
Families and friends came together Friday, May 10, to honor the perseverance and achievements of more than 1,700 College of Western Idaho (CWI) graduates. Held at ExtraMile Arena in Boise, CWI’s 15th Commencement Ceremony celebrated graduates as they embark on a new chapter in their lives.
“Graduates, you have pushed yourselves, worked hard, and uncovered the potential within you,” said Chair of CWI’s Board of Trustees, Molly Lenty. “Today, we celebrate your achievements and look forward to the incredible future that awaits you.”
“I'm reminded of one of Idaho’s most celebrated athletes, Picabo Street. As an Olympic skier, she demonstrated exceptional courage, perseverance, and determination. Her story is a testament to the extraordinary things that can happen when we set our sights high and pursue our dreams with passion.”
The 2023-2024 academic year saw 1,478 CWI students graduate from the College, ranging in age from 17 to 76 years old, and earning 1,798 degrees and certificates. Other highlights included:
- 594 Graduates with Honors
- 229 Graduates with Multiple Degrees
- 100 Veteran Graduates
- Average Graduate GPA 3.215
- 277 Apprenticeship Graduates
- 40 Associate of Arts Degrees Awarded to Dual Credit Students
- 41 GED Candidates
The success of this year’s graduating class prompted remarks from Idaho State Board of Education Executive Director, Matt Freeman. He reinforced the message to graduates they are ready for what comes next in life, thanks to the education and resources they received at CWI.
Freemen emphasized the positive impact and far-reaching effects of earning a college certificate or degree.
“Education is foundational to the future of our state, communities, and families. I want to personally thank each one of you and your families for the tremendous personal and financial sacrifices made to earn a credential of value that sets you up for success.”
CWI President Gordon Jones shared his immense pride and gratitude to be able to have been witness to the graduates’ hard work and dedication.
“Today, we celebrate not just your academic achievement but also your resilience and determination,” he said. “We are a community college. Community is at the heart of what we do, and we are defined by those of you whom we serve.”
"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 where you soared to new heights and found success.
Before Commencement came to a close, Jones reminded graduates they are not just walking away with a degree or certificate, but with the power to shape their own future."
“You have the tools, the knowledge, and the skills to take on whatever challenges come your way,” Jones said. “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. You are not alone, and you now have a community that supports you every step of the way.”
CWI Students Garner Multiple Awards at National Business Professionals of America Conference
The College of Western Idaho (CWI) chapter of Business Professionals of America (BPA) attended the annual BPA National Leadership Conference in Chicago, Illinois.
6,500 students, ranging from middle school- to college-level and from around the globe, participated in competitions and service events, with CWI students demonstrating business and information technology skill proficiency — gained from CWI’s Career and Technical Education programs. Nine students from CWI participated, eight 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 progress in and expand their professional and technical skills, giving them opportunities not provided simply by obtaining a degree. The College's local chapter is guided by advisors from the Computer Science and Information Technology department, Seth Akers (Assistant Professor, Network Administration) and Linda Otto (Professor, Cybersecurity).
Students achieved the following awards:
First Place
Connor Betz – Computer Network Technology
Ben McCoubrey – Device Configuration and Troubleshooting
William Young – Information Technology Concepts
Second Place
Ken Blankenship – Server Administration using Microsoft
Ken Blankenship – Network Administration using Cisco
Third Place
Cody Ibarra – Server Administration using Microsoft
Andrew Toombs – Intermediate Word Processing
Andrew Toombs – Basic Office Systems & Procedures
Connor Betz – Device Configuration and Troubleshooting
Top 10
Cody Ibarra – Computer Security
Cody Ibarra – Computer Network Technology
Cody Ibarra – Information Technology Concepts
Connor Betz – Device Configuration and Troubleshooting
Connor Betz – Information Technology Concepts
Ken Blankenship – Linux Operating System Fundamentals
Ken Blankenship – Administrative Support Concepts
Reese Murphy – Intermediate Word Processing
Reese Murphy – Basic Office Systems & Procedures
Stanley Ward – Server Administration using Microsoft
Stanley Ward – Linux Operating System Fundamentals
Stanley Ward -Information Technology Concepts
William Young – Linux Operating System Fundamentals
William Young – Computer Security
William Young – Administrative Support Concepts
William Young – Computer Network Technology
Students Receiving Industry Certifications as Part of Competitions:
Cody Ibarra
Connor Betz
Ken Blankenship
Ben McCoubrey
Reese Murphy
Andrew Toombs
William Young
Student Leadership Award Winners Recognized at Annual Banquet
Students at College of Western Idaho (CWI) were recognized and celebrated for their leadership on campus and in the community at the Student Leadership Awards Banquet on Friday, April 26, at Jack’s Urban Meeting Place (JUMP) in Boise.
2023-2024 Award Winners
Community Service Program of the Year
Biology Club for their partnership with the Boise River ReWild Project, which is a two-year commitment to restore degraded habitat near the Boise River by removing invasive plants and planting native flora.
The Community Service Program of the Year award honors a program that has engaged students in service while encouraging students to selflessly serve beyond this one experience.
Social Program of the Year
Student Veterans of America for their VA Suicide Awareness Workshop, which informed staff, faculty, and students on recognizing suicide risk factors, intervention strategies, and local mental health resources – all critical to supporting student veterans transitioning to civilian life.
This award recognizes a program that has contributed to the sense of community on campus by encouraging students to come together and meaningfully engage with one another and/or the Ada County/Canyon County communities.
Student Organization of the Year
Biology Club for exceling in community engagement, collaboration, inclusivity, and leadership development, inspiring both academic excellence and community spirit.
This award is presented to an organization that demonstrates excellence in all areas of community engagement, collaboration, diversity, and inclusion, and leadership development.
Student Organization Advisor of the Year
Heather Schoenherr from the Psychology Club for her dedication to ensuring the club thrived amidst a pandemic and fostering club success through research opportunities, mentorship, and career connections.
The Student Organization Advisor Award honors an advisor who has excelled in providing support and assistance to a club/organization. The recipient has devoted time and service that has played a key role in the organization’s success.
Outstanding Officer of the Year
Ramon Murguia from the Psychology Club for his curiosity, networking and tireless dedication as a leader which has transformed the Psychology Club at CWI into a thriving and welcoming environment.
The Outstanding Officer/Representative of the Year Award honors a student who has demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout their term of office and has enhanced participation and involvement within their organization, the campus, and the community as a whole.
Quiet Influence Award
Emily Anderson from the ASL Club for promoting understanding of the deaf community and fostering a more inclusive campus environment.
This award honors an individual student who has contributed to their organization and campus community in a meaningful yet behind-the-scenes way.
Rising Leader Award
Ramon Murguia from the Psychology Club for demonstrating professionalism, inclusivity, and strong work ethic as he spearheaded the club’s growth in various roles.
This award honors a student who does not need a title in order to fill a leadership role. This student has shown throughout the year a newfound commitment to serve the Ada and Canyon County campuses and communities side-by-side with the elected student leaders and administration of the campus. This student can be found helping to complete any task needed while helping to model the core values and mission of the College.
Trailblazing Leadership Award
Elliot Johnson from the Biology Club for bridging campus life and the Treasure Valley community through his impactful leadership and innovative projects.
This prestigious award honors a second-year or graduating student leader who has engaged themselves in a significant leadership role on campus. The Trailblazing Leadership Award includes those students who have come to CWI with leadership experience or have developed leadership skills through the many opportunities the campus offers. Through their involvement, recipients of the Trailblazing Leadership Award have shown ambitions to improve campus life and strengthen the Ada and Canyon County communities.
Thank you, and congratulations to all our student leaders, clubs, advisors, staff, and faculty who have helped make the 2023-2024 academic year a success!
New Health and Sciences Building Topped Off at Nampa Campus
Friday, April 26 proved a historic day for the College of Western Idaho (CWI) as it celebrated the completion of the structural framework for its new Health and Science Building. This prominent milestone was marked with a unique “topping off” ceremony, casting a spotlight on the future of healthcare education.
The jubilation extended beyond the boundaries of CWI, with trustees, students, faculty, and Idaho State Legislature members cheering on as the final beam was placed. Getting to this important construction phase was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the CWI community and a generous $10 million contribution from the state.
“Today’s topping off ceremony marks a pivotal moment for our institution,” said CWI president Gordon Jones. “The Health and Science Building is not just a structure but a beacon of our commitment to innovation as well as delivering accessible and affordable education that leads to employment.”
Vice Chair of the CWI Board of Trustees, Cherie Buckner-Webb, added, “This ceremony is a celebration of progress, collaboration, and the future of the College of Western Idaho. We are building more than just a building; we are creating opportunities that will impact our community for generations to come.”
The cutting-edge Health and Science Building is set to feature advanced laboratories, cutting-edge technology, and flexible learning spaces, creating an interactive environment that fosters innovation.
Learn more about campus expansion projects on our website.
