CWI News – May 9, 2025
News Highlights
Celebrating Excellence: Student Leadership Award Winners Announced
The atmosphere was vibrant at Jack’s Urban Meeting Place (JUMP) in Boise on Friday, May 2, as the community gathered to celebrate the outstanding achievements of student leaders at the annual College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Student Leadership Awards Banquet. The evening was dedicated to recognizing the hard work, dedication, and significant impact these students have made on campus and beyond, highlighting their invaluable contributions.
Student Club Award Winners for 2024-2025
Community Service Program of the Year
Through STEM Night at Roosevelt Elementary, Chemistry Club demonstrates their commitment to community service and science education by providing engaging, hands-on chemistry demonstrations. Members regularly volunteer their expertise to address the need for hands-on science experiences, promote science literacy, and foster a service-oriented mindset.
Social Program of the Year
Night of the Living Moles, hosted by Chemistry Club united the CWI community with a unique blend of science, Halloween fun, and camaraderie, featuring interactive experiments, science trivia, a costume contest, and festive decorations that made science accessible and exciting.
Student Organization of the Year
Exercise is Medicine Club has significantly impacted campus and local community through diverse health-focused initiatives, including collaborative events, partnerships with counseling and local organizations, and consistent delivery of high-quality events that foster a healthier, more active community.
Student Organization Advisor of the Year
Rick Del Vecchio from the Gaming Club for his exceptional dedication and support by volunteering countless hours, offering invaluable guidance and technical expertise, and cultivating a positive environment that empowers students, strengthens community, and provides lasting opportunities for growth.
Outstanding Officer of the Year
Daniel Strilets from Chemistry Club for significantly improving the club through proactive engagement, enhanced communication, community building, and spearheading a large community STEM outreach event that engaged over 200 students.
Quiet Influence Award
Madelyn Miller from Chemistry Club for her instrumental behind-the-scenes effort, including her reliability in coordinating event logistics, her calm, solution-focused approach to challenges, and her proactive nature in improving club systems and mentoring members. A key foundation of Chemistry Club’s success.
Trailblazing Leadership Award
Caleb Ball from the Astronomy Club has positively impacted students by creating a safe haven dedicated to astronomy, science, and creativity, securing a Unistellar telescope, actively uplifting others, and demonstrating adaptability and innovation through resourceful problem-solving and championing CWI core values.
Thank you, and congratulations to all our student leaders, clubs, advisors, staff, and faculty who have helped make the 2024-2025 academic year a success!
To learn more about the club award categories, visit Club Awards.
Rock On! Volunteer at Summer Concerts for the CWI Food Bank
CWI Staff, want to experience the thrill of live music for free this summer while making a real difference in the lives of College of Western Idaho (CWI) students? Here's your chance!
The Ford Idaho Center and CWI have teamed up to support the vital CWI Food Pantry Program throughout the summer concert series! From May 20 through October 11, concertgoers will have the opportunity to make monetary donations to help students facing food insecurity.
We're looking for enthusiastic staff and faculty volunteers to be the face of this incredible initiative!
As a Concert Cares Volunteer, you'll:
- Staff a dedicated CWI booth or tent at the Ford Idaho Center.
- Engage with fellow music lovers and share information about the CWI Food Pantry program.
- Hand out flyers and encourage donations to support CWI students in need.
- Facilitate easy donations through a convenient QR code for online giving. (Please note: We will only be collecting online monetary donations.)
But that's not all! As a thank you for your time and support, volunteers will receive:
- FREE admission to enjoy the entire concert after your shift!
- A complimentary food and beverage voucher!
- FREE parking!
Spread the word! Non-CWI friends and family are also welcome to join the fun and volunteer alongside you! Each concert can accommodate a maximum of four volunteers. As a CWI volunteer, you are welcome to sign up one non-CWI guest to volunteer with you.
**Please note, volunteers are only allowed to sign up for one concert.
On the day of your chosen event, a friendly representative from the Ford Idaho Center will greet you upon arrival and provide all the necessary details. More information about your chosen event will be sent directly to you after you sign up.
Don't miss this amazing opportunity to enjoy fantastic live music, support a crucial cause, and have a fun-filled summer!
This is what concert goers (& volunteers) can win with their generous donations (This can also be used as a script when speaking to concert patrons):
“Rock out for a cause and score big! Every donation you make at our summer concerts not only supports the incredible CWI Food Pantry, helping local students thrive, but also enters you for exciting chances to win! At each show, you could snag fantastic prizes, and one lucky donor will walk away with a $1000 Score Big scholarship from CWI at the end of the season! Plus, our generous partners at the Ford Idaho Center are sweetening the deal with a grand prize drawing for 4 tickets to a show of your choice next season (Nov '25 - Apr '26), 2 free parking passes, a $120 food & beverage credit, and a $100 merch item (pending artist merch availability)! Donate today and make a difference while getting the chance to win big!”
Kate Orduño is the March 2025 Faculty of Distinction
Kate Orduño, Support Faculty in the Math Solutions Center at the College of Western Idaho (CWI), has been recognized as the Faculty of Distinction for March 2025. Since joining CWI in 2009, Kate has played an integral role in supporting student success, particularly in college-preparatory mathematics, and has earned admiration from students and colleagues alike for her dedication, empathy, and leadership.
Kate currently teaches Math 097 and Math 099, foundational courses designed to help students build confidence and readiness for college-level math. Her journey at CWI began teaching courses like Math 143 and Math 123, but her passion has always been centered on helping students who may have struggled with math in the past. “What makes it even more meaningful is getting to know our students and being part of their educational journey,” she shared.
Colleagues in the Math Solutions Center say Kate embodies the core values of CWI: Excellence, Innovation, Respect, and Care. Stacie Fajardo, an adjunct faculty member, remarked, “She has come up with an organizational template to streamline and unify all of the college prep math group instructors, and she takes on the workload of personally following up with any of the online students who may be falling behind as their ‘math coach.’ She encourages them and gives them the extra guidance and resources they may need.”
Kate’s approach is deeply student-centered, grounded in patience and persistence. One student, John Barber, shared, “Professor Orduño showed me that there is hope not just in class but also in life. She made time to understand how I learned and tried to meet those needs to the best of her ability.” He added, “She is not just an excellent teacher, but she is an amazing human being.”
With a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from California State University, Fresno, and a Master of Science in Applied Mathematics from Idaho State University, Kate brings both expertise and compassion to her work. Her background includes industry experience at Micron Electronics, but it’s her role in the classroom — and beyond — that has been most impactful.
Kate believes CWI offers students the right mix of support, affordability, and opportunity. “With a wide range of degrees, certificates, and apprenticeships, students have affordable options that can lead directly into rewarding careers or provide a strong foundation for a bachelor’s degree,” she said.
A Navy family upbringing gave Kate a lifelong appreciation for adaptability and connection. She’s now been married to her husband Nacho for nearly 35 years, and their son Jake is a sophomore at Northern Arizona University. When she’s not helping students find success in math, she enjoys pickleball, reading, solving crossword puzzles, and traveling — naming New Zealand as one of her favorite destinations.
Kate Orduño’s recognition as Faculty of Distinction is a reflection of her quiet, consistent impact. Whether guiding a student toward understanding an equation or reassuring them they belong in higher education, Kate represents the best of what CWI has to offer — dedicated educators who help students believe in themselves.
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.
Innovation at the Entrepreneur Lab Spring Showcase
College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Entrepreneur Lab partnered with the Connections Project for the 2025 Spring Showcase and Competition on April 24. Students and community members brought their best ideas forward in a vibrant, high-energy event featuring innovative, thought-provoking, and even humorous concepts.
Participants wowed a panel of judges and a live audience with creative exhibits and compelling short pitches. From brilliant business plans to tasty treats, the energy and ingenuity on display showcased the innovative drive in the CWI community.
The Winners
$1,000 — Tiller Farm Matchmaking took home the top prize for their unique concept: a dating app-inspired platform for farm animals
$500 (2) — The Modern Post and Gerald Turner Brewery.
Four additional presenters each earned $250 prizes for their fantastic contributions.
Special thanks to Osito’s Food, The Hobby Farm, and Fire Storm Productions for bringing their ideas to the table, and the delicious homemade tamales courtesy of Monic Ortiz.
Stay tuned for more events from the CWI Entrepreneur Lab.
Spring 2025 Fire Drills Were a Success
Fire drills have been completed at each of the College of Western Idaho (CWI) campus locations for the Spring 2025 semester.
Each campus evacuated quickly and efficiently utilizing the evacuation routes specific to their area. The Floor Captains did an outstanding job of clearing their assigned areas and reporting to the centralized location in a calm professional manner.
These drills are to prepare students, faculty, and staff for an organized evacuation in case of a fire or other emergency.
Fire drills are also used to identify various elements in our process, such as:
- Allowing occupants to familiarize themselves with drill procedures, location of fire exits and the sound of the fire alarm.
- Allowing occupants to familiarize themselves with exit routes and safe assembly areas.
- Identifying problems with the fire alarm components.
- Identifying any weaknesses in the evacuation strategy, communications, and procedures.
- Determining if additional equipment is necessary in certain areas of the building.
- Monitoring individual’s response time to the alarms.
- Observing any hazards that were overseen.
- Observing if additional training is needed for individuals.
- Monitoring the amount of time it takes to evacuate a building.
- Observing which exits are used.
- Noting any suggestions/ideas for future drills.
Spring 2025 Fire Drill Results
Familiarize yourself on how to respond to other emergencies by reviewing the CWI Emergency Handbook.
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.
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
Countdown to Commencement: Get Your Regalia
Spring graduates, your moment is almost here! As you gear up for College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) 2025 Commencement Ceremony, be sure to take care of one essential detail — your regalia. Now is the time to order everything you need to walk with pride.
Regalia is officially available to purchase at the CWI Bookstore March 31 through May 9, in store during regular store hours or online.
- Full regalia (cap, gown, tassel) – $32.50
- Gown – $21.75
- Cap – $6.00
- Tassel (Associate or GED) – $4.25
- Honor Cord – $11.15
- CWI Stole – $23.70
Grab your gear early while supplies last. This is your time to shine — let’s make sure you look the part.
If you have questions or need help with your order, the CWI Bookstore team can help. Contact them at bookstore@cwi.edu or 208.562.2402.
Congratulations, grads — let the countdown to Commencement begin!
2025 Commencement Seeking Volunteers
The 2025 CWI Commencement Ceremony is fast approaching, and we are looking for volunteers to help staff the event and celebrate this important moment with our students!
What Volunteer Help is Needed?
Volunteer shifts vary based on the role assigned. Some positions are busiest during graduate check-in and lineup, while others are more active during the name-reading portion of the ceremony and the recessional.
How Do I Sign Up?
Click below and choose a slot that works best for you. The deadline for selections is April 25.
Additional Information:
Training: We will provide training during the first week of May via Zoom.
Paid Time: While you will be volunteering, this will count as paid time. Please coordinate with your supervisor to adjust your work hours accordingly.
Meals: We’ll provide dinner during your shift.
We are deeply grateful to everyone willing and able to assist with this event. Your support is vital to making the ceremony a success!
Converging Connections: 2025 CWI Capstone Artist Exhibition
Celebrate the artistic and academic achievements of College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Studio Art graduates at the exhibit, Converging Connections, on display, beginning Wednesday, April 16, at Boise State University’s Student Union Building Fine Arts Gallery.
The 2025 CWI Capstone Artist Exhibition celebrates the artistic and academic achievements of these Studio Art graduates: Kaleb Belknap, Thordis Boeker, Chelsea Capps, Alison Colacchio, Wendy Dickinson, Isabel Dominguez, Jessica Fisher, Ari Foy, Jordan Grove, Lakiah Howell, Michelle Jenkins, Mackenzie Macky, Kae Martini, Avery McDonald, Dally McEwen, Shaun Miller, Jacesana Peeples, Emma Prescott, Bryant Varley, and Jordan Wittchow.
The exhibit will run from April 16 – May 12 and can be viewed between 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily. In addition, students, faculty, staff, and community members are invited to an opening reception Wednesday, April 16, from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
Opening Reception
Wednesday, April 16
4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Boise State University, Student Union Building Fine Arts Gallery
Converging Connections Exhibition
April 16 – May 12
7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Boise State University, Student Union Building Fine Arts Gallery
CWI’s Studio Art program promotes the development of artistic skills and practice, craftsmanship, and aesthetic discernment. The Associate of Arts degree in Studio Art provides students with a foundational understanding of the history of visual culture, provides opportunities to grow as artists, and prepares students who are interested in transferring to a four–year college or university to complete a bachelor’s degree in Art.
Contact Goran Fazil at goranfazil@cwi.edu to learn more about the College’s Studio Art program or this year’s exhibit.
