CWI News – Nov. 14, 2025
In the Spotlight
CWI honored Veterans Day with a breakfast and ceremony on Nov. 11 at the Nampa Campus Academic Building, celebrating our veteran community with stories from Nick Alexx of the U.S. Army and IT Help Desk Supervisor, Ryan Agre of the U.S. Coast Guard and Management student, and Mike Tomlin of the U.S. Army, author, and educator. Catered by veteran-owned Table VIII Overland Catering Company, the event served up great food and even better conversation.
News Highlights
Bryant Turns Setback into Firefighting Dream
Kaden Bryant knew from a young age that he wanted to make a difference. Growing up in Boise, he was fascinated by fire stations and the firefighters who visited his school for drills and demonstrations. He was drawn to the sirens, the trucks, and the idea of being the person people counted on in their most critical moments.
After high school, Bryant wanted to build on his education and being strong with numbers, he decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business finance at Boise State University. But he knew that sitting behind a desk was not his passion. He wanted to be out in the field, making an impact. Even as he worked toward his degree, he stayed connected to his firefighting goal by earning his emergency medical technician certification during his final semester.
“It was then, I realized a career in firefighting was what I really wanted to do,” Bryant said.
After earning his bachelor’s degree, Bryant immediately enrolled in College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Fire Service Technology program. He chose the academy because of its strong track record of helping aspiring firefighters succeed. He also saw it as an opportunity to expand his fire service education and enhance his training through the firefighter fitness classes.
Originally part of the academy's 2024 class, Bryant’s dream was nearly derailed six weeks into training when he tore his meniscus. The injury required surgery and forced him to step away from the program. Rather than letting frustration take over, Bryant used the setback as motivation to come back stronger.
“Getting hurt just made me more determined to return back stronger,” Bryant said. "Surgery and rehab were tough, but I knew this was what I wanted."
Now back and enrolled in the program’s 2025 class, Bryant is proving his determination every day. He says the academy’s 40-hour weeks, combined with extra practice, coursework, and life outside the classroom, push him to new levels — both physically and mentally.
“Time management is one of the biggest challenges here,” he said. “Balancing academy, work, reading, and still making time for my girlfriend and family is tough, but every challenge makes you better prepared for the future.”
Bryant said the support of instructors, along with encouragement from his family, keeps him motivated. He also credits the Metallica Scholars Initiative with helping ease the financial pressure of the program while providing high-quality gear for training.
“This scholarship made it possible to focus on the work instead of worrying about money,” he said. “The equipment we have because of it gives us a huge advantage in preparing for real-world scenarios.”
Through the band’s All Within My Hands foundation, CWI was awarded $125,000 over the past two years to provide Fire Service Technology students with critical safety equipment and help offset the costs of internships and training.
For Bryant, completing the academy this December will be one of his proudest achievements, right alongside earning his bachelor’s degree. He’s already been in touch with fire departments about potential openings and hopes to secure a role to launch his firefighting career soon after graduation.
Bryant hopes his journey can inspire others to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles.
“It’s never too late to start a new path. Firefighting is an amazing career, and every obstacle is a chance to grow into the firefighter you want to be,” he said.
Fuel Student Success: Become a CWI Sustainer
In the Spotlight: Audrey Eldridge
At College of Western Idaho (CWI), small, consistent acts of generosity can add up to lasting impact. That’s the idea behind the new CWI Sustainer Giving Program, a simple, meaningful way for anyone who believes in CWI’s mission to make a difference all year long.
Through the program, donors can set up automatic monthly gifts that provide steady, reliable funding for student scholarships, innovative programs, and opportunities that change lives.
To celebrate the launch, a generous donor has stepped forward with a special offer:
When you start a new recurring monthly gift, an extra $100 will be unlocked and directed to the fund you choose until Dec. 31.
For Audrey Eldridge, Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Communications and a long-time supporter of the College, the Sustainer program captures what makes giving to CWI so rewarding.
“It’s so easy to start, and you really don’t miss it,” Eldridge said. “But the impact you’re making, that sense of knowing you’re helping students reach their goals, that’s something you feel every day.”
Eldridge, one of CWI’s original team members, shared she has always been inspired by the College’s mission and the people who believe in it.
“What keeps me motivated is knowing we’re all here for the same purpose: celebrating student success,” she said. “When people give, it not only relieves financial burdens, but it also gives students confidence. It shows them that others believe in them.”
She’s seen that belief in action. One of her favorite examples of the impact of scholarships involves a CWI graduate, a single mother who left an abusive situation and found a path forward through a Foundation scholarship.
“She promised her kids they’d go to Disneyland after she graduated,” Eldridge recalled. “When she finally did it, she sent us a picture of her and her kids there. It changed the trajectory of her life and knowing CWI played a part in that was amazing.”
For Eldridge, giving is about fueling that kind of transformation.
“Students are like rockets,” she said. “CWI is the launchpad, and donors are the fuel helping them take off.”
Whether you’re a long-time supporter or new to giving, becoming a CWI Sustainer is one of the most powerful ways to invest in students’ futures.
Set up your recurring monthly gift today and unlock an extra $100 toward the fund you choose or contact foundation@cwi.edu to learn more.
Beta Sigma Pi Donates Food and Hygiene Bags to Campus Pantries
Students and employees from across the College of Western Idaho (CWI) rolled up their sleeves Monday, Nov. 10, to assemble food and hygiene bags for CWI’s campus food pantries. The event, hosted by CWI’s Beta Sigma Pi Honor Society, a chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), brought together the campus community in a shared effort to support students in need.
Held at the Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN), volunteers packed 130 bags, filled with nonperishable foods and personal hygiene essentials. The project was part of PTK’s annual College Project, which encourages students to design and lead initiatives that give back to their campus community in alignment with the College’s mission and values.
“It felt really meaningful to give back to CWI students and to know that what we were putting together could make someone's week a little easier,” said Beta Sigma Pi’s Vice President of Scholarship, Brynlee Buchmiller. “Having access to food is an important part of being able to focus and succeed in school. It feels good knowing we helped make that possible for someone.”
Generous donations from Overland Dental, East Boise Dental, and Terry Reilly Health Services helped make the project possible, providing oral care items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and dental picks. Other food and hygiene supplies, including ramen, soap, and granola bars, were also contributed and surplus of those items were left in the pantries for future use.
Timing for this effort was even more impactful with the holidays coming up and recent external factors that have created challenges accessing food and basic needs.
“Learning more about the process of how the food pantries at CWI are filled and then contributing to it has been a fun and exciting experience,” said Beta Sigma Pi Chapter President, Will Soltau. “I liked that we could hopefully bring attention to the fact that CWI has food pantries for students to use.”
Campus Food and Hygiene Pantries
The College has six food and hygiene pantries located throughout CWI’s campuses, where students experiencing food insecurity are welcome to access food to get them through the day.
- Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB)
main floor, across from room 122 on the opposite side of the stairs
- Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC)
main floor, down the hall next to the Bookstore
- Nampa Campus Multipurpose Building (NCMP)
main floor, around the corner from the Library
- Canyon County Center (CYNC)
main floor, outside of room 106
- Ada County Center Mallard Building (AMAL)
by the main entrance
- Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN)
in the hallway near office 1117
To learn more about the food pantries and how to donate, please visit the Food Security page or contact Juan Sanchez at juansanchez1@cwi.edu.
Beta Sigma Pi Honor Society
Beta Sigma Pi is CWI’s chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society, a community of students dedicated to scholarship, leadership, service, and fellowship.
As part of the Rocky Mountain Cascade Region, Beta Sigma Pi joins more than 1,300 PTK chapters and 3.25 million members worldwide. CWI’s chapter is recognized as a PTK International Top 40 Chapter and has received multiple international, regional, and member awards for excellence.
For any questions about eligibility, membership, graduation requirements, and more, email ptk@cwi.edu.
Take Part in the Annual Giving Tree
Help bring holiday cheer to children in the Treasure Valley by participating in College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) annual Giving Tree. The Psychology Club is partnering with CASA of Southwest Idaho, an independent non-profit organization representing the best interests of children in foster care.
Their goal is to collect 500 toys for children across the Treasure Valley, from infants to age 16. Each Giving Tree features tags with a child’s age and gender to help guide your gift selection.
New, unwrapped gifts will be collected now through Thursday, Dec. 11.
Trees are located near the security desks at the following campus locations:
Contact Heather Schoenherr at heatherschoenherr@cwi.edu with questions or to learn more.
CWI 2025 Fall Movie Night!
Looking to unwind after a busy semester? Students and their guest(s) are invited to join College of Western Idaho (CWI) at Majestic Cinemas for a free movie 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 (e.g. fall and/or spring semester) are eligible to register for themselves and up to one (1) guest. If you do not meet the requirements as listed and/or submit a duplicate entry, you will receive communication indicating your ticket will be cancelled/released.
Disney’s Zootopia 2
In Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootopia 2,” detectives Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman) find themselves on the twisting trail of a mysterious reptile who arrives in Zootopia and turns the mammal metropolis upside down. To crack the case, Judy and Nick must go undercover to unexpected new parts of town, where their growing partnership is tested like never before.
Friday, Dec. 5 at 6 P.M.
Tickets on Sale: Thursday, Nov. 20
- Each CWI student can claim a ticket for themselves and up to one (1) guest.
- The first 55 adult attendees will receive a free medium popcorn and drink.
- The first 20 child attendees will receive a free snack pack.
For questions, please reach out to the Office of Student Engagement at studentengagement@cwi.edu.
Enter the 2026 Connections Conference Logo Contest
College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Connections Conference celebrates culture, collaboration, education, innovation, and achievement. We are inviting current CWI students to showcase their design talent by creating a new 2026 Connections Conference logo that represents this mission! Submissions for the Logo Contest will be accepted through Friday, Nov. 21, at 11:59 p.m.
The winning logo will be chosen by the Connections Conference committee and used for marketing and promotion of the event. The selected student will have the opportunity to work closely with CWI’s Communications and Marketing team to bring their vision to life, ensuring their design aligns perfectly with the project's goals. In addition, the winner of the Connections Conference Logo Contest will receive a monetary award of $400.
Please note: Accepting this award may affect your financial aid eligibility. For questions, contact Financial Aid at financialaid@cwi.edu.
Students may submit up to three (3) works for consideration.
The winner of the contest will be announced at the beginning of the Spring 2026 semester.
The winning logo must adhere to CWI’s Brand Standards, as it will appear on official promotional materials. Before submitting, please review all entry requirements to ensure your work meets the contest guidelines.
Spring into Success – Register for Spring 2026
Get ready for an exciting Spring 2026 semester at College of Western Idaho (CWI)! Whether you’re continuing your education, starting a new path, earning a degree or certificate, preparing to transfer, or learning just for fun, CWI is where opportunity begins and potential grows.
Admissions & Registration
Mark your calendar!
- Oct. 27 – Priority Registration Begins (continuing students)
- Nov. 3 – Open Registration Begins (new/returning students)
- Jan. 10 – Admission Deadline
- Jan. 20 – Classes Begin
- Jan. 22 – Registration Deadline
Current Students
- Be sure to meet with your advisor prior to registering. Once advising is completed, students can register online any time on or after their assigned registration time.
- Registration times are assigned based on cumulative credits earned. Students can check myCWI and their CWI email for their assigned time.
- Continuing students are considered those who enrolled and attended classes any semester since Spring 2020.
- Dual credit students will register during open registration.
New & Returning Students
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All new, degree-seeking students must participate in New Student Orientation prior to registering for classes.
Contact One Stop Student Services or visit us online to learn more about applying to CWI, orientation, and registering for classes.
Fall 2025 Fire Drill Results
College of Western Idaho (CWI) has successfully conducted fire drills across all campus locations for the Fall 2025 semester.
Each campus executed the evacuation procedures swiftly and efficiently, following designated evacuation routes. Our floor captains performed exceptionally well, ensuring their assigned areas were cleared and reporting to the centralized location in a calm and professional manner.
These drills are a vital part of our emergency preparedness efforts, helping ensure that students, faculty, and staff are ready for an organized evacuation in the event of a fire or other emergency. Additionally, fire drills help us evaluate and improve our emergency response systems by:
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Familiarizing occupants with procedures, fire exits, and alarm sounds.
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Reinforcing knowledge of exit routes and safe assembly areas.
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Identifying issues with fire alarm components.
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Highlighting weaknesses in evacuation strategy, communication, and procedures.
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Assessing the need for additional equipment in specific areas.
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Monitoring individual response times.
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Observing overlooked hazards.
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Determining training needs.
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Measuring building evacuation times.
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Tracking exit usage.
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Gathering suggestions for future drills.
For more information on how to respond to other emergencies, please refer to the CWI Emergency Guidebook.
2025 Holiday Check Processing Notice
Due to campus closures for Fall and Winter Breaks, College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Business Office will not issue employee reimbursement or vendor checks on the following dates:
Nov. 24 – 28
Normal processing of checks will resume Dec. 4.
Dec. 22 – Jan. 2
Normal processing of checks will resume on Jan. 9.
If you have questions or are in need of more information, contact Accounts Payable at accountspayable@cwi.edu.
