CWI News – Oct. 10, 2025
In the Spotlight
Diesel Technology and Powersports students connected with local employers during CWI’s Oct. 8 Employer Discussion Panel. Professionals from Coastline Equipment, Valley Regional Transit, Grizzly Sports, Carl’s Cycle Sales, Christian Brothers Automotive, and Kendall Ford shared career guidance and tips on communication, teamwork, and interviewing.
President's Message
As we approach the midpoint of the semester, I hope you are finding energy and inspiration in the great work happening across CWI. This is always a busy time of year, and I am continually grateful for the dedication, care, and collaboration you bring to our students and community.
As you may be aware, we have been in discussions with the City of Nampa regarding conveyance of the Ford Idaho Center to CWI. Last night, the Nampa City Council voted 4–2 in favor of the conveyance. In the coming weeks, we anticipate confirmation of the legal agreements and consideration by our Board of Trustees. I look forward to sharing updates with you as this process moves forward.
On a related note of growth and opportunity, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our incredible faculty and staff for your contributions to this year’s Opening Doors fundraiser. It was a wonderful evening celebrating our students, programs, and the powerful impact CWI has on our community. Together, we raised nearly $245,000 — an inspiring total that will directly support students through scholarships.
And speaking of impact, I am also excited to share that our Surgical First Assistant program has earned national recognition from the Mayo Clinic, one of the most prestigious medical centers in the world. Earlier this year, Mayo invited only four programs nationwide to apply for their “Pathway to Excellence” scholarship event. We are proud to announce that five of the twelve available slots will be awarded to CWI students — a true reflection of their skill and the exceptional quality of instruction they receive at our college. This incredible opportunity will provide hands-on experience, tours, and learning from world-renowned surgeons — further elevating CWI’s reputation for excellence in healthcare education. Special thanks to Rob Blackston, program director, and our faculty, whose talent and commitment make these opportunities possible for our students.
Thank you, as always, for your passion and dedication to our mission. Your work shapes who we are as a college and makes student success possible every day.
CWI in the News
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Idaho Press – Nampa gives Ford Idaho Center to CWI
News Highlights
Metallica Scholars Initiative Fueling Hessing’s Firefighting Journey
Growing up, Kemper Hessing always knew he wanted to be a first responder. Inspired by his father, a sheriff’s deputy, Hessing admired the way public servants carried themselves and the impact they made in their communities.
While law enforcement was familiar, Hessing felt drawn to firefighting.
“The camaraderie between firefighters and the ability to truly be there for people when they need help most were two major factors that led me down this path,” said Hessing.
Although, that path wasn’t immediate. After graduating high school 2022, Hessing worked odd jobs while preparing to pursue a career in law enforcement at 21. But everything changed when he visited Eagle Fire Department for the first time.
“From that moment, my eyes were opened to the fire service,” he said. “There’s nothing else I can see myself doing for the rest of my career.”
Now in his first year of College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Fire Service Technology program, Hessing is pursuing that calling.
“As a first-generation firefighter, it can be hard to find a place to start,” Hessing said. “I asked around different stations here in the Treasure Valley, and everyone I talked to pointed me to CWI. The opportunity to learn from second- and third-year firefighters to retired fire chiefs is invaluable.”
Getting into the program is no small feat. Students must pass a written exam and an oral board interview. Hessing prepared by dedicating countless hours to mock interviews, station visits, and study sessions.
Being part of the program has been both rewarding and challenging. Hessing admits the physical rigor has been tougher than expected, but he sees that as one of the best parts.
“I’ve been able to come in, push myself, and see my progress every day,” he said.
The program, known for its competitive selection process, provides students with hands-on training and mentorship from firefighters at every stage of their careers. It immerses students in real-world firefighting scenarios and problem-solving, including live burns, vehicle extrications, and physical fitness courses tailored for firefighters.
“Kemper has been a great student in our program,” said CWI Director of Fire Service Programs, Darrin Raskopf. “We have pushed these recruits to the limits, and he is rising to the challenge. We are only seven weeks into the class, and we have already placed them in a metal chamber with actual fire, allowing them to experience the heat and darkness and observe how a fire grows and evolves. This experience enables them to better understand the dynamics of a fire and its changes.”
That same intensity has also helped Hessing forge strong bonds with his classmates, who share the same challenges and push each other to improve.
“Those are my boys,” Hessing said. “We sweat it out together 40 hours a week. It’s awesome having people to lean on who are going through the same challenges.”
However, those are not the only challenges. Like many students, balancing the demands of school with financial responsibilities can be difficult. Tuition, bills, and everyday expenses can weigh heavily, but scholarships, including the Metallica Scholars Initiative, made a big difference.
“This scholarship has been such a huge relief,” Hessing said. “It helps cover course fees for our gear and allows me to focus less on financial stress and more on putting my best foot forward every single day.”
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.
“This program is what it is today because of the equipment and expertise we get to use and train with daily, and this scholarship is a huge part in allowing us to have this fantastic opportunity,” said Hessing.
It’s an opportunity he does not take for granted. In the program, he often hears the phrase, “every day is an interview.” While he takes that to heart, he tries to not let mistakes or slip-ups overshadow his progress.
“How you respond to them is just as important as anything else,” Hessing said. “Don’t let one bad exercise repetition turn into a day of negativity, make your next rep even better and show your instructors you can learn and grow from adversity!”
Looking ahead, Hessing is focused on becoming the best firefighter he can be and giving back to the community he was raised in. He is grateful to Metallica that helped make it possible.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you for helping me achieve my dream of making a difference,” Hessing said. “Committing to a 40-hour-a-week unpaid program wasn’t an easy decision, but your generosity has helped me devote myself further to a life of service. I won’t let it go to waste.”
Partnering for Progress – Westmark and CWI Unite for Student Success
Westmark Credit Union has generously committed $35,000 to College of Western Idaho (CWI) in support of the new Health & Science Building (NCHS) and student-focused initiatives. As the presenting sponsor for CWI’s Week of Welcome activities during the 2025-2026 academic year, Westmark’s gift will help create a warm and engaging start for students while also investing in the future of healthcare education. Their generous donation will go toward the building itself in the amount of $25,000 as well as $10,000 going to Student Affairs.
Following brief comments from CWI Vice President of Advancement, Mark Arstein, and Westmark President and CEO, Mike Schenck, the group took a tour of NCHS. CWI Assistant Vice President of Advancement, Ryan Gerulf, led the tour group highlighting different features of the space, observing students in action, and noting the many labs throughout the building.
During the check presentation, Schenck commented, “What better way can we help people improve their financial wellbeing than giving them access to a high-quality, affordable education? CWI’s mission speaks to us and aligns with our values at Westmark.”
CWI is grateful to community partners such as Westmark Credit Union for their partnership in furthering student success and affordability.
Five CWI Surgical First Assistant Students Selected for Mayo Clinic Program
Five students from College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Surgical First Assistant program have been selected to attend Mayo Clinic’s Pathway to Excellence: Surgical Assistant Scholarship Event on Nov. 3, in Rochester, Minnesota. Out of 12 spots available nationwide, five were awarded to CWI students, highlighting the program’s growing reputation.
The CWI students selected are:
- Kelsey Fackrell
- Sarah Durbin-Hicks
- Kristin Fremstad
- Cory Mack
- Valeria Cardona-Lopez
The event will include presentations from world-renowned surgeons, panel discussions with Certified Surgical Assistants, tours of Mayo Clinic’s surgical facilities, and hands-on simulation experiences. Students will also attend a scholarship reception and receive a certificate of completion to strengthen their professional portfolios
CWI’s invitation stemmed from national visibility gained after Surgical First Assistant program Director and Instructor, Rob Blackston, appeared on The Surgical Assistant Podcast to discuss the program. With only 14 Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited Surgical First Assistant programs in the U.S., and CWI being one of just two in the western region, Mayo Clinic took notice and reached out directly.
“When Mayo joined one of our class sessions to speak with students, they were immediately impressed,” said Blackston. “Students asked thoughtful questions, demonstrated professionalism, and showed they are motivated to go above and beyond. I couldn’t be prouder.”
For Blackston, the recognition highlights both the caliber of his students and the value of the profession itself. Surgical first assistants work directly alongside surgeons in the operating room, performing critical tasks such as suturing, cauterizing, tying off blood vessels, and assisting with advanced procedures. As physician shortages grow nationwide, the demand for surgical first assistants is increasing, particularly in hospitals like Mayo, where they are fully integrated as critical members of surgical teams.
Blackston hopes this opportunity will not only inspire students to consider careers at Mayo but also benefit the program as a whole.
“This isn’t just about five individuals, it’s about our students bringing back new knowledge, skills, and insights to share with their classmates,” he said. “It shows that CWI students can compete at the national level.”
Applications for CWI’s Surgical First Assistant program are now open through Dec. 12, 2025. For more information about the program and how to apply, please visit Surgical First Assistant’s page.
CWI Nights Return — SCORE Big with Idaho Steelheads Hockey
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is proud to partner once again with Idaho Steelheads for CWI Nights during the 2025-2026 Season!
Students, alumni, employees, families, and friends are invited to join the CWI community at the arena for an evening of hockey, school spirit, and scholarship support. For just $25.44, fans will receive admission to the game along with a meal voucher for a Double R Ranch hot dog, chips, and a small drink. Even better, $5 from every CWI Night ticket goes directly back to the SCORE Big Scholarship Fund, helping students achieve their goals.
Each CWI Night will also feature opportunities for students to win big. CWI’s outreach team will be hosting a table on the concourse where current and future students can enter to win a $1,000 SCORE Big Scholarship, awarded during the second intermission right down on the ice. One lucky winner will also walk away with a CWI hockey jersey making the evening even more memorable.
CWI Nights
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Oct. 29 – Idaho Steelheads vs. Tahoe Knight Monsters
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Dec. 3 – Idaho Steelheads vs. Trois-Rivières Lions
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Feb. 4 – Idaho Steelheads vs. Greenville Swamp Rabbits
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Feb. 25 – Idaho Steelheads vs. Wichita Thunder
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March 25 – Idaho Steelheads vs. South Carolina Stingrays
Games begin at 7 p.m. at Idaho Central Arena.
Discounted Tickets
The fun doesn't stop at CWI Nights! Discounted tickets are available to the CWI community for all Steelheads home games during the 2025-2026 season for just $18. Tickets must be purchased at least 24 hours prior to the event and are subject to availability.
Stay tuned for future announcements to learn how students and employees may be able to win free tickets to upcoming games through involvement at campus activities and registration events. Be sure to show up at the games in Otter fashion and school spirit with college-branded clothing — available at the CWI Bookstore online or in person at the Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC).
Contact communications@cwi.edu with questions or for more information.
Indigenous Peoples' Day Celebration
College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) School of Social Sciences and Public Affairs, School of Arts and Humanities, Campus Community Support and Success Committee, and Office of Student Engagement are proud to host a celebration honoring the cultures, histories, and resilience of Indigenous peoples.
Join CWI on Monday, Oct. 13, for an evening highlighting the history and culture of the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of Duck Valley.
CWI students, faculty, staff, and community members are invited to enjoy an Indigenous-inspired dinner and a presentation led by members of the Indigenous community, followed by an interactive and thoughtful discussion.
About the Speaker
Jade Roubideaux is a descendant of the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of Duck Valley, an Indian Reservation which straddles the border of southwest Idaho and northwest Nevada.
After growing up at Duck Valley, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Anthropology from the University of Idaho and was subsequently hired by the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes, where she now serves as Cultural Preservation Director.
Roubideaux is currently pursuing her graduate certificate in GIS & Cartography and is due to graduate at the end of the quarter. Roubideaux will share insights on her Tribes’ history and culture during CWI’s Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration.
Monday, Oct. 13
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), Room 122
For those with questions or in need of more information, please contact Professor Nikki Gorrell at nikkigorrell@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.
Join the Frightful Festivities at ASCWI’s 2025 Trunk-or-Treat
Associated Student of College of Western Idaho's (ASCWI) Trunk or Treat is back and better than ever! Join us on Thursday, Oct. 30, from 5 – 7 p.m. in the Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB) east parking lot for a fun and family-friendly evening of trick-or-treating, games, and more.
This year, we'll have even more decorated cars, more candy, and more fun! Come dressed in your best costume and trick-or-treat from the trunks of decorated cars. There will be fun, games for all ages, music, and food from Classic Guac & Roll!
This is a great opportunity for the community of College of Western Idaho (CWI) to come together and celebrate. We encourage all students, faculty, staff, and their families to come out and have a good time!
ASCWI Trunk-or-Treat
Thursday, Oct. 30
5 – 7 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), east parking lot
Interested in hosting a trunk or table?
CWI clubs and organizations along with CWI departments and offices are invited to register to host a trunk or table at the event. Registration is limited and will close no later than Oct. 29 (earlier if full).
For more information about CWI’s Trunk or Treat, please contact ASCWI at ascwi@cwi.edu.
Honoring the First-Gen Journey
Are you a first-generation college student? Join us for the First-Generation Awareness Day Event, celebrating students who are the first in their families to attend college, where neither parent has earned a bachelor’s degree. This event is open to everyone, whether you identify as first-generation or not.
Come hear the stories of current students, graduates, faculty, and staff as they share their experiences, challenges, and achievements as a first-generation student. Enjoy food, connect with others, and discover resources to support your own journey to success. Why celebrate in November?
Thursday, Nov. 6
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Nampa Campus in the Academic Building (NCAB), Student Lounge – Room 122
CWI Employees: Get Your FREE First-Gen Shirt!
In conjunction with the Nov. 6 event, CWI employees have the opportunity to get a free First-Gen shirt to wear Nov. 4 – 6 at your place of work. Help CWI raise awareness and celebrate First-Generation college students this year.
Click here to learn more and request a shirt while supplies last.
Building a Healthier Campus – Promote the NCHA Survey
As part of College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) commitment to student wellbeing, CWI is participating in a statewide initiative with the Idaho College Health Coalition. This fall, most of Idaho’s public colleges and universities will be administering the National College Health Assessment (NCHA), a comprehensive survey designed to better understand the health and wellness of our students.
Beginning Monday, Oct. 20, CWI students will receive an email invitation from NCHA to complete the survey. Survey topics include mental health, substance use, nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and other key areas of life that impact student success.
How You Can Help
Faculty and staff are encouraged to help raise awareness and support student participation. The data collected will inform future wellness programming, services, and campus and statewide initiatives. Students who complete the survey by Nov. 14 will be entered to win one of 29 prizes, including a portable projector, noise-cancelling headphones, weighted blanket, tabletop firepit, and more.
For questions or more information, please contact Jodi Hickenlooper, Assistant Director of Counseling and Wellness Services, at jodihickenlooper@cwi.edu.
