CWI News – Oct. 31, 2025
News Highlights
Jones and Arstein Named to Idaho Business Review’s IDAHO 500 List
College of Western Idaho (CWI) President, Gordon Jones, and Vice President of Advancement, Mark Arstein, have been named to Idaho Business Review’s IDAHO 500, a premier recognition honoring the most influential and accomplished professionals across the state. The annual list highlights leaders who are driving innovation, strengthening communities, and shaping Idaho’s future.
President Jones was recognized as one of Idaho’s top leaders in the Education category. The publication noted his leadership in advancing CWI’s mission of accessible, workforce-driven education, including shepherding the College’s first bachelor’s degree in Business Administration while simultaneously undertaking four major building projects and entering a $138 million fundraising campaign, Powering the Treasure Valley.
“I am passionate about advancing affordable higher education that improves employment and life opportunities, maximizing public education’s value for students and communities,” said Jones. “As the Treasure Valley grows, these services are essential to sustaining growth in the workforce and economy.”
Arstein earned recognition as a top leader in Economic Development for his role in establishing CWI’s revitalized Advancement Division and Foundation. Since joining the College, he has built a high-performing team and helped secure significant philanthropic support, fueling student success and institutional investment.
“Fundraising in higher education can sometimes be a rollercoaster ride, and it requires patience, persistence, and understanding that we are always on the donor’s timeline,” Arstein said.
Jones and Arstein join a select group of leaders whose work is shaping Idaho’s future and expanding opportunities for communities across the state.
Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!
CWI Entrepreneur Lab Wraps October with Success
October was another high-energy month at the College of Western Idaho (CWI) Entrepreneur Lab, packed with learning, inspiration, and hands-on opportunities for student innovators. The month kicked off with the Lab’s Open House, welcoming a strong turnout from across campus to celebrate the start of a new semester.
The Lab also proudly sponsored Boise Entrepreneur Week, leading the Youth Challenge to engage young innovators in pitching creative solutions and exploring entrepreneurship early. Cohorts were in full swing, with the Next Level Accelerator providing one-on-one coaching from Entrepreneur Lab Director, Kenton Lee, and the Idea Set Go group meeting weekly to refine promising business ideas.
Two sessions drew large crowds and excitement, Business Basics with Board of Trustees Chair, Jim Reames, which set a record with 43 attendees (even in a larger room, it was standing room only), and First Steps with Brandon Vilcapoma, which brought together a strong group of engaged entrepreneurs eager to learn from his journey.
Looking ahead, the Entrepreneur Lab offers several events to continue the momentum:
First Steps with Payton McGriff
CEO of Style Her Empowered and CNN Hero award winner, Payton McGriff, will share her journey building a mission-driven organization that empowers girls through education and opportunity. Pizza, raffle, and prizes included.
Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC), Entrepreneur Lab (Room 100B)
Business Basics with Andy Crossman
Founder of Journeys, Andy Crossman, will offer practical insight on maximizing your business idea, showing how thoughtful entrepreneurship can make a meaningful impact.
Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC), Entrepreneur Lab (Room 100B)
OtterTank
Entrepreneurs can pitch their ideas for a chance to win cash prizes, while attendees can cheer on innovators and explore new business concepts.
Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC), Entrepreneur Lab (Room 100B)
Whether you’re just starting your entrepreneurial journey or looking to grow an existing idea, the Entrepreneur Lab is buzzing with opportunities to connect, learn, and create. Learn more and be part of the action.
Sevigny Named September 2025 Faculty of Distinction
Congratulations to College of Western Idaho (CWI) Assistant Professor of Physics, Stephanie Sevigny, who has been named Faculty of Distinction for September 2025.
Sevigny has been part of the CWI community since Fall 2010, where she has taught courses including Survey of Physics (PHYS-100), General Physics (PHYS-111), Physics for Scientists and Engineers (PHYS-211), and Survey of Astronomy (PHYS-101).
For Sevigny, the best part of teaching is simple: her students.
“Their enthusiasm and eagerness to learn inspire me every day,” Sevigny said. “I love what I teach, and when I’m doing my job right, I can see my students connecting with the material in real time. It’s a wonderful thing.”
A native of Idaho Falls, Sevigny’s passion for science was sparked by her parents and early exposure to the Idaho National Laboratory. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Brigham Young University and a Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, where she helped design probes to measure magnetic fields in a fusion experiment at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
After spending time in the business and finance world, Sevigny discovered her love for teaching while instructing high school physics, chemistry, and earth science. When her family later moved back to Idaho, she saw an opening at CWI and knew it was the right fit.
At CWI, Sevigny values the College’s dedication to teaching and student success.
“At CWI, we as faculty get to focus on teaching,” Sevigny said. “Every teacher here is constantly working to improve their lessons and help students succeed. I think our students see that and appreciate that.”
Through her years at the College, Sevigny has created countless opportunities for students to explore and grow. As a club advisor for the Astronomy Club, she has led field trips to the Idaho National Laboratory, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO), and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, experiences she continues to reference in her lectures today.
She has also helped students gain real-world experience through summer research grants such as Bridges to Baccalaureate (B2B) and IDAstro, where students have conducted biomedical research and worked at the Bruneau Dunes Observatory sharing the wonders of the universe with visitors.
Recently, Sevigny has hosted “Physics Friday” sessions, informal meetups where students work alongside her and CWI tutors on extra problems. Students say her dedication and support make a lasting impact.
“Stephanie does whatever she can to help the students around her,” said CWI student, Christopher Turmes. “As I was working with her to join the B2B program, she was there every step of the way. When the program ended, she helped me find alternatives. Every week, she holds “Physics Friday” on her own time to help tutor students. She sets expectations, is always willing to listen, and has made my time at CWI much more comfortable. I know she would do this for any student.”
Sevigny believes CWI empowers students to explore their options, find opportunities, build a community, and plan for the future. In turn, she says, CWI empowers her to share her experience, teach with enthusiasm, and encourage success.
“Because of CWI, I get to do a job I love surrounded by people that inspire me,” she said.
Outside the classroom, Sevigny and her husband, Lawrence, who also teaches Computer Science at CWI, share their passion for learning with their two grown children; a daughter in graduate school at Oregon State University and a son pursuing his undergraduate degree at Boise State University.
When she’s not teaching, Sevigny enjoys camping, visiting museums, and playing tabletop games with family and friends. She also trains in Japanese martial arts, Kendo and Iaido, with hopes of earning black belts in both and finds time to crochet when she can.
A Salute to Service – 2025 Veterans Day Activities at CWI
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is proud to honor the courage, service, and sacrifice of our nation's veterans. The campus community and the public are invited to join Veterans and Military Family Services with a handful of events celebrating Veterans Day and supporting those who have served.
Veterans Day Breakfast
This event will be catered by Table VIII Overland Catering Company, a veteran-owned catering company, specializing in outdoor cooking.
Speakers at this breakfast include:
- Nick Alexx – Army Special Forces and CWI IT Help Desk Supervisor
- Ryan Agre – Coast Guard Veteran and CWI Management Program Student
- Mike Tomlin – Army Special Forces and local Author and Educator
Tuesday, Nov. 11
8:30 a.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), second floor
Veteran Career & Resource Fair
This event brings together a variety of veteran-focused resources and employers offering valuable connections and opportunities. Students and community members are invited to meet with representatives from Saint Alphonsus, State of Idaho, Hire Heroes USA, Idaho Bankers Association, Veterans Entrepreneur Alliance, and more. Whether you’re exploring career options, seeking support, or building your professional network, this event is a great way to engage with organizations dedicated to serving veterans.
Wednesday, Nov. 12
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Nampa Micron Education Center (NMEC), lobby
Volunteering at Idaho State Veterans Cemetery
Join fellow community members to honor fallen service members by helping place wreaths and prepare more than 5,000 graves for the holiday season.
Saturdays, Nov. 22 and 29
Idaho State Veterans Cemetery – Boise
For more information about these events or to get involved, contact Shannon Kerr at shannonkerr@cwi.edu.
Beta Sigma Pi Invites Campus to Connect and Give Back
College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Beta Sigma Pi Honor Society, a chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), invites the CWI community to take part in two upcoming events focused on learning, service, and connection.
Combating Misinformation
Join Beta Sigma Pi officers for a discussion-centered event focused on misinformation and how to identify and combat false stories and narratives. The event is part of PTK’s Honors in Action project, which connects academic research with meaningful community engagement. Attendees are welcome to drop in at any time during the session.
Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN), Student Lounge
Supporting CWI Food Pantries
Help assemble food and hygiene bags for CWI Food Pantries. All materials and snacks will be provided, and participants are encouraged to bring their own donations. This event is open to all, students, employees, and community members who wish to contribute to the cause.
Monday, Nov. 10
5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN), Student Lounge
For more information, email ptk@cwi.edu.
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.
Spring 2026 Registration Party
Spring registration is right around the corner at College of Western Idaho (CWI), and students are encouraged to get a head start at the College’s upcoming Spring 2026 Registration Party. The two-day event is designed to help current and future students prepare for the upcoming semester, meet with advisors, and finalize their class schedules, all while enjoying a few activities along the way.
Hosted by CWI’s Academic Advising team, the Registration Party gives students the chance to connect with advisors through drop-in appointments, review their progress toward graduation, and receive guidance on selecting courses. Advisors will also be handing out treats and raffle prizes to those who register or have already registered for spring classes, while supplies last.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), room 111
Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN), room 1124
Students are encouraged to stop by, get their questions answered, and finalize their course selections before CWI’s fall break.
For those with questions, contact Annie Colombatto at anniecolombatto@cwi.edu or 208.562.2480.
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.
Discover Your Next Step at Healthcare Discovery Night
Are you a current College of Western Idaho (CWI) student interested in a career in healthcare? Don’t miss Healthcare Discovery Night on Wednesday, Nov. 12 at the Nampa Campus Health and Science Building.
This event is your chance to explore CWI’s healthcare programs and see where your education can take you. Meet with experienced faculty and staff to learn more about CWI programs such as Emergency Medical Technician, Certified Nursing Assistant Preparation, Practical Nursing, Surgical Technology, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Physical Therapist Assistant, and more! Representatives from Boise State University and Idaho State University health science programs will also be on site to share information about degree pathways and transfer opportunities.
Students will also get the opportunity to tour the lab spaces inside CWI’s newly constructed Health and Science Building, a cutting-edge facility designed to give healthcare students hands-on, real-world experience.
Nampa Campus Health & Science Building (NCHS), lobby
Seats are limited, sign up to secure your spot and start exploring the next step toward your future in healthcare!
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.
