CWI News – October 18, 2024
In the Spotlight
The Kickoff Event for the new College of Western Idaho (CWI) Entrepreneur Lab, held on October 10 at the Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC), featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony by the Nampa Chamber of Commerce and officially opened the brand new space.
News Highlights
Dental Assisting Program Partners with Love Heals
College of Western Idaho (CWI) partnered with nonprofit Love Heals and others in the community to provide free dental services in Boise, ID on Friday, Sept. 27. Students and faculty from the Dental Assisting program, the HUB 365 Community Center, local healthcare providers, and healthcare students from 2 other academic institutions provided over 500 collective hours and an estimated $62,079 value of services — critical care for those in need.
Love Heals, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity based out of Garden City, provides professional medical, dental, and vision services at no cost to underserved individuals and communities.
Here are some impressive statistics that demonstrate the impact of their service:
- 500+ Volunteer Hours
- Estimated value of services provided: $62,079
- Number of Professional Healthcare Volunteers: 23
- Number of Healthcare Student Volunteers: 53
- Number of Community Volunteers: 35
- 114 Medical Clearance Checks (blood pressure, blood glucose, allergies, & family history)
- 34 Dental X-Rays
- 30 Dental Procedures (fillings & extractions)
- 73 Dental Cleanings
Entrepreneur Lab Kickoff Event Success!
The Kickoff Event for the new College of Western Idaho (CWI) Entrepreneur Lab was a resounding success! Held on October 10 at the Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC), the celebration featured an exciting ribbon-cutting ceremony by the Nampa Chamber of Commerce and officially opened the brand new Entrepreneur Lab space in room 100B.
Prior to cutting the ribbon, Kenton Lee, director of Entrepreneur Lab, and President Jones inspired guests with their remarks while emphasizing the importance of innovation and collaboration in our community.
The space has been designed to give entrepreneurs a place to experiment with ideas. The expert staff aims to impart what it means to be an entrepreneur, grow essential skills, develop business ideas, monetize hobbies, enhance side hustles, and start and grow businesses.
Embark on a journey where ideas are empowered, aspirations are supported, and entrepreneurial spirit thrives. Visit the Entrepreneur Lab page for additional information and to learn about upcoming events.
Over 100 Winners in Otters Mascot Giveaway
Since being unveiled at the 2024 State of the College Address, enthusiasm for the new College of Western Idaho (CWI) mascot, River the Otter, has been widespread. As part of the announcement, the College held a Giveaway content for the CWI community, with prizes ranging from baseball hats to backpacks and sweatshirts to puffer coats.
Above all, the grand prize was a custom cooler featuring high-tech insulation as effective as… an otters.
Many participated and below are some statistics that demonstrate a clear result — the CWI community is very excited about our new mascot.
Mascot Giveaway Results
Mascot Giveaway Entries
Total unique entries: 1004
- Students 565
- Staff 250
- Faculty 164
- Community 50
- Alumni 25
Winners
Total 137
- Students 49
- Staff 38
- Faculty 33
- Community 9
- Alumni 8
2025 Connections Project Logo Contest Now Open
College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Connections Project celebrates culture, collaboration, education, innovation, and achievement. We are calling upon current CWI students to showcase their talent in design to incorporate this mission statement into the new 2025 Connections Project logo! Submissions for the Logo Contest will be accepted through Friday, Nov. 22.
The winning logo will be chosen by the Connections Project committee. 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 Project Logo Contest will receive a monetary award of $300.
The winner of the contest will be announced at the beginning of the Spring 2025 semester.
Submit an entry
Use this link to access additional information, entry details and submission forms:
Connections Project Logo Contest
Because the winning logo design will be used on official promotional materials for a CWI event, it is important the design reflects the Brand Standards of the College.
The committee looks forward to seeing the innovative and inspiring logo designs that students will submit. For those with questions, please contact Brenda Fisher brendafisher@cwi.edu.
Register for the Fall 2024 Ignite Leadership Series
The Fall 2024 Ignite Leadership Series, a two-part introductory program sponsored by The Hartwell Corporation, is designed to ignite leadership potential and empower you to achieve success. This transformative experience is open to all CWI students and will equip you with the skills you need to excel in any environment.
What you will gain:
- Develop essential leadership skills
- Discover your purpose
- Boost your confidence
- Network with peers
All participants will complete a True Colors assessment, enjoy dinner from Café Zupas, and will be entered in a drawing for a leadership basket!
The Ignite Leadership Series is a sequential program, so attending both sessions is crucial for the full experience. Mark your calendars for:
Fall 2024 Ignite Leadership Series
Session 1
Tuesday, Oct. 15
5 – 7 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), Student Lounge, Room 122
Session 2
Tuesday, Oct. 22
5 – 7 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), Student Lounge, Room 122
Don't miss this incredible opportunity to unlock your leadership potential! Registration is now open.
For those with questions or in need of more information, contact Sitlaly Escamilla at sitlalyescamilla@cwi.edu.
Mental Health Tidbits: Stress Management with Yoga Fusion
Discovering the proper stress management techniques and prioritizing mental health is crucial for maintaining your well-being. Whether it's the demands of school, family, work, finances, or relationships, College of Western Idaho (CWI) understands the overwhelming pressures life can throw your way. Our CWI Mental Health First Aid trainers offer Mental Health Tidbits for campus community members to help broaden their knowledge on mental health topics.
In October a musically inspired yoga dance fusion class will be offered at both campus locations to support holistic stress management. This mindful fitness format fosters emotional stability and resilience, encourages a deeper connection between the body and mind, and sharpens focus and concentration. These 50-minute sessions will be conducted barefoot on the mat, with no jumping or impact, making it accessible to nearly all. The sessions will be led by Erica Compton, Director of Student Advising and Success. Erica is also a certified ACE Group Fitness Instructor, certified Oula and Oula One instructor, and teaches both formats weekly at the Tomlinson South YMCA.
Yoga Fusion Class (Oula One)
Wednesday, Oct. 16
4 – 5 p.m.
Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN), Room 1320
Wednesday, Oct. 23
4 – 5 p.m.
Nampa Campus Aspen Classroom Building (NASP), Room 100
What to Bring:
• Water Bottle
• Yoga Mat (a few will be made available if you don’t have one)
• Flexible attire
Ten CWI employees are certified Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) instructors. MHFA teaches individuals the skills necessary to help someone who may be developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. This research and evidence-based program promotes mental health literacy to help the public identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness. The course introduces participants to the MHFA Action Plan, ALGEE, a five-step plan that can be used to provide support to someone in distress. Additionally, participants learn the risk factors and warning signs for mental health or substance abuse, engage in experiential activities to build an understanding of the impact of illness on individuals and families and discuss evidence-supported treatment and self-help strategies.
CWI employees interested in attending MHFA training can visit the Mental Health First Aid Training Courses to learn more.
For those with questions or interested in learning more about the Mental Health Tidbits Discussions, please contact Jodi Hickenlooper at jodihickenlooper@cwi.edu.
