CWI News – October 4, 2024
President's Message
Greetings CWI Faculty and Staff,
I hope you are having a great semester! I appreciate all you do to support our students in reaching their educational goals.
Our recent Opening Doors event raised a record-breaking $315,000 for first-generation student scholarships, highlighting the Treasure Valley's support for CWI's mission to empower people through education. It was a great evening and I want to commend Mark Arstein, Vice President of Advancement and Foundation, along with his team and everyone who helped to make the night a success. I also want to give a shout out to faculty who showcased their programs, so participants could get a taste of the innovative and hands-on learning opportunities at CWI.
Earlier this week, we held an important Town Hall meeting focused on culture change at the college. I want to thank all of you who attended and contributed your thoughts and ideas. A special thanks to Vice President of Finance and Administration, Ken Kline, and his team for leading this effort. The discussions were thoughtful, engaging, and productive, and I am confident that together we can create a more supportive, and vibrant campus environment for everyone. This is an ongoing process, and we will continue to update you on the progress of the initiative.
I also had the pleasure of visiting our Fire Service Technology students last week, where I observed their hands-on training exercises. It was inspiring to visit and see students working hard work and watch their passion while preparing for this critical field. This program is a shining example of how our hands-on learning prepare students for real-world success. I appreciate all the work Darrin Raskopf, Manager of Fire Service Technology, and team members do on a daily basis.
Once again, thank you for your hard work and dedication. Through your efforts, we empower our students to reach their potential and thrive in our community.
News Highlights
Get Your Scare On at the ASCWI Trunk-or-Treat
ASCWI's Trunk or Treat is back and better than ever! Join us on Thursday, Oct. 24, 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.
ASCWI Trunk-or-Treat
Thursday, Oct. 24
5 – 7 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), east parking lot
- Food from Tin Roof Tacos will be provided.
- The entire CWI community including students, faculty, staff, and their families are invited.
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!
This is a great opportunity for the College of Western Idaho (CWI) community to come together and celebrate. We encourage everyone to come out and have a good time!
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.
For more information about Trunk or Treat, please contact ASCWI at ascwi@cwi.edu.
Fall 2024 Transfer Fair
The College of Western Idaho invites you to the Fall 2024 Transfer Fair! College and university representatives will be on-campus to discuss programs, majors, and transfer requirements. This is a one-day event that will take place in the lobby of the Nampa Campus Academic Building from 1-4 p.m. Tuesday, October 8.
Tuesday, Oct. 8
1 – 4 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), Lobby
Click HERE for a list of colleges and universities that will be present.
For questions, please contact Brittney Hernandez (brittneyhernandez@cwi.edu) in Student Advising & Success.
CWI Surgical Technology Program Trains ICOM Medical Students
165 medical students from Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM) received essential training this summer at College of Western Idaho (CWI). Preparing for their surgical externships, the third-year students — benefiting from a partnership between ICOM and CWI’s Surgical Technology program — participated in three-hour training sessions from CWI instructors, gaining hands-on experience and insights into operating procedures.
Students learned critical skills for the operating room, including proper gowning and gloving techniques, maintaining sterility, and effective hand scrubbing. They also learned key practices for navigating and working within a sterile environment.
This partnership between CWI and ICOM provides medical students with important experience for navigating the challenging and often intimidating operating room environment.
“We have received positive feedback from numerous healthcare facilities through our program,” said Angel Lewis, CWI’s Surgical Technology Program Director. “We look forward to continuing to make a difference in patient safety while educating future healthcare professionals.”
The Surgical Technology program at CWI prepares students for an exciting career as Certified Surgical Technologists in the growing healthcare industry. Click below to learn more about the program.
Unlock Your Business Potential with the Entrepreneur Lab's Idea, Set, Go Cohort!
Are you brimming with a business idea but unsure if it's ready to take off? Join the Entrepreneur Lab’s Idea, Set, Go cohort, starting October 8th! This dynamic 4-week program will provide you with the tools and insights needed to validate your concept and determine its viability in the marketplace.
Throughout the cohort, you'll engage in hands-on experiments and receive expert guidance to help clarify your business direction before investing significant time and energy. Don’t miss this opportunity to refine your idea and connect with fellow aspiring entrepreneurs!
- When: Weekly sessions from October 8 to October 29
- Where: Nampa Campus Academic Building, College of Western Idaho
- How to Apply: Visit our web page at Entrepreneur Lab - Idea, Set, Go to secure your spot!
Take the first step toward launching your dream business!
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.
Commemorate Indigenous Peoples Day at CWI
Join College of Western Idaho's (CWI) School of Social Science and Public Affairs, and School of Arts and Humanities as we honor Indigenous Peoples Day at the Nampa Campus Academic Building Monday, Oct. 14, at 7 p.m.
The entire CWI community is invited to join us for refreshments and a presentation led by Indigenous community members, followed by a thoughtful, interactive conversation.
Native Experiences and Revitalization
Presenter:
Rob Sam – Ron is an enrolled member with the Summit Lake Paiute in Northern Nevada. He is an accomplished artist and musician who presents to local students, participates in powwows and the regional Sun Dance ceremony. Join us to hear him discuss his personal journey revitalizing Native experiences and traditions.
Monday, Oct. 14
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), 102E
This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be available prior to the event.
The State of Idaho has officially recognized the day since 2019 when Governor Brad Little issued a proclamation declaring every second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
For those with questions or in need of more information, please contact Nikki Gorrell at nikkigorrell@cwi.edu.
Discover Your Path to Success at Entrepreneur Lab
Welcome to Entrepreneur Lab: Your Gateway to Innovation
Calling all innovators, creators, hustlers, and entrepreneurs! College of Western Idaho (CWI) is excited invite you to the Entrepreneur Lab — a new initiative dedicated to empowering and resourcing the entrepreneurial spirit within our campus and community. Whether you are in the inception stage of a groundbreaking idea or seeking to expand an established business, Entrepreneur Lab is here to support you.
Join us for the Kickoff Event where we will unveil the brand-new Entrepreneur Lab space with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2 p.m.
Event Details
Thursday, Oct. 10
2 – 5 p.m.
Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC), room 100B
Ribbon Cutting: 2 p.m.
Why Entrepreneur Lab?
At Entrepreneur Lab, our mission is to provide meaningful support and hands-on experiences for entrepreneurs at all stages of their journey. Whether you're a student with a passion for innovation, an inventor with an exciting prototype, or a newly established business owner looking to thrive in today's market, we offer the connections, guidance, and opportunities you need to succeed.
Explore Our Resources and Programs
- Cohorts: Dive into our structured cohorts designed to guide you from idea conception to business launch and beyond. Benefit from expert mentorship, practical workshops, and a supportive community of peers.
- Events: Immerse yourself in a calendar full of enriching events, from hands-on workshops and guest speaker sessions featuring successful local entrepreneurs to a culminating pitch competition.
- Community Connections: Connect with like-minded individuals and industry leaders who share your passion for entrepreneurship. Forge valuable relationships that can propel your ideas and ventures forward.
What to Expect at the Kickoff Event
- Meet the Team: Engage with our dedicated Entrepreneur Lab team who are committed to supporting your entrepreneurial journey with personalized guidance and support.
- Networking Opportunities: Expand your network and build relationships with current students, faculty, alumni, local businesses, and community members who are all integral parts of our thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Join Us in Shaping the Future
We hope that the Entrepreneur Lab will be more than just a physical space — it will be a dynamic community of forward-thinkers and trailblazers who are redefining entrepreneurship in our region. Whether you're driven by a passion for innovation, a desire to make a difference, or a dream of building something extraordinary, Entrepreneur Lab is your launchpad to success.
RSVP Today
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to be part of something truly transformative. RSVP now to secure your spot at our Kickoff Event on Oct. 10. Come celebrate with us, network with industry experts, and ignite your business journey with Entrepreneur Lab.
Get Involved, Get Inspired
Join us at Entrepreneur Lab and embark on a journey where your ideas are empowered, your aspirations are supported, and your entrepreneurial spirit thrives. Together, let's build a vibrant community of innovators who are shaping the future of entrepreneurship at CWI.
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.
