CWI News – Sept. 19, 2025
News Highlights
Opening Doors Online Auction Open Sept. 15 – 28
The College of Western Idaho (CWI) Foundation’s online auction opens Monday, Sept. 15, as part of the 12th annual Opening Doors Benefit Event to support student scholarships.
From unique experiences to can’t-find-anywhere-else treasures, the auction features more than 40 exciting items up for grabs. Imagine winning bagels for a year, snagging tickets to your favorite events, or surprising someone special with an unforgettable experience package. All while supporting student success at CWI.
Auction opens: Monday, Sept. 15
Auction closes: Sunday, Sept. 28
Every bid counts. Not only could you take home something amazing, but you will also be helping CWI students achieve their academic goals and build brighter futures. It’s a win-win!
Join the fun, place your bids, and be part of opening doors of opportunity for students right here in our community.
Contact the Foundation at 208.562.3100 or foundation@cwi.edu for more information and ways to get involved!
CWI Student and Teacher Recognized During National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week
College of Western Idaho (CWI) joined the State of Idaho and Gov. Little in recognizing and celebrating a remarkable achievement as both a student and teacher from the College’s Adult Education program were honored during Adult Education and Family Literacy Week (AEFL). Governor Little officially proclaimed Sept. 14 – 20 as AEFL Week in Idaho, highlighting the crucial role adult education plays in creating opportunities for learners and their families.
At a special recognition ceremony hosted by the Idaho Division of Career Technical Education, CWI student, Alexandria Horner, was named Idaho Adult Education Student of the Year, and Adult Education teacher, Tami Porter was named Idaho Adult Education Teacher of the Year.
Horner, who is working toward her GED at CWI, overcame significant challenges, especially transportation barriers. With support from CWI, including access to a bus pass, Horner has persevered, devoting more than 387 hours of study to prepare for the GED test.
Her long-term goal is to study nutrition at CWI and work toward her associate degree. “It was a great honor to be here and receive this award,” Horner said. “My biggest hurdle in my education has been transportation. I don’t have family or friends that can take me to class. On top of that, my mom is extremely sick, so it makes it difficult to get to class. CWI has been phenomenal helping me with the obstacles I was facing and giving me the support I need. To other students, I would say go for it, don’t let anything get in your way. Keep moving forward no matter how hard the road gets.”
In Idaho, more than 110,000 working-age adults do not have a high school diploma. Horner’s dedication and resilience serve as an inspiration to others considering adult education as a pathway to future success.
Porter, who has taught at CWI for 13 years, teaches English Language Acquisition, English Language classes, and GED pathway programs. Two years ago, she took on the additional role of reading instructor, working with both native and non-native English speakers. She completed the rigorous federal Student Achievement in Reading training program, which has led to significant student gains in reading achievement.
Beyond her classroom accomplishments, Porter plays a vital role at the CWI Community Learning Center, mentoring new teachers and volunteering for additional program support projects. “Working with Adult Ed learners at CWI is very rewarding,” Porter shared. “A lot of time education is one size fits all and those who fit can graduate. There are plenty that don’t fit in that box, and they can come to our program. Receiving this award is still a little bit of a shock, but I’m honored that my hard work is getting appreciated.”
CWI proudly congratulates Horner and Porter for their achievements and celebrates the impact they, and all of CWI’s adult learners and educators, make in transforming lives and strengthening communities across Idaho.
Faculty, Have You Nominated an Emerging Scholar?
College of Western Idaho (CWI) faculty are invited to nominate outstanding students for the Emerging Scholars program, recognizing learners who go beyond grades to show perseverance, creativity, professionalism, and promise.
Nominations
- Faculty may nominate up to five students per academic year.
- Eligible students must:
- Be enrolled in six or more credits during both fall and spring of the 2026–2027 academic year.
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.0.
- Not be a dual-credit student.
- Nominations should share specific stories or examples of how the student excelled through innovative thinking, leadership, applied learning, or unique contributions.
- Short excerpts of student work are welcome within the word limits of the form.
Awards
- Students selected as Emerging Scholars will each receive a $1,000 scholarship toward tuition for the 2026–2027 academic year
- Up to four students will be recognized in each School of Instruction, plus one at-large award
- Awardees will be honored at a ceremony to be held at the Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB)
Deadline
- Nominations are due by April 1, 2026.
Take a moment to recognize the inspiring students in your classes! For questions, please contact Brenda Fisher at brendafisher@cwi.edu.
#MetallicaMonday Rocks CWI Spotlight
Talk about starting the week on a high note! Metallica’s All Within My Hands Foundation featured College of Western Idaho (CWI) in this week’s #MetallicaMonday, highlighting one of our students and striking all the right chords online. Mondays are now about more than the start of the workweek. They are about celebrating success stories. This week, CWI student, Carson Baker’s, journey took center stage.
The feature was a joint post where Metallica’s All Within My Hands Foundation collaborated with College of Western Idaho to share Baker's story on Instagram and Facebook. With over 100,00 combined followers on Instagram and Facebook, the foundation’s spotlight brings incredible visibility for the CWI Fire Service Technology program as well as Carson; the Instagram post has reached 6,327 views and received 221 likes and 5 comments.
Baker, a recent Fire Service Technology graduate and #MetallicaScholar, was featured for his journey into firefighting. He is now a full-time member of the MidStar Fire Department.
Established by @Metallica, All Within My Hands Foundation, is dedicated to supporting workforce education, the fight against hunger, and other critical local services. In partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges, the Metallica Scholars Initiative is a major workforce education program that provides direct support to community colleges to enhance their career and technical education curricula. CWI is now in its second year of the Metallica Scholars program. By highlighting students like Carson, the Foundation creates a symphony of success stories while helping amplify achievements across the community.
Congrats to Baker on turning up the volume on his career, and kudos to Metallica and their foundation for shining a spotlight on students achieving big things.
Campus Conversation | Immigration Enforcement
College of Western Idaho (CWI) invites faculty and staff to join an upcoming campus conversation focused on protocol and procedures for potential immigration enforcement on the CWI campus for college faculty and staff.
Nic Miller, Vice President of Strategy and Operations, and members of the CWI security team will provide information, respond to your questions, and lead discussions in an effort to keep the CWI community informed. The session will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 24, at 3 p.m. in room 102/104 at the Nampa Campus Aspen Classroom Building (NASP).
Campus conversations create opportunities for open communication on important topics affecting our community. If you are unable to attend in person, please join us via Zoom. Online participants will also have the opportunity to submit questions.
Health & Wellness Screenings Arrive at CWI This October
Life moves fast, and finding time for medical appointments can be a real challenge, especially when juggling classes, work, and your personal life. Counseling and Wellness Services at College of Western Idaho (CWI) is thrilled to announce the first-ever Mobile Health Fair.
In partnership with Full Circle Health, Saint Alphonsus Mobile Mammography, and Saint Alphonsus Mobile Medical Unit, CWI’s case managers are bringing essential health services directly to you. Stop by when it works for you, or schedule ahead if you prefer by calling 208.367.4482.
This unique event will provide a variety of vital health services free of charge for students and staff, including:
- Basic Health Testing (blood pressure, glucose, etc.)
- HIV Testing
- Social Needs (e.g., help with housing, food insecurities, utilities, etc.)
Additionally, mammograms will be available with proof of insurance and if certain qualifications are met, including specific history and age.
Mobile Health Fair
- Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), east side of the building
In tandem with the Mobile Health Fair, Counseling and Wellness Services will be hosting a two-day mental health wellness event. It’s Okay Not to Be Okay , will offer free mental health screenings and provide resources to support suicide prevention, assistance with intimate partner violence, and nicotine cessation.
Free Mental Health Screenings
- Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025
11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN)
- Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025
11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), Student Lounge, Room 122
Contact Juan Sanchez at juansanchez1@cwi.edu with questions.
Central Receiving & Mail Services Launching Soon
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is implementing a new central receiving and mail services system designed to improve efficiency and ensure timely delivery of mail and packages across all campuses. The new system will centralize how mail, packages, and freight are received and distributed. The transition begins Oct. 1, 2025, with full implementation expected by Jan. 2, 2026.
Key changes include:
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Mailing Address Update (effective Oct. 1, 2025): Campus mail will now be processed at 5500 E. Opportunity Dr., Nampa, ID 83687. The current P.O. Box address will remain valid until Oct. 1, 2026.
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Central Receiving Launch (Jan. 2, 2026): All incoming deliveries of parcels and freight will be received at 5725 E. Franklin Rd., Nampa, ID 83687.
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Mail Stops: New mail stops will be added and select existing ones will be updated to ensure accurate delivery. For example, Canyon County Center will transition to MS 4000 to give the CWI One Stop its own unique code.
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Outgoing Shipments: Departments can request pickup for outgoing mail and packages by emailing centralreceiving@cwi.edu.
Departments across the College are asked to update business cards, stationery, email signatures, and websites with the new addresses. Marketing and Communications will provide updated brand templates ahead of the transition.
“This move reflects CWI’s commitment to supporting our growing community with reliable and efficient services, we appreciate everyone’s cooperation to make this transition smooth,” said Jeff Flynn, Executive Director, Facilities Planning and Management
With these changes, CWI is preparing for a more efficient future in handling mail and deliveries. Faculty and staff are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the updated processes and are responsible for communicating these updates to external business partners.
For more details, view this PDF or contact centralreceiving@cwi.edu.
