CWI News – Sept. 2, 2022
Spotlight
President Jones met with the CWI's Beta Sigma Pi Honor Society, the College's Phi Theta Kappa chapter. They were able to have great conversations surrounding student academic achievements and successes on campus!
For questions about how to get involved or learn about the chapter, contact ptk@cwi.edu
News Highlights
Micron Names College of Western Idaho as 'Core Education Partner' in New Boise Expansion
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is excited to partner with Micron Technology, Inc. (Micron) to work closely in delivering highly trained employees for the company's Boise expansion. CWI is proud to be a core educational partner for Micron.
This announcement proves the incredible value of CWI as the College continues to deliver and adapt to the needs of businesses.
"Micron's announcement is exciting news, and College of Western Idaho is thrilled to work side by side to launch this expansion and provide education and training fueling the workforce for these jobs," said CWI President Gordon Jones.
CWI will lead efforts to connect students with jobs requiring skills and experience in mechatronics engineering technology, as well as lead development of emerging semiconductor programs. Along with providing a pathway to enhance industry-specific skills, the opportunity to grow the apprenticeship model for this sector will also be a key focus.
Expansion of Micron leading-edge memory manufacturing fab ensures a domestic supply of leading-edge memory required for market segments like automotive and data center, fueled by accelerating adoption of artificial intelligence and 5G.
"On behalf of the CWI Board of Trustees, we are excited to see the College continue carrying forward the tremendous momentum that's been building," said Molly Lenty, Chair of CWI Board of Trustees. "We are well positioned to serve in this key role as a partner with Micron to provide such an incredible opportunity for Idaho and beyond."
Micron's new $15 billion manufacturing facility will be the first new memory fab in the U.S. in 20 years and will create an estimated 17,000 new American jobs. The spirit of innovation at CWI ensures our community continues to thrive. Visit CWI's website to register to receive updates as this fast-moving story continues to develop.
Baldazo Named July 2022 Staff of the Month
Congratulations to Alice Pyle Baldazo who has been named College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Staff of the Month for July 2022. Baldazo works as the Scholarship and Work-Study Coordinator for the Financial Aid Office and has been with the College since January 2020.
Part of her duties on campus are to help manage CWI Foundation scholarships and educate students about scholarship opportunities around campus and scholarships offered by the state.
Her work with the Work-Study Program gives her access to communication with CWI supervisors, students, Enrollment and Student Services, and community partners. She also plays a role in recruitment to build partnerships and manages the student Work-Study funds.
“I've been empowered to do what I love by being involved in the community and help empower those in our community to reach their educational goals at CWI,” Baldazo said.
Education has always held a huge spot in Baldazo’s heart. With a unique educational background herself, she knows the importance academics can play in one’s life.
Baldazo graduated from high school in 2004 at 10 years old.
From there, she attended Daniel Webster College where she graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Business Management in 2007. She then obtained her Master of Science in Organizational Leadership with a graduate certificate in Human Resource Management from Southern New Hampshire University in 2009.
She began her career with the Boys and Girls Club of Nampa, which she said lead her to state- and international-wide non-profit organizations. Then came her opportunity with CWI.
“I’ve always been passionate about empowering others, and CWI embodies this with their affordability, community connections, and the programs that are offered. Because of that, I knew it was a place I wanted to work to be a part of something that gives back to the community I love.“
Being part of the College for nearly three years, she said it is difficult to pinpoint a specific moment that stands out. However, being able to work with students directly and going to CWI events is always something she looks forward to.
“Every scholarship night the Enrollment Team gets to put on or CWI Night at the Steelheads games where we get to interact with our students or talk to the community about the difference CWI is making in the lives of our students are my favorite.”
She said working with CWI has been able to get her more involved in her community and she gets to work with some stellar individuals daily.
“I mean, at the end of September I get to vacation in South Korea with my colleague, Kari. Not many people can say they work with someone they want to be in an airplane with for 10 hours at a time. But really, you will meet some of the most amazing and hardworking people while empowering our students.”
Baldazo grew up outside of Nampa where she had many animals. Today, she is self-titled, “fur mama” to two dogs and two cats. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cuddling her “fur babies,” playing rugby, and traveling.
CWI Fire Program Graduate Returns Favor to Honor Director at Swearing-In Ceremony
When Fall 2021 College of Western Idaho (CWI) Fire Service Technology graduate, Justin Smith, completed his training and hiring process with Nampa Fire Protection District (NFPD) to become a full-time firefighter, he was honored at a swearing-in ceremony. There he was presented with his badge, which is typically pinned on by family or friends. However, Smith asked CWI Director of Fire Service Technology, Darrin Raskopf, to have the honor and pin his badge on him.
“The whole reason I am part of this program at CWI is to help get other people into a career in the fire service,” Raskopf said. “I loved every day of my career, and if I can be a part of another person’s journey and help them along the way it is a great reward.”
Smith said he does not have much family in the area, so it was a no brainer to ask Raskopf to bestow the honor. Raskopf was the first-person Smith talked to about a career in fire service and even helped register him for CWI Fire classes.
“He was always willing to take time out of his day to answer any questions I had along the way,” Smith said. “I felt like it would be very meaningful if the person who helped start the process for me was the one who welcomed me into the next phase of my career! He has really played an important role in my fire service career, and I will always be very grateful for his support!”
Raskopf, who was in the fire service for 23 years, said the badge pinning ceremony is a centuries old tradition and he knows the importance of it when someone begins their career.
“I specifically remember a few things along my career and the badge pinning 25 years ago is a memory I can still picture exactly like it was yesterday,” Raskopf said. “To have Justin ask me to pin his badge is a huge honor I will remember now for the next 25 years as this is the first time I have gotten to do this for somebody. I am eternally grateful and looking forward to seeing Justin progress in his career from here forward.”
Smith’s new job with NFPD will include responding to fires, car accidents, medical calls, public assists, and other types of emergencies.
While Smith now works full-time as a first responder, he is continuing to finish earning his degree at CWI. He credits CWI for giving him the tools and resources to help make his dream job become a reality. Through his connections he interned with Nampa Fire, where he was able get first-hand experience from crew members, and even go out on calls.
“I can say that CWI has played a pivotal role in my fire service career so far,” Smith said. “They have great instructors who really want to see you succeed.”
Those interested in learning more about Fire Service programs can email Raskopf at darrinraskopf@cwi.edu, or call 208.562.2671.
Latinx Student Services Creating an Inclusive, Welcoming Space for All CWI Students
The meaning of community and expanding that to students at College of Western Idaho (CWI) is something very near and dear to the hearts of the Latinx Student Services.
“We provide support for our students to create and foster a safe, inclusive, welcoming, and supportive space for our students," said Bibiana Ramirez, one of the coordinators for Latinx Student Services. "We want to build a community for our students to get connected, not only to the campus community, but to resources around us.”
Ramirez is joined by two other Latinx Student Services Coordinators, Damian Valle and Sitlaly Escamilla. Together they work to be a resource to all students through their academic journey. While the three work to support every CWI student socially, culturally, academically and through advocacy support, they have a focus on helping Latinx students.
All three coordinators are first-generation students which Valle said he uses his own experience to connect to students who are going on a similar academic journey.
“I let them know I’ve been there, and I let them know there are resources available,” Valle said. “When I first went to college, I didn’t know the types of resources available to me. To be there and help students become aware goes a long way. It is nice to have someone to lean on.”
Latinx Student Services coordinators oversee the Latinx Scholars Program, which is a program available for first-year students who identify as Latinx or are interested in learning about Latinx culture. The goal behind the program is to help students feel connected on campus and learn more about their Latinx culture through mentoring programs, workshops, and additional opportunities to learn skills to be successful.
“Most of the students we work with are first-generation,” Escamilla said. “We recognize those students are sometimes in the most need of having these supports.”
To help give incoming students more support, the coordinators have organized the Navegando Mentoring Program, which is comprised of second-year CWI students who pair up to assist first-year students transition to life in college. The mentors also go out into the community to give back by doing activities such as donating their time at food banks and thrift stores.
Ramirez, Valle, and Escamilla also act as enrollment counselors and visit area high schools to inform students and their families of what is available academically once they graduate.
“Our Latinx population comes from a background where maybe their parents are not aware of what higher education opportunities are here in the United States and Treasure Valley because they migrated from other countries,” Escamilla said.
They also host several events around campus and in the Treasure Valley to connect students, families, and communities about the Latinx Students Services and the College.
“People often ask questions like, ‘How can I get my degree? How can I start classes to earn my GED? Can I get my Career Technical Education certificate?’ We’re there to answer those questions and point them to areas of support,” Ramirez said.
Latinx Student Services have two events planned for September:
Thursday, Sept. 1
5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building
Latinx Heritage Month Week of Celebration
Tuesday, Sept. 20
Noon – 3 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building, Rm. 122
Wednesday, Sept. 21
Noon – 3 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building, West Patio
Thursday, Sept. 22
Noon – 3 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building, Rm. 122
Outside of events and programs, the coordinators are available to meet CWI students and families one-on-one. They are happy to give guidance on topics like, a student’s class selections, how to balance academic life and other obligations, how to get involved on campus, and much more.
“Everyone is welcome, we serve those who speak English, we serve those who speak Spanish,” Ramirez said. “We are looking to help every single student be successful here on campus.”
To get in touch with a Latinx Student Services Coordinator, contact Bibiana Ramirez at bibianaramirez@cwi.edu, or Sitlaly Escamilla at sitlalyescamilla@cwi.edu, or Damian Valle at damianvalle@cwi.edu.
CWI Studio Arts Department Invites Campus to Faculty Art Exhibit
College of Western Idaho (CWI) Studio Arts Department invites the campus to the College’s first Faculty Exhibit, presented by Initial Point Gallery.
Artists will include CWI faculty, Bryan Anthony Moore, Goran Fazil, Shawna Hanel, Clementine Wright, and April Vandegrift. The artists will showcase different pieces using various art styles, such as two- and three-dimensional work, animation, video, photography, and more.
Associate Professor of Studio Arts, Goran Fazil, said the free exhibit will give students a better idea of the diverse talents the College’s art faculty has, and where they come from. He hopes the entire CWI community will be inspired the showcase.
“It’s exciting to carry the conversations that happen in the classroom into a different space,” Fazil said. “But the Exhibit is not just for art students and lecturers, it’s for the whole campus. It’s exciting to think we can bring some interdisciplinary conversations with other departments and try to influence one another.”
Opening Reception
Thursday, Sept. 8
4:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Meridian City Hall, third floor
Exhibit on Display
Sept. 2 – Oct. 5
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Meridian City Hall, third floor
Contact Goran Fazil at goranfazil@cwi.edu to learn more.
