CWI News – Sept. 26, 2025
In the Spotlight
Tonight is CWI’s 12th annual Opening Doors Benefit Event! You can still make a difference by joining the Online Auction, open through Sept. 28. Every bid supports student scholarships and futures.
News Highlights
Prado Makes History as CWI’s First National Occupational Therapy Assistant Scholarship Recipient
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is proud to honor Angie Prado, a second-year student in the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program, who has made history as the first CWI OTA student to receive a national scholarship from the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
“This is something I never imagined would happen,” Prado said. “Being chosen alongside two other students out of hundreds of applicants is a huge honor, and to see my photo on the AOTA website is something I’ll always be proud of.”
CWI Program Director for OTA, Mel Henderson, echoed that pride: “We are so happy for her as she is an amazing student who is very deserving of this honor. She is a single mother who works extremely hard and never gives anything but her very best effort.”
Compassion, Resilience, and Purpose
A proud Mexican American and first-generation college graduate, Prado earned her first degree in Child Development and Family Relations from the University of Idaho in 2015, along with a minor in Spanish. She went on to work as a Behavioral Interventionist, serving children on the autism spectrum and supporting both their physical and cognitive needs.
Her personal journey has shaped her just as much as her professional one. As a single mother, Prado has faced the challenges of raising her children while continuing her education and career.
“Balancing school, work, and parenting isn’t easy,” she shared. “But I stay organized, lean on my support system, and remind myself why I started this journey. My passion for the field and my commitment to my goals keep me going.”
Choosing the OTA Path
Prado’s decision to pursue occupational therapy was inspired by her work alongside occupational therapists.
“I’ve seen firsthand the powerful impact occupational therapy can have on a person’s life,” she explained. “The creativity, the hands-on nature of the work, and the chance to help people gain independence drew me to this field. For me, it’s about aligning my career with my values and creating long-term stability for my family.”
At CWI, Prado said the support of faculty and classmates has been invaluable. “The professors genuinely care about each student not just academically, but personally. They go above and beyond to make sure we feel supported, understood, and prepared for our future careers. And our cohort is like a family. We celebrate each other’s successes, we support one another through challenges, and we make sure no one is left behind.”
Scholarships Fuels Success
The E.K. Wise Scholarship, funded through the bequest of Elizabeth K. Wise, supports students from diverse backgrounds who are pursuing occupational therapy degrees. Only three students across the country receive this award each year, making Prado’s achievement especially significant. She was also awarded CWI’s LTH ‘Don’t Give Up’ Scholarship earlier this year, which helps single parents achieve their academic dreams.
“Both these scholarships feel like recognition for all the hard work I’ve put in,” Prado said. “As a single mom, sometimes it’s easy to feel invisible, but these scholarships remind me that what I’m doing matters. It’s both financial relief and emotional encouragement.”
Looking Ahead
As she nears graduation, Angie looks forward to building a career in pediatric occupational therapy. “I’m most passionate about creating meaningful, client-centered interventions — especially for children,” she said. “I want to make therapy engaging, effective, and fun, while supporting families in reaching their goals.”
Her advice for others considering higher education is straightforward: “Don’t give up. No matter your age, background, or current situation, it’s possible if you stay focused on your goals and surround yourself with people who lift you up. Celebrate the small wins, be kind to yourself, and remember — you belong here.”
About the OTA Program at CWI
CWI’s OTA program offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree and is now located in the new Health and Science Building on the Nampa Campus. OTA prepares students to work alongside occupational therapists to help patients recover from injury, live with disabilities, or manage chronic conditions.
The program blends classroom learning with hands-on training in labs and clinical fieldwork, giving students the practical skills needed for real-world practical therapists to help patients recover from injury, live with disabilities, or manage chronic conditions. The program blends classroom learning with hands-on training in labs and clinical fieldwork, giving students the practical skills needed for real-world practice.
Learn more about the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at CWI.
New Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology Program Draws on Faculty Expertise
When College of Western Idaho (CWI) launched its Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology program, the goal was simple but ambitious: prepare Idaho’s workforce for one of the fastest growing and most advanced industries in the world.
With major investments reshaping the U.S. semiconductor landscape, and companies like Micron Technology, Inc. (Micron) expanding in Idaho, the need for highly skilled technicians has never been greater. Meeting that need requires not just a new program, but one built on a foundation of real-world expertise.
CWI’s semiconductor program is a team of faculty whose combined decades of industry experience and passion for teaching are giving students opportunities they might never have imagined. By blending hands-on practical training with real world expertise, they are preparing students to power both local industry growth and global innovation.
Robert Novak – A Career Among the Stars
Robert Novak’s path into technology began at a trade school, where a hands-on approach to learning transformed his struggles with math into a passion for electronics. His career would eventually span rocket test facilities, satellite tracking stations, and even the W.M. Keck Observatory in Hawaii, home to the world’s largest optical telescopes.
Now the chair of CWI’s Industrial Automation Department, Novak has been with the College since 2016, guiding the growth of programs like Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology, Unmanned Aerial Systems and now Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology. For him, teaching represents the most rewarding stage of his career.
“When I first started teaching, I realized this was what I was meant to do,” Novak said. “Helping students connect the dots, seeing them discover what they are capable of. That is the best part.”
Ryan Schnuerle – Idaho Roots, Global Industry Perspective
For Adjunct Instructor, Ryan Schnuerle, teaching the semiconductor program is also a full-circle moment. A lifelong Idahoan, he was one of Micron’s earliest employees, employee number 2,212,to be exact. His career at Micron spanned fabrication, research and development, and process improvement, giving him firsthand insight into the technical and operational demands of semiconductor manufacturing. After Micron, he also owned a business and taught math, bringing both entrepreneurial and educational experience to his work at CWI.
Schnuerle holds a bachelor's degree in business administration and finance, and his combined industry and entrepreneurial background gives him a unique perspective that he now brings to the classroom. At CWI, he teaches all classes online, using interactive platforms and real-world case studies to help students understand the nuances of nanofabrication, process control, and quality assurance, preparing them for roles in a highly specialized and evolving industry.
“Even online, you can be fully engaged,” Schnuerle said. “I encourage students to take advantage of every resource, ask questions, and approach each challenge like a real-world problem. The more you invest in your learning, the more prepared you will be for the opportunities ahead.”
Paul Perez – A Global Journey in Semiconductors
Instructor, Paul Perez, built a career that reflects the global scale of the semiconductor industry. After starting in electronics through a high school program, he earned an engineering degree and built a career that took him and his family around the world to Italy, Singapore, England, Taiwan, and Norway. Along the way, he worked at companies such as Micron, Eastman Kodak, and Onsemi. In these roles, he applied his engineering expertise to design and testing new technologies. His work supported the development of semiconductor and imaging systems used in automotive, industrial, and commercial applications.
Joining CWI’s faculty has been transformative for Perez.
“I call it life-changing,” Perez said. “The students inspire me every day. I tell them, ‘I’m for you, I’m with you. We will get through this together. We all rise together. we all fall together.”
Innovation in Teaching and Skills development
Teaching in the semiconductor program goes far beyond textbooks and labs. Faculty are committed to shaping the whole student: technically, professionally, and personally.
Perez challenges each of his students to bring a quote of the week to class, something positive, motivational, and thought-provoking.
“It’s about mindset,” Perez said. “We’re all going to face challenges, but if you can ground yourself in positivity, you will go further.”
Schnuerle takes a practical approach, urging students to sit at the front of the classroom and make the most of their time.
“Statistics show you learn more when you’re engaged,” Schnuerle said. “So, I tell them, get to the front. You’re here to learn, and this is your investment.”
Innovation also comes through technology. CWI is the only community college in the country partnering with Cornell University on a pilot program using virtual reality (VR) and 360-degree video to simulate cleanroom environments. The goal is to give students immersive practice before they even step into a lab. Eventually, students may have their own VR headsets, funded through course fees, making this advanced training accessible to everyone in the program.
Faculty connect classroom lessons to the real world, helping students see how what they learn in class applies to actual jobs. Novak explains the difference between mechatronics and semiconductor manufacturing. A mechatronics technician works with automated mechanical and electrical systems across industries, while a semiconductor manufacturing technician focuses on operating and monitoring highly controlled equipment to produce microchips and electronic components. In semiconductor fabs, engineers make tiny, microsecond-level adjustments that can save companies millions of dollars each year. Understanding this process-driven work gives students insight into both the technical and economic impact of their future roles.
Perez expands on that idea, recalling how a single saved mask step in chip fabrication could mean millions in cost savings. That kind of perspective helps students understand both the technical and economic impact of their work.
Looking ahead, faculty see technician roles evolving, with process and equipment technicians merging into broader mechatronics-style positions. By designing the semiconductor program with crossover in mind, CWI is preparing students not just for today’s jobs, but for tomorrow’s workforce.
Preparing Students for Life and Work
Graduates of the semiconductor program are prepared for entry-level positions such as process technicians, equipment technicians, and lab technicians. These roles are critical in keeping fabrication facilities running smoothly and efficiently. For students who want to take their education further, the program also builds a strong foundation for transferring into four-year engineering or advanced manufacturing degrees. By offering stackable certificates and degrees, CWI allows students to start small, enter the workforce quickly, and keep building as their goals grow.
Ultimately, the semiconductor program is about more than skills, it is about people. Faculty draw on their own mentors, personal challenges, and career turning points to guide students through obstacles. They know their students are often balancing school with work, family, and other responsibilities, and they are committed to walking alongside them.
“We’re not just teaching skills,” Perez said. “We are building confidence, perseverance, and the ability to keep going, even when things are hard.”
That combination of technical training, personal mentorship, and industry connection is what makes CWI’s semiconductor program stand out. Students are not just earning a degree, they are gaining the mindset, resilience, and network to thrive in a rapidly changing field.
With instructors like Novak, Schnuerle, and Perez at the helm, students are not just learning how to operate in a cleanroom. They are learning how to solve problems, lead with confidence, and adapt to a future where technology is always changing and always staying the same.
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!
College of Western Idaho and Arizona State University Partner to Offer Transfer Pathways
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is partnering with Arizona State University (ASU) to provide students a seamless transfer experience through the MyPath2ASU program.
MyPath2ASU offers customized tools that help students plan their transfer to ASU early in their college journey. These tools help align CWI coursework with ASU degree requirements, reducing credit loss and shortening the time to graduation. Students also benefit from guaranteed general admission to ASU once requirements are met, as well as admission into their MyPath2ASU major of choice.
"Our partnership with Arizona State University gives CWI students a clear pathway to a Bachelor of Science degree,” said CWI Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Denise Aberle-Cannata. “MyPath2ASU helps students plan courses confidently, transfer credits smoothly, and progress efficiently saving time and money as they advance their education.”
Through the program, students receive personalized guidance across more than 400 online and in-person degree pathways, along with self-service progress tracking and direct connection to ASU resources that support academic success and community engagement. CWI and ASU will continue refining these pathways to keep them aligned with evolving academic standards and student needs.
Some of the in-demand pathways offered through this program include Interdisciplinary Studies, Liberal Studies, and Organizational Leadership.
Students interested in learning more or beginning their transfer pathway through MyPath2ASU are encouraged to reach out to their Academic Advisor to get started.
Fall 2025 Transfer Fair
Thinking about continuing your education after CWI? Don’t miss the Fall 2025 Transfer Fair! Representatives from colleges and universities across the region will be on campus to share information about programs, majors, and transfer requirements to help you plan your next step.
Tuesday, Oct. 7
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Nampa Campus in the Academic Building (NCAB), first-floor lobby
Learn more about transferring from CWI and explore the full list of colleges and universities that will be present.
For questions, please contact Madi Avila at madyavila@cwi.edu or Chewy Alvarez chewyalvarez@cwi.edu in Student Advising and Success.
Provost Cannata Published in EdTech Chronicle
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is proud to recognize Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Denise Aberle-Cannata, who was recently published in EdTech Chronicles in an article titled "Insights on Supporting Students Through Changing Enrollment Landscapes.”
In the piece, Provost Cannata discusses how colleges can adapt to today’s evolving enrollment patterns while staying focused on student success. Cannata highlights strategies that strengthen student support, increase access, and ensure learners are positioned to thrive despite challenges facing higher education.
Cannata further emphasizes the importance of innovation, collaboration, and equity in helping students' success during this period of change. Her perspective reflects CWI’s ongoing commitment to creating opportunities and removing barriers for all learners.
CWI congratulates Provost Cannata for this publication and thanks her for her dedication to student achievement reflecting the mission and values of CWI and the positive impact we strive to make every day.
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.
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.
Discover, Create, and Connect with the Entrepreneur Lab
This fall is already off to an exciting start at the Entrepreneur Lab at College of Western Idaho (CWI).
September brought students together for engaging workshops, inspiring speakers, and new opportunities to connect. Entrepreneurs, like Matt Pipkin of IdaRent, shared real-world experiences about starting and growing a business, while the launch of the Next Level Accelerator welcomed nine participants ready to take their ventures to new heights. The Entrepreneur Lab also connected with students across CWI campuses through outreach booths, sparking conversations and curiosity about entrepreneurship. With this momentum, the semester is set to bring even more chances for students to learn, grow, and get inspired.
Are you looking to explore entrepreneurship, connect with other innovators, or just get inspired? The Entrepreneur Lab is the place to do it. Don’t miss out on the big things happening this fall. From open houses and networking events to hands-on programs and competitions, the Entrepreneur Lab is buzzing with opportunities for you to connect, learn, and bring your ideas to life.
Students can explore workshops, hear from local business leaders, and even participate in a chance to win prizes at the semester’s signature event, OtterTank, CWI’s pitch competition, where students showcase ideas and compete for prize money in a fun, science-fair-style event.
For students who may not have a business idea just yet, the Entrepreneur Lab still provides plenty of ways to get involved, whether it is enjoying food created by local entrepreneurs, attending networking events, or joining peers in brainstorming sessions. It is a place to build skills that translate far beyond entrepreneurship, from problem-solving and leadership to creativity and communication.
Learn more about upcoming events and discover how to get involved by visiting the Entrepreneur Lab.
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.
