Elevation Fall 2019

ELEVATION

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Education FA L L 2 0 1 9

Sparks

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SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT EXCELS IN CLASSROOM AND WORKFORCE

Vantage Point The story of what CWI is doing is a story I could tell over and over again. CWI is accomplishing amazing FALL 2019 VOLUME 3, ISSUE 1

things! The standard CWI is setting is one of excellence and something I am so proud to be a part of.

Proud especially for our community – a community who stepped up and voted to tax themselves to start a new community college and truly rallied to support its mission.

ELEVATION™ is published by College of Western Idaho’s Division of College Relations to share recent highlights and student accomplishments with donors, alumni, and the community.

Division of College Relations CWI FOUNDATION 208.562.3159 foundation@cwi.edu COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING 208.562.2222 communications@cwi.edu

However, the real meaning in the CWI story is found in our students. The experiences and stories of how our students have been empowered at CWI are nothing short of amazing. In large part, their success is powered through the support of a proud community, a community who showed up in force to our recent Opening Doors Benefit Event. This annual event raises funds to support the CWI Foundation and student scholarships. With friends, family, and a passion for education coming together to support opportunities for students at CWI, it was a heartwarming sight and an inspirational night for all!

As we move into the next decade of serving students, I thank each and every one of you for being a part of the CWI community and for all you do to advance student success! Always remember, CWI was

EDITOR IN CHIEF Audrey Eldridge

created from a community-wide passion to create opportunities and choices for affordable, quality education to empower people, careers, and futures. Thank you for continuing to fuel that passion!

EDITOR/WRITER Jessica Argyle CREATIVE MANAGER Jessica Downing GRAPHIC DESIGNER Cody Sprague

Berton L. Glandon President, College of Western Idaho

PHOTOGRAPHERS Jessica Argyle, Jessica Downing, Ashley Smith PHOTO CONTRIBUTORS Jill Cryder, Nagel Foundation

Please send address changes to the Communications and Marketing department by mail to MS 1000, P.O. Box 3010, Nampa, Idaho 83653 or by email to communications@cwi.edu.

To subscribe, VISIT cwi.edu/elevation.

MISSION STATEMENT The College of Western Idaho expands learning and life opportunities, encourages individual advancement, contributes to Idaho’s economic growth, strengthens community prosperity, and develops leaders.

VISIT CWI on the Web at cwi.edu.

ASHLEY SMITH

© 2019 College of Western Idaho

IN THIS ISSUE

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Opening Doors

COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER TO OPEN DOORS TO EDUCATION

6 Campus News

FARM TO FORK DINNER SUPPORTS CWI’S CAMPUS GARDEN

10 Donor Spotlight

NAGEL FOUNDATION SUPPORTS STUDENTS THROUGH SCHOLARSHIPS

12 Scholarship Spotlight On the Cover

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Congratulations to Bradley Dougal, a 2019–2020 Nagel Foundation Scholarship Recipient.

Reaching New Heights

CWI ALUMNI PUTTING THEIR SKILLS TO WORK

JESSICA ARGYLE

ASHELY SMITH

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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2019-2020 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

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Leadership Spotlight IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE COMMUNITY, THE CWI FOUNDATION IS DEDICATED TO EMPOWERING STUDENT SUCCESS AND AFFORDABLE ACCESS TO EDUCATION.

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OPENING DOORS

2019 Opening Doors Benefit Event “CONNECTING THOSE WHO ARE PASSIONATE AND COMMITTED TO STUDENTS WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO HELP IS EXACTLY WHY WE HOLD OUR ANNUAL OPENING DOORS EVENT. IT'S THE KEY THAT OPENS THE WAY FOR A FUTURE OF ENDLESS POTENTIAL FOR OUR STUDENTS.”

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RAISED OVER THE PAST SIX YEARS TO SUPPORT CWI FOUNDATION AND STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS

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$350,000+

JESSICA DOWNING

JESSICA ARGYLE

MARK BROWNING, VICE PRESIDENT, COLLEGE RELATIONS

NOV. 12, 2019 JUMP BOISE, IDAHO

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JESSICA ARGYLE

OPENING DOORS

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

2019–2020 Scholarship Recipients

Megan DeRoos

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I come from a broken home. My mom had to work extremely hard to support us which did not allow for the dream of a college education. I am now a mother of two children and married to a man with a similar childhood background. We decided early on in our relationship we did not want a similar fate for our children.

My husband recently completed a degree program, and his journey has inspired me to do the same. Thank you for this generous scholarship that will allow me to be a mom and still work on my goals of academic excellence and the pursuit of my dreams. Knowing others believe in me is humbling, inspiring, and heartwarming.

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MAJOR: EXERCISE SCIENCE

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Shawn Dunn

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MAJOR: Health Science

As a teen, I got hooked on narcotics leading to an addiction to cocaine and homelessness. Changing my life around at the age of 20, I eventually married and had children. After spending several years working anything I could to get a paycheck, I am finally going to college.

Being a non-traditional student, I have a family and bills outside of academia. This scholarship will help leave me in a better financial situation once I earn my degree and re-enter the workforce. Knowing others are investing in my future means a lot to me, and this opportunity will not be wasted.

ASHLEY SMITH

” Maria Albarran MAJOR: STEM

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In my hometown of La Providencia, Michoacan, education was rarely discussed and poverty was seen throughout the community. My family moved to Idaho when I was six years old. My inability to speak and write in English was evident, and learning such a complex language seemed impossible to me. I did not expect to graduate high school, let alone make it to college. Thanks to my mother’s constant support, I graduated summa cum laude and top ten in my class and am now enrolled in college. The impact this scholarship has on my future is something I will never be able to repay. Thank you for giving me an opportunity to reach my full potential.

JESSICA ARGYLE

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CAMPUS NEWS

Football Fans SCORE Big for Scholarships

JILL CRYDER

CWI was proud to partner with Nampa Chamber of Commerce to SCORE Big for Scholarships at the Boise State vs. Wyoming home football game and pregame tailgate party, sponsored by Edward Jones/Rod Emery, Nov. 9 at Albertsons Stadium. The 100 tickets sold raised more than $1,000 for student scholarships.

STEM Out! Inspires Students

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Local middle school students explored hands-on training opportunities available at CWI to prepare them for careers in health, information technology, public safety, trades, manufacturing, and transportation during the College’s STEM Out! event, Nov. 2.

Farm to Fork Dinner Benefits Campus Garden

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CAMPUS NEWS

Nearly 70 guests embarked on a culinary exploration of the Treasure Valley during a five-course meal hosted at CWI’s Farm to Fork dinner, Sept. 13. The event raised more than $4,000 for the Campus Garden, created in 2018 thanks to funds raised through employee giving, which provides students access to fresh, nutritious produce and supports agriculture coursework.

THE MEAL FEATURED PRODUCE GROWN IN THE GARDEN AS WELL AS FOOD AND DRINK FROM LOCAL PARTNERS INCLUDING: • • • • • • •

2C Family Brewing Coats Cattle Company Eden Creamery Fujishin Family Cellars Great Harvest Bread Koenig Distillery Leaning Barn Farms

• McCall Brewing Company • Stella’s Ice Cream • The Tower Grill • Williamson Orchards and Vineyards

“The idea for this event came about from a need to address food insecurity on campus and a way to sustain the campus garden,” said Andrea Schumaker, Department Chair of Physical and Agricultural Sciences.

“Our food travels on average 1,500 miles to reach our plates, and we are extremely disconnected from this process. Farm to Fork helped educate and connect the community to those who contribute to agricultural and food systems in the Treasure Valley.”

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FEATURE

Education Sparks Future

BRADLEY DOUGAL

HOMETOWN: BOISE, IDAHO MAJOR: WELDING AND METALS FABRICATION, MACHINE TOOL TECHNOLOGY GRADUATION: 2021 8

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FEATURE “CWI has empowered me by showing me I can do amazing things if I put my mind to it,” said 2019-2020 scholarship recipient, Bradley Dougal.

Bradley, a student at College of Western Idaho (CWI), earned his Welding and Metals Fabrication certificate in 2019 and is now working on a certificate in Machine Tool Technology.

“My passion for welding started in high school during my junior year. Once I started welding, I fell in love with it. The metal working, making things out of nothing – it was really amazing to me. It was like heavy-duty Legos basically, and I really enjoyed that part.”

Since earning his Welding certificate, Bradley has launched a career he thrives at and finds meaning in. As a welder for Shiloh Automatic Sprinklers, Inc., he says the training he received at CWI opened doors for him he didn’t think were possible.

“I work for a company who welds for Lowe’s and many other businesses all over the country. Less than six months after starting school at CWI, I became head welder. Hopping right out of high school, I wouldn’t have been able to do that for sure.”

ASHLEY SMITH

While learning to weld at the College, Bradley’s stellar performance stood out to Mike Wheeler, Department Chair of Manufacturing and Welding.

“Brad was a great student who made the most of his time here at CWI. He worked very hard to build his skills and it has paid off for him in the welding trade—he had a great job lined up before he graduated and has been doing great work ever since,” said Wheeler.

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“MY PASSION FOR WELDING STARTED IN HIGH SCHOOL DURING MY JUNIOR YEAR. ONCE I STARTED WELDING, I FELL IN LOVE WITH IT. THE METAL WORKING, MAKING THINGS OUT OF NOTHING – IT WAS REALLY AMAZING TO ME. ”

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WATCH the highlight video featuring Bradley and the Nagel Foundation at cwi.edu/sparksfuture.

country to come in and do specialized welding on stainless steel tanks. We had to hire people to come in and train our people how to use modernized and computerized equipment.”

“WE KNOW WHAT CWI IS DOING IN TERMS OF TRAINING IS WORKING, AND WE WANT TO BE A PART OF IT.” Bradley is a 2019-2020 recipient of the Nagel Foundation scholarship. The Nagel Beverage Company, started in 1895 by John Henry Nagel, became the Pepsi franchise for the Treasure Valley in 1935. Prior to selling the business in 2009, Nagel built a brand new facility in Nampa.

“When we built that facility,” said Curt Goldgrabe, Executive Director of the Nagel Foundation, “we had to hire welders from other parts of the

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Keeping the legacy of the Nagel Beverage Company alive, the Nagel Foundation is focused on enriching and giving back to the community through education and service.

“We have so many new companies coming into our valley and so many opportunities for people to take advantage of with all the growth happening here, but in order to take advantage of it they need skills. We know what CWI is doing in terms of training is working, and we want to be a part of it.”

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During the 2019-2020 academic year, the Nagel Foundation awarded 36 scholarships to secondyear career and technical education students at CWI. Bradley, one of this year’s recipients, is grateful for the financial boost to his education.

“Having the Nagel scholarship under my belt has relieved so much financial stress,” Bradley said.

“Being able to relieve some of that stress has helped me to focus more on school, to work on my grades, and make my welds better without having to worry.”

Bradley and Goldgrabe met for the first time at CWI Foundation’s annual Opening Doors Benefit Event, Nov. 12.

FEATURE “Brad is one unbelievably talented man,” said Goldgrabe. “He is going to go places.”

“Having someone put so much belief in me was amazing,” said Bradley. “I’m just another kid who is trying to go to college – you know, nothing special. Having someone put belief and trust in what I can do was super inspiring for me.”

After earning his Welding certificate and now as he works on his Machine Tool training, Bradley has zero student debt.

During the Opening Doors event, Goldgrabe announced the Nagel Foundation will be renewing their scholarships for the upcoming academic year. Currently, Nagel Foundation scholarships are open to CWI students in the Welding and Metals Fabrication, Machine Tool Technology, Drafting Technology, Advanced Mechatronics, Automotive Technology, and Network and Systems Administration programs. Scholarships for the 2020-2021 academic year open Jan. 2, 2020.

JESSICA ARGYLE

“Thank you to the Nagel Foundation and to CWI for the opportunities I have been given. Without CWI, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Following graduation, Bradley plans to work hard, buy a house, have a family, and build a trophy truck.

Give the Gift of Education CWI is proud to partner with the IDeal-Idaho College Savings Program to promote education and increase opportunities for post-secondary success with CWIDeal Boost.

CWIDeal Boost offers incentive to students and families saving for college through IDeal, including a matching scholarship opportunity of up to $500 per semester for qualifying students.

Nagel Foundation Board of Directors: Vice President/Treasurer, Ryan Fornstrom; Executive Director, Curt Goldgrabe; and President, Vance Milller.

“THANK YOU TO THE NAGEL FOUNDATION AND TO CWI FOR THE OPPORTUNITIES I HAVE BEEN GIVEN. WITHOUT CWI, I WOULDN’T BE WHERE I AM TODAY.” C O L L E G E

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Alyssa Villa

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MAJOR: Education

Life was not always easy for my family growing up.

My older brother was addicted to drugs, and my mom could barely afford our house. When you know what it’s like to have nothing, you never take anything for granted again. Amidst the struggles we experienced, school became my escape. As I progress toward my goal of a college degree and a career in education, I hope to encourage others to understand the importance of education and kindness in their lives.

JESSICA ARGYLE

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Abigale Tanner

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MAJOR: Health Science

I took dual credit classes my junior and senior year at Meridian Technical Charter High School, finishing up nearly all my general classes before graduating. I have chosen to major in Cybersecurity and Network and System Administration at CWI, both subjects I have been studying since my freshman year in high school. My goal is to pay for my education without taking out student loans. These scholarships have given me the determination to succeed on my journey to obtain two associate degrees. I plan to continue on to get my bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity which will help me get a stable job in this field.

JESSICA ARGYLE

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

2019–2020 Scholarship Recipients

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Chandler Hadraba

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I was born in Atlanta, Georgia. Growing up, my father worked with Pepsi Cola to create the non-returnable glass bottle. Considering the Nagel Foundation is the company responsible for Pepsi in the Treasure Valley, receiving this scholarship seems to be a form of karma payback.

Thank you for your part in making my pathway to completion clear. Without this assistance, I would have either had to quit school or take on additional work which would have negatively impacted my school work. Now, I am able to continue on with school and focus on gaining the skills necessary to enter the workforce.

MAJOR: ADVANCED MECHATRONICS

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LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT

Empowering Student Success

KELLY OLSON DIRECTOR Western States Equipment

MIKE PEÑA DIRECTOR Colliers International

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Michael Jensen

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Director of Development

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La Dawn Anderst

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Operations and Database Coordinator

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In partnership with the community, the CWI Foundation is dedicated to empowering student success and affordable access to education.

The Foundation, governed by a Board of Directors, is made up of community members dedicating their time and professional expertise to support the mission of the College. Funds raised by the Foundation support student scholarships and provide vital educational opportunities.

LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT

MICHAEL BALLENGER DIRECTOR Ballenger Insurance

ED BARRETT PRESIDENT Trebar Financial Services

IVAN CASTILLO VICE PRESIDENT Idaho Hispanic Chamber

KEVIN RIGENHAGEN TREASURER Northwestern Mutual

CWI Foundation Board of Directors LEARN MORE about the CWI Foundation at cwi.edu/foundation.

“SUPPORTING STUDENTS THROUGH THE FOUNDATION GOES BEYOND HELPING ONE INDIVIDUAL; THE RIPPLE EFFECT IS FELT BY THOSE WHO SUPPORT THEM, INCLUDING THEIR COMMUNITY. THE OPPORTUNITY TO PURSUE POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION AT CWI CREATES A PATHWAY FOR FUTURE SUCCESS. TOGETHER, THOSE CONTRIBUTIONS ADD UP TO AN OPTIMISTIC FUTURE FOR US ALL.”

DIRECTORS NOT PICTURED: GREGORY BRAUN, Ripley Doorn & Company BEN CHANEY, First Interstate Bank CLINT CHILD, Saint Alphonsus MARY MAY, 5G Enterprises CONNIE MILLER, Icon Credit Union EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS: MARK BROWNING BERT GLANDON MOLLY LENTY TONY MEATTE

MICHAEL JENSEN & LA DAWN ANDERST, CWI FOUNDATION

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

PAIGE NIELEBECK

HOMETOWN: MERIDIAN, IDAHO MAJOR: ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST GRADUATION: 2016

JESSICA ARGYLE

Skills for the Workforce “I love to learn and always knew I would go to college after high school, but I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do.”

ASHLEY SMITH

She chose to major in the Administrative Specialist program for its flexibility.

“CWI empowered me with the skills I needed to be successful in the workforce,” said 2016 graduate, Paige Nielebeck.

Paige began attending College of Western Idaho (CWI) with a desire to obtain an education in order to find a stable job.

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“I chose CWI’s Administrative Specialist program because it offered hands-on learning experiences, internship opportunities, and would allow me to move around to different industries if I wanted to. I love how the program also gave me an opportunity to explore accounting and marketing in addition to the normal admin courses.”

As valued members of the community, Kyle now works as an Application Engineer at CompuNet, Inc. in Meridian, and Paige is the Management Assistant for the Idaho Workforce Development Council.

“CWI showed me being an admin is so much more than just answering phones or sitting at a desk!

As my boss likes to describe it, I am the glue that helps hold the Council together! A favorite part of my job is getting to meet so many new people.

I love learning about what they do, how they are contributing to Idaho’s workforce, and seeing the partnerships between industry, education, and government grow and flourish. I love my job!”

Paige’s husband, Kyle, also attended CWI. “Kyle and I started dating in high school and were able to take classes together at CWI. We got married a few months after I graduated with my associate degree in 2016. I ended up helping Kyle discover what he was passionate about.

After changing his major from History to Software Development, he graduated in 2019.”

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"CWI SHOWED ME BEING AN ADMIN IS SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST ANSWERING PHONES OR SITTING AT A DESK ...I LOVE MY JOB!”

ALUMNI

Reaching New Heights

JESSICA ARGYLE

CWI is changing lives, families, and futures every day. Thank you to our alumni for your part in empowering our community.

RENAE CLOUGH

ASHLEY SMITH

HOMETOWN: MERIDIAN, IDAHO MAJOR: BUSINESS GRADUATION: 2013 Donor Processor at Mission Aviation in Nampa, Idaho

OSCAR MEZA

“AT CWI, I RECEIVED A GREAT FOUNDATION LEARNING ABOUT SOFTWARE I USE EVERY DAY IN MY JOB. IT HELPED ME TO LEARN THE SKILLS I NEED TO ADAPT TO CHANGES IN MY INDUSTRY.” OSCAR MEZA, 2015 GRADUATE

VISIT TO

CWI.EDU/ALUMNI

JESSICA ARGYLE

HOMETOWN: MONROE, OREGON MAJOR: SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT GRADUATION: 2015 Software Developer for Ada County in Boise, Idaho.

RHIANNON TRULL

HOMETOWN: GARDEN CITY, IDAHO MAJOR: PSYCHOLOGY GRADUATION: 2011 High School Counselor at Rocky Mountain High School in Meridian, Idaho

• Stay connected • Get involved • Give back • Discover resources to help you continue opening doors to your future!

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MS 1000 P.O. Box 3010 Nampa, ID 83653 18011

GIVE TODAY! ASHLEY SMITH

For more information on the CWI Foundation and how to support student scholarships, VISIT cwi.edu/giving or call 208.562.3100.

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