ELEVATION
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C O L L E G E
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W E S T E R N
The Class of
2020
SPRING/SUMMER 2020
RISING TO A NEW LEVEL OF EXCELLENCE
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M A G A Z I N E
Vantage Point We have faced enormous challenges over the past few months due to the coronavirus pandemic. I am SPRING/SUMMER 2020 VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2
impressed at the fearless approach our faculty, staff, and especially our students have taken during these extraordinary times. Moving off campus, going remote, and adapting to online delivery just barely scratches the surface
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
of the transformation that took place in a matter of days this past semester. Together, we learned the power of mute, screen sharing, and other Zoom and Collaborate features as our living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchen tables became our new work and learning environments. We learned how to cope with new co-workers and classmates consisting of family, kids, spouses, pets, etc. As a strong Wi-Fi connection became essential, shoes and pants became optional, social distancing and six-feet
CWI FOUNDATION 208.562.3100 foundation@cwi.edu
apart became the new normal, washing our hands became a new pastime, and masks became the new
COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING 208.562.2222 communications@cwi.edu
Needless to say, 2020 has been an adventure and one we will never forget. What makes this year so
fashion statement – the educational journey continued!
unique is what we all endured together. We faced so many unknowns, more questions than answers, and a level of uncertainty I venture to say was a new level for many of us. Despite it all, we persevered
EDITOR IN CHIEF Audrey Eldridge EDITOR/WRITER Jessica Argyle CREATIVE MANAGER Jessica Downing GRAPHIC DESIGNER Cody Sprague PHOTOGRAPHERS Jessica Argyle, Morriah Marks, Ashley Smith PHOTO CONTRIBUTORS Tami Ankeny, Amber Eubanks, Dan Garrity, Joel Gladd, Rob Green, Nikki Houston, Hailee Jones, Maia Kelley, Makelle Meyer, Sabina Omair, Miguel Ramirez, Tehani Schnupp, Marc Swinney, Ursla Ungerman, Amy Vassar, Jessa Walker, Luke Yeates
and rose to the occasion together! I commend our amazing CWI community of faculty, staff, donors, and alumni for dedicating their lives to recognizing and supporting the potential and hidden talents in our students; fueling their educational journey, providing opportunities to create hope, conquer the impossible, and help them achieve their dreams. To our students – thank you! As you empower our community with your energy and talents, the Treasure Valley will continue to be an economic powerhouse. Thank you for being the inspiration you are to us all!
Berton L. Glandon President, College of Western Idaho
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.
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. © 2020 College of Western Idaho
ASHLEY SMITH
To subscribe, visit cwi.edu/elevation.
IN THIS ISSUE
2 4 Graduate Spotlight
Keeping Students First #STILLMIGHTY, TOGETHER
JEFF CULLERS BELIEVES IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO CHASE YOUR DREAMS
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On the Cover Congratulations to our 2020 graduates! You made it!
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Campus News
2020 NURSING GRADUATES CONTINUE PINNING TRADITION
15 Investing in Education
THROUGH THE GENEROSITY AND CONTINUED SUPPORT OF OUR DONORS, STUDENTS ARE MAKING THEIR DREAMS A REALITY
JESSICA ARGYLE
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Reaching New Heights
CWI ALUMNI EMPOWERING THE COMMUNITY WITH THEIR TALENTS AND SKILLS
Making the Move "CWI TOOK A SHY AND QUIET MOM AND MADE ME INTO A FIERCE, STRONG, AND CAREER-DRIVEN WOMAN. BECAUSE OF CWI, I BELIEVE I AM CAPABLE OF ACHIEVING ANYTHING!”
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#STILLMIGHTY
Keeping Students First As more than 1,000 classes were moved online in a matter of weeks at the beginning of March due to COVID-19, faculty, staff, and students alike learned what #mightyCWI was all about.
Assistant Professor of Math, Maia Kelley, came up with a new Zoom Mood each day for the last 30 days of spring semester. From Elmer Fudd to Rosie the Riveter, it was a welcome distraction sure to bring a smile. READ more at cwi.edu/zoomingherbestlife.
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Drive-by Events
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#STILLMIGHTY
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Work/Life Juggling
CWI’s Advising team created a lip sync video encouraging students to contact them with questions or for assistance.
#stillmighty
Zoom Meetings
WATCH the video at cwi.edu/callmemaybe.
“FLEXIBILITY WAS KEY FOR ME AND MY STUDENTS. WE MADE THE MOST OF WHAT WE HAD ON HAND, EVEN IF IT WAS JUST A STANDING DESK MADE FROM AN ORANGE BOX. I APPRECIATED MY STUDENTS’ PATIENCE AND UNDERSTANDING WITH DOGS BARKING AND KIDS YELLING IN THE BACKGROUND AT TIMES.”
AMY VASSAR
AMY VASSAR, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, SPANISH
Creative Workspaces C O L L E G E
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GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT
A College Graduate JOHN "JEFF" CULLERS
HOMETOWN: GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA MAJOR: COMMUNICATION GRADUATION: 2020 4
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“Because of CWI, I am a college graduate,” said 2020 College of Western Idaho (CWI) graduate, Jeff Cullers. A husband, father, and grandfather, Cullers chose to pursue his education following a lengthy and successful career in the pizza industry. “My wife and I moved to Boise in 2014 from Illinois after I got a job offer from WinCo Foods to be their Director of Pizza Operations. Prior to WinCo, I spent 30 years with Domino's Pizza where I started as a delivery driver and worked my way up to an Operations Director.” Inspired by the educational endeavors of his children, Cullers made the decision to attend college in order to advance his career. CWI offered him the flexibility he needed. “Nothing could have prepared me for the fear and anticipation of saying yes to college at the age of 51. I was nervous about coming back to school as I did not perform well in high school. Working 60 hours a week and traveling while trying to go to school was certainly a challenge and a sacrifice, but being able to take the majority of my classes online was a huge benefit.” Choosing to major in Communication, Cullers learned along the way he not only had the ability to acquire
knowledge but to excel as a leader. As a student he was a scholarship recipient, was recognized as a 2020 Emerging Scholar, served as a Presidential Ambassador, and was selected as the 2020 Student Commencement Speaker for the College’s first-ever virtual ceremony, all of which he attributes to the passion, encouragement, and support of his professors. “There were four critical mindsets that changed during my journey at CWI. Mike Robinson’s Philosophy and World Religions classes changed how I view the world around me and opened my eyes to looking at it from different perspectives. Johnny Rowing’s Communication and Culture and Mass Media classes exposed how society and media treat people differently. Michelle Mahoney’s Public Relations classes helped me to see a different future for myself in a career I would have never previously considered. Finally, Dr. Michelle Fellows changed how I viewed myself through her Human Relations for Career and Personal Success class. She taught me that we must constantly re‐examine ourselves to be successful.” Now a college graduate, Cullers plans to begin his journey at Boise State University this fall in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in Multidisciplinary Studies. “It is never too late to say YES, chase your dreams, and begin your journey of self‐fulfillment.”
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GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT
“IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO SAY YES, CHASE YOUR DREAMS, AND BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY OF SELF‐FULFILLMENT. BECAUSE OF CWI, I AM A COLLEGE GRADUATE.”
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CAMPUS NEWS
Graduates Continue Nursing Pinning Tradition Cars with honking horns and flashing lights flooded the Nampa Campus Academic Building parking lot during CWI’s 2020 Essential Nursing Pinning Ceremony May 16. Forty-four vehicles filled with graduates were greeted by cheering family and friends with Nampa Police Department leading the procession. Maintaining social distancing, graduates were recognized for their accomplishments, received pins, and took their oath.
"Nursing pinning this year was especially heartfelt for me," commented Cathleen Currie, Dean of Health. “Seeing the joy and pride in each car as the students and their families drove out made the worries of the weeks gone by worth it. There wasn’t a dry eye among us.” WATCH highlights of the event at cwi.edu/2020NursingPinning.
MORRIAH MARKS
STAY UP TO DATE
MORRIAH MARKS
ASHLEY SMITH
Sign up for CWI’s eNewsletter. VISIT cwi.edu/subscribe.
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“I’m pretty sure none of us thought we would be celebrating our pinning in a parking lot, and certainly, we never imagined we would be entering the nursing profession in the midst of the greatest pandemic in over 100 years,” said graduate, John Hickey. “Never before in our country’s history has the importance of healthcare workers been so evident.”
CAMPUS NEWS
Students Launch Suicide Prevention Website DAN GARRITY
Applying skills learned in the classroom to a real-world issue, Marketing and Communications students in three of Professor Dan Garrity’s classes launched Hope for Idaho in May. The website utilizes storytelling to address suicide awareness in our community with the goal of helping to save lives by bringing hope, relief, and comfort to those who need it. LEARN MORE at cwi.edu/hopeforidaho.
CWI Night at the Steelheads Sets a Record
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ASHLEY SMITH
CWI partnered with the Idaho Steelheads in February to SCORE Big for scholarships during CWI Night, raising a record $925 from group ticket sales for student scholarships! Congratulations to Cassandra Sanchez, one of two winners of a $1,000 SCORE Big Scholarship! Sanchez is a current CWI student studying Biology-Human Biology. Following CWI, she plans to attend Boise State University to study Public Health.
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CLASS OF 2020
Celebrating the Class of 2020 CWI’s 2020 graduates rose to a new level of excellence, successfully completing their academic journey in the face of unprecedented challenges due to the coronavirus pandemic. To celebrate their accomplishments, CWI hosted a curbside pick-up event complete with giveaways, confetti, and fanfare at the Nampa Campus Micron Education Center June 17 and 18.
1,657
DEGREE AND CERTIFICATE CANDIDATES
2,353
DEGREES AND CERTIFICATES EARNED
487
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GRADUATES WITH MULTIPLE DEGREES
443
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FEATURED ON THE COVER Sharon Rose Malubeki Hometown: Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo Major: Medical Administrative Support Graduation: 2020
JESSICA ARGYLE
GRADUATES WITH HONORS
JESSICA ARGYLE ASHLEY SMITH JESSICA ARGYLE
3.5
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AVERAGE GRADUATE GPA
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JOIN THE CELEBRATION! JESSICA ARGYLE
WATCH CWI’s first-ever, virtual commencement ceremony at cwi.edu/graduation. JESSICA ARGYLE
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VETERAN GRADUATES
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APPRENTICESHIP CANDIDATES
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Faculty and Staff Shout-outs to Graduates Joel Gladd INSTRUCTOR, ENGLISH
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“THESE RECENT MONTHS HAVE DEMANDED A LOT FROM MANY SPRING 2020 GRADUATES. YOU’VE BEEN EXPECTED TO REMAIN FLEXIBLE, GRACIOUS TOWARDS OTHERS, AND DEDICATED TO THE LEARNING PROCESS IN SPITE OF RADICAL UNCERTAINTY. IT’S BEEN A CRASH COURSE IN WHAT TO EXPECT OUTSIDE OF COLLEGE, AND YOU SUCCEEDED. I’M SO PROUD OF EVERYONE WHO MADE THIS HAPPEN.”
Kim Scheffer DEPARTMENT CHAIR, INTEGRATED STUDIES
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Remember, learning is a lifetime experience. Never stop learning! We believe in you and are proud to have been a part of your educational journey, wherever it takes you. Congratulations!!!!
JESSICA ARGYLE
AMBER EUBANKS
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Rob Green
Amber Eubanks
Oster Hernandez
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, DRAFTING TECHNOLOGY
STUDENT LEADERSHIP COORDINATOR, STUDENT AFFAIRS
SENIOR TRANSITION COORDINATOR, DUAL CREDIT
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You didn’t choose all the challenges found on the journey here at CWI, but you chose fearless. Celebrate this achievement and your persistence! Congratulations, graduates!
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Congratulations, graduates! We are so proud of all you have accomplished. Thank you for letting us be a part of this adventure with you!
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I am so happy to share this excitement with our CWI 2020 graduates! Best wishes on your next adventure!
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URSLA UNGERMAN
Ursla Ungerman
Marc Swinney
Tami Ankeny
SUPERVISOR, BASIC SKILLS EDUCATION
DIRECTOR, BUSINESS, MANUFACTURING, & IT, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
STUDENT SUCCESS ADVISOR, STUDENT ADVISING & SUCCESS
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One of my favorite thoughts is the world is run by those who show up. You showed up, exceled, and graduated during COVID. You can do anything now. Forever, Be Mighty!
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Congratulations, graduates, on an amazing achievement! Enjoy this moment that your dedication and grit has brought you. I wish you all the best in your next endeavors!
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JESSA WALKER
JESSICA ARGYLE
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All your hard work and dedication has paid off. Way to go CWI class of 2020!
Jessa Walker
Goran Fazil
Maia Kelley
SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE, ONE STOP STUDENT SERVICES
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, ART
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, MATHEMATICS
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Being a CWI grad myself, I know the excitement of this day! Your journey is just beginning. Best wishes to your next chapter in life.
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Congratulations to 2020 CWI graduates! Persist and be creative in the journey ahead of you!
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Huzzah! As a community college graduate, raised by a community college graduate – I know what you’ve done, and I’m proud of you. Congratulations on showing your work, citing your sources, and successfully doing all the other things we asked you to do!
I D A H O
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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
TEHANI SCHNUPP
HOMETOWN: STAR, IDAHO MAJOR: MARKETING, MEDIA ARTS GRADUATION: 2021
Making the Move
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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Tehani Schnupp, a first-year Marketing and Media Arts student at CWI, also wears the titles of wife and mother. Most days for her are full of what she refers to as “organized chaos”, especially as she worked to finish up spring semester in the midst of a pandemic. “My husband and I have five kids ranging in age from sixteen to five years old,” Schnupp explained. “Our kids attend four different schools including high school, middle school, elementary, and preschool, and of course, all our kids are in sports or music lessons yearround. Needless to say, there are always dishes in my sink, and the laundry is never done.” While her decision to go back to school was scary and intimidating, Schnupp wanted to find a career that would allow her to earn a livable income while working remotely in order to spend more time with her kids. “The greatest challenge on my educational journey has been finding balance between my family life and my full-time student life which has demanded a level of organization I did not have prior. This challenge has forced me to find creative, problem-solving solutions. I try not to forget to stop and laugh from time to time – like the time I was studying for finals while cooking French toast for my kids and grabbed what I thought was cinnamon but actually cayenne pepper. I am now barred from cooking during finals week. It may take years for them to trust me to make them French toast again!” As a student at CWI, Schnupp has had many memorable and enriching experiences including sharing her story as part of the Mom’s Next Move promotional campaign with 107.9 Lite FM, interviewing Shannon Decker from the Speedy
Foundation to promote a suicide prevention website, and building and executing a marketing campaign for a local, Boise-based business. “These and several other experiences at CWI have brought richness to my education by giving me direct, real-world experience as well as solidifying to myself I am in an industry I love.” In addition, Schnupp says the faculty at CWI, like Dan Garrity, have made a powerful and positive impact on her education. “For anyone who has ever met Professor Garrity, you cannot sit in a room with him for longer than five minutes without feeling how deeply he is invested in his students. This investment goes much further than a letter grade. He works to take each and every one of his students and empower them to find their way.” Schnupp hopes by sharing her story she will inspire other mom's to consider their next move, and if that next move is education, she says to go for it! “CWI took a shy and quiet mom and made me into a fierce, strong, and career-driven woman. This transition happened because of unmatched professors, an advisor who should be promoted to sainthood (Teresa Martinez), and curriculum that has prepared me for the world. Because of CWI, I believe I am capable of achieving anything!” Following graduation from CWI, Schnupp plans to transfer to Boise State University to study Public Relations.
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“CWI TOOK A SHY AND QUIET MOM AND MADE ME INTO A FIERCE, STRONG, AND CAREER-DRIVEN WOMAN. BECAUSE OF CWI, I BELIEVE I AM CAPABLE OF ACHIEVING ANYTHING!"
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SCHOLARSHIPS
“AT 43, I PROBABLY WON’T REACH MY GOAL OF BECOMING A NURSE UNTIL I’M NEARING 50, BUT I INTEND TO GO FOR IT AS MUCH AS I CAN. THIS SCHOLARSHIP WILL BE A LARGE PART OF MAKING THAT HAPPEN!”
JESSICA ARGYLE
REBECCA SHARP
Inspiring Mom's Next Move In partnership with 107.9 Lite FM and Michelle Heart, CWI awarded Rebecca Sharp as the winner of this year’s Mom’s Next Move on-air scholarship promotion. Sharp will receive a full-tuition, full-year scholarship to CWI which she plans to use toward a degree in Nursing. Five additional moms each received a $500 scholarship.
VALUE $4,170* JESSICA ARGYLE
*based on two semesters of 15 credits each term
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GIVING
Investing in Education The CWI Foundation remains committed to student success, especially during these unprecedented times. Through the generosity and continued support of our donors, students are making their dreams a reality. In partnership with the CWI Board of Trustees, the Foundation has a goal to raise $1 million by the end of 2020. Join with us as we invest in the people, programs, and ideas that keep our community strong.
2020–2021 STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS
$482,277 AVAILABLE
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SCHOLARSHIPS
$100,000
JESSICA ARGYLE
NEW SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS
GIVE TODAY!
For more information on the CWI Foundation and opportunities to support students, VISIT cwi.edu/foundation or call 208.562.3100.
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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
LUKE YEATES
HOMETOWN: BOISE, IDAHO MAJOR: COMMUNICATION GRADUATION: 2014
“EVERYTHING I AM NOW CAME FROM CHOOSING CWI… ALL OF IT! CWI EMPOWERS PEOPLE TO BE MORE THAN THEY EVER THOUGHT WAS POSSIBLE.”
LYDIA SHEARMAN
Everything I Am
“I wasn’t anything special when I came to CWI,” said Communication graduate, Luke Yeates. After graduating from College of Western Idaho (CWI) in 2014, Yeates went on to finish a bachelor’s degree in Communication, Media, and Journalism and a master’s in Communication at Boise State University. While there, he competed on the University’s debate team, the Talkin’ Broncos, and taught Communication classes as a graduate assistant for two years. Yeates returned to CWI in the fall of 2019 to teach Communication 1 6
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full time and take over as Director of Forensics. “I knew I wanted to be a teacher back when I was a student at CWI,” Yeates recalled. “I was at a debate competition as a student, and one of my coaches commented that I might make a good coach. I took that to heart and decided to make it my chosen profession.” Taking on the task of coaching CWI’s nationallyrecognized Speech and Debate team is a dream come true for Yeates. Devoting countless hours of his time to this cause, he works relentlessly to
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uphold the high level of achievement the team has demonstrated for years. As both a coach and an instructor, Yeates exhibits dedication, care, and commitment to the success of his students and the College as a whole. “Luke has repeatedly expressed his position at CWI as his ‘dream job’,” said Jim Gatfield, Department Chair of Communication, Media Arts, and Marketing. “He is exactly what we want to see – a faculty member who understands and cares about his students because he was once one of those students. Luke approaches the classroom with a passion that is infectious. His care for this school, his students, and fellow faculty is perfectly evident through his genuine, heartfelt, and skilled engagement in all of his duties. Luke understands what it’s like to come back to school, try something new, and learn who you really are through grit and determination. He is truly fearless.” “Because of CWI, I have meaning in my career,” said Yeates. “Everything I am now came from choosing CWI… all of it! CWI empowers people to be more than they ever thought was possible.” READ MORE about Luke at cwi.edu/Yeates.
Reaching New Heights CWI is changing lives, families, and futures every day. Thank you to our alumni for your part in empowering our community.
MAKELLE MEYER
ALUMNI
MAKELLE MEYER
HOMETOWN: SWEET, IDAHO MAJOR: SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY GRADUATION: 2017 Certified Surgical Technologist at St. Luke’s Hospital in Boise, Idaho
HAILEE JONES
HOMETOWN: CALDWELL, IDAHO MAJOR: CRIMINAL JUSTICE, LIBERAL ARTS, POLITICAL SCIENCE GRADUATION: 2017 Corrections Officer at Idaho Department of Corrections in Boise, Idaho
“CWI GAVE ME THE EDUCATION TO REACH MY GOALS. BECAUSE OF CWI, I CAN DO WHATEVER I WANT IN LIFE!”
MIGUEL RAMIREZ
HOMETOWN: DRIGGS, IDAHO MAJOR: AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY GRADUATION: 2017 Auto Technician at Lyle Pearson Acura in Boise, Idaho
HAILEE JONES, 2017 GRADUATE
VISIT TO
CWI.EDU/ALUMNI
• 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
CLASS OF 2020
JESSICA ARGYLE
We would love to hear from you! SHARE your CWI story at cwi.edu/gradspotlight.
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