CWI’s Connections Project celebrates culture, collaboration, education, innovation, and achievement

College of Western Idaho (CWI) student, Emma Obendorf, is the winner of the 2018 Connections Project logo contest. Obendorf, a student in the Studio Art Program, has a passion for graphic design and was excited to design a logo.

The logo will be distributed in marketing materials such as t-shirts, websites, and flyers. Obendorf also received $100 for her winning design — which she plans to put into savings.

“It’s a bit surreal! I don’t think it’s hit me that this will be seen at the event,” she said while describing the strong contenders she competed against.

CWI’s Connections Project celebrates culture, collaboration, education, innovation, and achievement. The contest gave students an opportunity to showcase their skills in design, while incorporating the event’s mission statement in the logo.

“I like the simplicity, figuring out what people see first and how it all goes together,” Obendorf said.

Fifteen students submitted PDFs of their proposed designs. Twenty faculty and staff judged the logos, without access to students’ names, and chose their favorites. Assistant Professor of Art, Karen Brown, said Obendorf is a professional student who is easy to work with. Brown was impressed with her logo design.

“I like that it clearly connects to our visual identity and branding,” she said.

In addition, Brown stated she enjoyed the honeycomb design in the logo, reminiscent of a structure bees are always building and rebuilding, a similar process the College goes through as students graduate.

Obendorf is appreciative the College asks students to design the logo for the event as it helps her feel more involved.

“I went to a really small high school, so I kind of like the community aspect. I think it’s cool the College asked students to participate in the contest and helps to get our work recognized,” Obendorf said. “It is very tight-knit, it’s easy to get to know your professors and classmates and get involved in stuff.”

Save the date for this year’s Connections Project April 26, 2018.

Learn more about the event and find a link to submit projects by March 23 at cwidaho.cc/current-students/connections-project.

 

Jim Gatfield selected for College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Faculty of Distinction for the month of August.

Jim Gatfield has been selected for College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Faculty of Distinction for the month of August.

During his two-year tenure with CWI, Gatfield has proven an advocate for faculty and students and has provided exceptional work across the college. Gatfield consistently maintains a high level of attention to each aspect of his role at CWI and is an outstanding co-worker.

Gatfield’s contributions to CWI include developing a course for the College’s new CWID 101 courses designed around using comic books as a tool for exploring diversity in a collegiate setting. He also contributes regularly to the retention committee, has served on hiring committees, presented at in-service and has worked diligently on building GEN ED curriculum and professional development. Along with Johnny Rowing, he brought another Speech and Debate national championship to the College.

He designed and coordinated the first Social Science and Public Affairs (SSPA) Showcase. His goal was to place the faculty in front of any student who was interested in learning more about the discipline and to showcase the work of faculty. Gatfield coordinated all participants, reserved facilities, and worked with Student Services and Marketing to spread to the word to students and help make the event a success.

Gatfield was a very good teacher when he joined the CWI team; however, over the past two years his deliberate pursuit of excellence has been impossible not to notice. He consistently works with peers to enhance his courses, employs new pedagogy, and seeks professional development direct toward teaching the process.

Gatfield was involved in coordinating judging opportunities for students at high schools, local optimist groups, and the SkillsUSA competition. He also served as a judge for SkillsUSA, which allowed Speech and Debate students to connect with the community, representing the team and CWI, while potentially making professional connections.

Congratulations Jim and thank you for all your incredible work.