by Tom Dale
History was made a couple of weeks ago in Nampa (Idaho). I had the privilege of attending the first-ever graduation ceremony for the newest and fastest growing community college in the nation. More than 400 students received certificates and diplomas from the College of Western Idaho in a ceremony that was a visible demonstration of why we worked so hard to establish this institution.
The three-year anniversary of that vote was last week. It was May 22, 2007 when the people of the Treasure Valley voted to create the district that would be the foundation upon which the college could be built.
CWI is certainly living up to all expectations. With the explosive growth experienced in its first 18 months of operation, even those who had doubts about the need for a community college in the Treasure Valley would have to admit it is providing a tremendous service.
The value of educational opportunuties at CWI is far greater than the tax dollars we all pay for support. the value of CWI was seen clearly in the faces of the graduates and their families.
That value extends beyond those students to the businesses that will employ them; to the communities in which they live; and to generations in the future. Its value will be seen in years to come as new employers locate and as existing employers expand because of our educated workforce and because CWI can provide workforce training designed to meet their specific needs.
And just in case you need more evidence CWI is vital to our future, a recent study on the impact of the recession on communities with the highest, most comprehensive level of education were least affected by the economic recession.
You want a "recession proof" community? Educate, educate, educate.
In the midst of our scrambling to make ends meet in this economically challenging time, let us pause to celebrate the accomplishments of these graduates. And let us be thankful for the foresight of the voters who provided the foundation for this graduation, and many more in the years ahead, at the College of Western Idaho.
Tom Dale is mayor of Nampa, Idaho.
Reprinted with permission of the author