UTSA housekeeping staff learns computer skills from teacher education staff
Housekeeping staff member receives graduation certificate from Dave Riker, UTSA associate vice president for facilities
Housekeeping staff member receives graduation certificate from Dave Riker, UTSA associate vice president for facilities
Share this Story(June 4, 2014) -- Since May 2012, a group of students at UTSA has received computer training from the College of Education and Human Development faculty, staff and students, but these students aren't typical college students. They're housekeeping staff members. And, many of them had never even been in front of a computer before they started these classes.
The classes began when facilities worker Erlinda Castillo, who was interested in learning some computer skills, asked Ilna Colemere, senior program coordinator in the Office of Teacher Education Services, for help. Staff members participating in the training began calling it "Erlinda's Wish."
"She was very hungry to learn, and because we are in the business of education, we knew it was important to educate everyone in our midst," Colemere said.
Colemere took on the challenge and one student soon turned into more than 80. The class graduated May 30 from their third year of classes.
They celebrated their achievements -- many going from not even knowing how to turn on a computer to learning how to communicate via email -- with a special ceremony.
Since they began, the classes have expanded to include English-as-a-second-language skills. The housekeeping staff is allowed one hour a week to attend the classes taught by College of Education and Human Development faculty, staff and students.
Colemere recently won the Extra Mile Award at the UTSA University Excellence Awards ceremony for her work on the program.
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To learn more about Erlinda's Wish, email Ilna Colemere.
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Events
This event will acknowledge graduating seniors from the McNair Scholars program at UTSA before inducting the new cohort of scholars into the program.
North Paseo Building (NPB 5.140), Main CampusAt this memorable celebration, UTSA graduates will be introduced one-by-one to cross the stage and accept their doctoral degrees.
Arts Building Recital Hall, Main CampusRoadrunner Walk is an event for graduating students to have a memorable walk on campus to celebrate an important milestone and their achievements. Graduates will walk along the Paseo while being celebrated by the UTSA community, friends, and family members.
Student Union Paseo, Main CampusCelebrate the accomplishments of College of Education and Human Development, College for Health, Community and Policy, College of Sciences and University College.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.Celebrate the accomplishments of Alvarez College of Business, College of Liberal and Fine Arts and Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.
