Adult learner earns state award, to enter college

Cynthia E. Shermeyer (left) with student Dionne Pyle

Photo by KATHY FLICKINGER

Six years ago, earning a college degree was beyond the realm of Dionne Pyle's hopes and dreams. This summer, the UD custodial technician, wife and mother of three children will enter her first class in Delaware Technical and Community College's medical technician program.

Ask Pyle, who recently earned her GED (General Education Development) certificate, how her educational progress occurred, and she points across the table to Cynthia E. Shermeyer, coordinator of UD's Reading Improvement Program in the Office of Human Resources.

Pyle's success is the result of drive, determination and enough enthusiasm, Shermeyer said, to earn her an Outstanding Adult Learner Award from the state of Delaware Department of Education.

For the last four years, Shermeyer has been coordinator of UD's literacy program, which provides individual training to employees at no charge.

Pyle, a student for four years, has studied a wide range of subjects, including mathematics, science, writing, literature and social studies.

"The program has been on campus for 14 years," Shermeyer said, "but it changed dramatically about four years ago. We provide GED assistance, English as a second language instruction, adult basic educational skills and basic computer literacy skills. It's much more than reading and writing."

Currently, Shermeyer said she has about 20 students. The program operates under an "open-entry, open-exit" philosophy, which means participants can join or leave at any point–and some start, leave and return at a later date.

Pyle was a bit of an exception, Shermeyer said.

"I was determined," Pyle said, "and thanks to Cindy, I moved ahead. She pushed me to try harder and learn more all the time."

Shermeyer said the University allows her students to attend sessions for 90 minutes, twice a week. Pyle, however, made arrangements to work through her lunch and breaks in order to spend more time in training sessions.

Pyle found out about the UD service from a friend who attended an information program Shermeyer had conducted. When asked if she was satisfied with Pyle's progress, Shermeyer replied, "I couldn't be more pleased and proud. Dionne was a wonderful student and a terrific asset to the program. As a result of her success and involvement, at least two other employees have signed up to take advantage of our services and work toward the GED. Another student is working to improve his reading skills to go to college this fall."

"If anyone asks me about the program, I tell them this is a great opportunity for anybody and it's their loss if they don't take advantage of it," Pyle said. "But, you have to be determined and motivated."

–Ed Okonowicz

Editor's note: For additional information, contact Shermeyer at 831-8310 or [cesherm@udel.edu].