Date:
3/6/2003
Contact: Wendel Sloan at 505.562.2253
Reporter: Colleen Wright
PORTALES – Over the seven years Geralyn Million has worked for Eastern New Mexico University's Extended Learning, she has incorporated many new classes – and has also taken her fair share for fun and enlightenment.
Extended Learning is a program that offers non-credit courses to both the community and ENMU students. Currently, there are over 50 courses offered by 25 instructors, including ones on paralegal, swimming, scuba diving and yoga. It is Geralyn's job to find new courses, coordinate facilities, find instructors, and edit and publish the non-credit bulletin.
"I really take pride in my job; it's fun and very rewarding," Geralyn says smilingly. "The best part is watching the public benefit from something I put together."
Geralyn moved to Portales in 1992; she worked for Admissions and went to school, utilizing the fee-waiver program in which employees can take a course each semester for free. She graduated in 1995 and became Extended Learning's Special Programs Coordinator.
According to Geralyn, when here husband, Dr. Phillip Million, chair of ENMU's Department of Communication Disorders, first brought up the idea of moving here, she was less than pleased. They met in Oklahoma while she was getting her associate's and he was getting his Ph.D. After getting married they moved to Wisconsin, West Virginia and then Kentucky.
"Because of family, I was never really thrilled about leaving Oklahoma," Geralyn admits. "Phil has always had a real draw for the Southwest, so when he brought up moving there I was not very surprised or thrilled.
"When we first drove into the canyons of West Texas, we were in separate cars. I was in a car with my daughter, Katherine, Phil was with our son, Bryant," Geralyn recalls. "I could see Phil looking around, happy as can be with outstretched arms for the grandeur scenery; I was behind him giving all of the scenery thumbs down."
After 11 years in Portales, Geralyn does not have the same opinion. "I love it here. It has been a wonderful place to raise our children and meet new people. I have never regretted our decision."
When Geralyn is not spending time at work or with family, she has a number of things that keep her busy. She is very active within her church ("They are like a second family"), has taken up quilting, and takes yoga twice a week.
"One of the many perks about my job," Geralyn enthuses, "is I'm aware of all the classes we have to offer and take many of them. It is amazing all of the hobbies these classes have made me interested in."
Geralyn Million, Extended Learning Special Programs Coordinator, has developed a number of hobbies, including quilting, as a result of her involvement with Extended Learning classes. (photo by Jillian Butler)