University News
Lira Joins Cross Cultural Programs at QCs Campus
February 27, 2001
Helena Lira of Moline has been selected to join the Cross-Cultural Educational Program--Hispanic Program for Educational Advancement as an academic adviser/program coordinator at Western Illinois University's Quad Cities campus.
"I am excited to join such a successful program which does so much for the community and the state on many different levels," said Lira. " I believe in the work that is being done and in the commitment of the staff. I am looking forward to making a contribution to the many projects in place. I am also looking forward to working with Nereida Avendano in the development of the strategic plan for the next five years to serve the Latino population in the region."
Lira is a graduate of Moline High School. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois and her master's degree from the University of Michigan. Lira comes to Western after spending six years working in educational and community programs at local and international levels.
Prior to instructing in the Adult Basic Education Program at Black Hawk College,
Lira was involved in the U.S. Peace Corps Program in the former Soviet Union. She returned last year after serving from 1998-2000 as an economic and organizational development volunteer in the Republic of Moldova. She has also served as an admissions counselor for Augustana College in Rock Island.
As an adviser and program coordinator with WIU's Cross-Cultural Educational
Programs, Lira will provide academic support programming and outreach to ethnic minority students in the Quad Cities, the WIU Quad Cities campus, Black Hawk College, Sauk Valley Community College districts, the greater Rockford area and several community colleges in the greater Chicago area.
Cross-Cultural-Hispanic Program serves a variety of roles throughout the WIU service region, including programs which foster leadership among ethnic minority students. Some of the efforts include working collaboratively with elementary schools, middle school, high schools and community organizations and businesses in the respective district.
For information about the Cross-Cultural Educational Programs, please contact
Helena Lira or Nereida Avendano at 309-762-1588.
Posted By: Darcie Shinberger (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing
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