Gloria Jean Reckner
Gloria Reckner is a life-long student who loves being a teacher at Richland College. Her Emeritus students consistently appreciate Gloria’s enthusiasm and patience as they learn the latest in computer technology.
“When my students learn a new skill, it lights me up as much as it does them,” Gloria said. “I never stop looking for more effective ways to communicate whatever I'm teaching.”
Since 2003, the Richland adjunct faculty member has used her love for technology to teach senior students how to understand and use computer programs such as Photoshop Elements, Microsoft Word and PowerPoint. In addition, Gloria has organized and written course materials for classes in Digital Photo Galleries, Advanced PowerPoint and Photoshop’s Organizer workspace.
Having first learned word processing on a memory typewriter with a read-out panel “about the size of an address label,” Gloria now has 30 years of computer experience to share with her students.
When Richland College opened in 1972, Gloria was among the first student body to earn an Associate of Arts and Sciences degree. Over the years, she has been a single parent for her two children and a surrogate parent for two of their teenage friends. By working days and taking night classes at Richland, Gloria also earned a Technical Writing Certification. She is an award-winning poet, a photographer and a SCUBA diver.
Gloria considers keeping up with the ever-changing world of technology one of her highest priorities. “For me, keeping up with technology is a passion,” she said. “I'm fascinated by the age we live in because there are so many interesting things to learn.”