Rivers Casino celebrates ESL graduation for employees
Rivers Casino employees celebrated their success after spending the spring improving their English language skills, thanks to a new partnership between the casino and Oakton Community College's Workforce Solutions team.
Fifteen Rivers employees completed a 13-session English as Second Language (ESL) course this spring, which culminated with a graduation ceremony on May 25.
Through the course taught by Judy Sloane, Oakton Workforce Trainer in English as a Learned Language, students improved their speaking and listening skills, gained a better understanding of corporate communications and developed more confidence in their English language skills.
"This class helped me feel more comfortable talking to people and will help me be more engaged with customers' needs," said Cecilia Arzola, a graduate.
"Judy was supportive right from the beginning. She encouraged me to say things correctly and assisted with my pronunciation."
The Oakton Workforce Solutions ESL partnership with Rivers Casino is one example of the full range of cost-effective, high-quality training solutions that can be delivered at various locations.
Oakton's experienced team of consultants, trainers and program managers develops customized training programs that enhance employee skills and knowledge to drive business results.
"You are our first ESL graduates through our partnership with Rivers Casino," said Eilish McDonagh-Hermer, Oakton senior manager, Workforce Solutions. "Pat yourselves on the back for taking this opportunity to improve your English language skills. That takes strength and courage. Congratulations on a job well done!"
Sloane took pride in announcing the names of all the graduates who received a certificate and fist bumps from an entourage of Rivers Casino employees who attended the ceremony to show support for the graduates.
"The excitement, enthusiasm and participation was amazing," Sloane said. "Students displayed tons of energy about learning in class. That shined through, especially with all the questions after the sessions."
And Rivers Casino was happy to have its employees participate.
"We are so excited to partner with Oakton to provide this amazing opportunity for our team members," said Mary A. Vesic, Rivers Casino senior HR representative - training.
"Participants told us that they feel more confident when speaking to their fellow team members and leaders. Additionally, some team members started to participate in our volunteer events, to not only give back, but also to practice their English speaking skills."
Graduating students besides Arzola included: Arturo Torres-Saldiver, Chicago; Bertha Estrada, Chicago; Celleste Reyes-Ojeda, Chicago; Constantino Urbano, Chicago; Emilio Garcia, Cicero; Hamza Arefynie, Chicago; ManQing Yang, Chicago; Maria Soto, Chicago; Rebeca Gomez, Bensenville; Ricardo Atanay-Baquero, Chicago; Ruihau Ruan, Chicago; Victoria Amaya, Chicago; Zhaohui Huang, Chicago; and Terecita Lema, Chicago.
For information about partnerships with Oakton's Workforce Solutions, call (847) 635-1447 or email workforcesolutions@oakton.edu.