Director of Licensing Operations for the Office of Technology Transfer and Innovation

Would RECommend: Just Your Average Joe

Standing at an imposing 53-feet tall, located in the center of the building for all to see, the climbing wall boasts a rather strong presence. Yet, despite how intimidating this looming wall may feel, the atmosphere around it is anything but.

“As I was leaving, I went by the wall and was kind of looking up at it because I was always intrigued by it,” Joseph Jilka said. “One of the staff members came over and asked me if I was interested and explained how to get shoes and harness and everything. That kind of friendly atmosphere really got me in here.”

Jilka is one of the many patrons that frequent the climbing wall. In his case, he primarily does it after he finishes his work as the Director of Licensing Operations for the Office of Technology Transfer and Innovation. A long title, but what he does is fairly easy to explain.

“Our job is to facilitate the transfer of innovations that come out of UH,” Jilka said. “We bring all the great research we do here at UH out to the public.”

Primarily stationed inside of an office for most of the day, Jilka sought ways to be physically active. Initially looking for a program to simply exercise, he couldn’t help but be pulled to the climbing wall.

“I remember the first time I went up the wall, I went on the easiest route and I got up about 20 feet before I looked down and said this is too high,” Jilka said. “Now it’s a lot easier to go up. I think the wall is important to me because it is a great physical conditioning alternative.”

As Jilka continued to climb, the Outdoor Adventure program began recognizing him as a regular. It got to the point that some student staff at the wall have Jilka’s PeopleSoft ID memorized. Here at the wall, the students simply refer to him as Joe.

“I remember meeting Joe at our climbing competition last year struggling to climb,” Climbing Wall Supervisor Momo Morales said. Seeing his progress in climbing over the year has been great to see. Everyone, staff and patrons, love him as he’s become part of our rock climbing community. Whether it’s his friendly face, his eagerness to learn, or the time he donated a laser pointer to the wall, I can say for sure his impact at the wall is memorable.”

The feelings the UH climbing wall community is fully felt with Jilka himself. He not only found himself a way to be physically active, but a group of people who felt a connection with.

“Everybody knows each other,” Jilka said. “It’s just a fun little community to come to. The staff here is incredible, it’s just a great program.”

Jilka has even begun inviting his coworkers to the wall. What was once an intimidating prospect has now become a home for Joe after his workday where he is now the one inviting others to try.

“It’s very easy,” Jilka said. “You can check out free shoes, a harness and the staff is very welcoming, they’ll show you what to do. Before you know it, you’ll get hooked on it.”

Jilka is one of the many faculty who has explored Campus Recreation looking for a way to be physically active. Not only did he find that, but he also found a passionate hobby, a lovely community and memories that keep him connected to his place of work.

“The best part of being and working at UH is the climbing wall,” Jilka said.