November 26, 2014 Dear Selection Committee: I am writing in support of Jessica (Jessie) Morgan’s application for a Higher Education and Student Affairs Graduate Assistantship at the University of Vermont. As an associate director in the Department of Residence Life, I have had the pleasure of working with Jessie in her role as a Learning Community Assistant in our department during the past two years. Over the course of this time, I have witnessed Jessie’s strong leadership, commitment to her education, and maturity as a peer educator. Jessie joined our department as one of seven students first hired as Learning Community Assistants (LCAs) for the 2013-2014 academic year, and now in her second year in this position has continuously proven herself to be a strong and capable student leader – not only for the students she serves in the learning community, but also for her peer LCAs. As the LCA for the GreenHouse Learning Community, Jessie serves as a leader and role model for over 60 first year residents in a community focused on sustainability and environmental impact. Jessie reaches out to each of her residents in countless ways to ensure that their academic and residential experiences are positive ones – from hosting study groups to facilitating monthly meetings. In her role as an LCA, Jessie serves as a liaison to our department and as an advocate for the students. This past semester, when students in the GreenHouse LC proposed a plan to compost paper towel waste in the community bathrooms, Jessie showed a unique balance of challenge and support that isn’t often seen in an undergraduate student. She supported their efforts, but also challenged them to work through their plans to ensure their follow-through. This situation was testament to Jessie’s keen understanding of the roles student affairs professionals play. This leadership and understanding is something I know Jessie will carry with her into a graduate program. She is eager to learn, but also has much to share with the students she works with by means of the example she sets. Over the course of her time as a Learning Community Assistant, Jessie has demonstrated a strong sense of maturity in her interactions with supervisors, students and fellow staff members. When applying to return to her position this year, I had the opportunity to interview Jessie and learn more about her goals and ideas for learning communities on our campus, a program that is still in the growth and development stages. Jessie has continually demonstrated a positive attitude and shown a keen understanding of student and staff needs. Whether she was hired to return or not, Jessie conveyed during her interview a strong desire to leave the LCA position and LC program better than she found it. In contrast to a typical student, Jessie has maturity beyond her years. She selflessly wanted to improve a program she’d been a part of as both a student and leader. Her enthusiastic personality, positive attitude and willingness to go above and beyond are an asset to the Department of Residence Life, and I know they would be to your institution and to the field of student affairs. While I have worked with Jessie primarily in her role as an LCA, I have undoubtedly noticed how committed she is to continuing her education. Jessie excels in her work as a scholar in addition to her work as a Learning Community Assistant. The ability to manage multiple priorities is a talent I believe will serve Jessie well as she furthers her education. She will enter into any graduate school experience well equipped to handle any demands placed on her. Her induction into Loyola’s Alpha Sigma Nu Honors Society and her continual presence on the Dean’s List show she committed to her goals and education. I know that she is passionate about furthering her work by pursuing a master’s degree and I have no doubt that she will continue to perform at the high level she has maintained as an undergraduate student. It is this unique combination of maturity, leadership, and commitment that assure me that Jessie is prepared to begin her education and career in student affairs/higher education. For this reason, I whole-heartedly support Jessica Morgan’s application for a graduate assistantship at the University of Vermont. Thank you for your time. If you have further questions or need more information, please do not hesitate to contact me! Sincerely,

Katie Rutkowski