Lisa Rogers Assistant Resident Director 26 East Pearson Street | Chicago, Illinois 60660 p (312) 915-6703 lrogers5@luc.edu

March 9, 2015

To whom it may concern,

It is with great enthusiasm that I write this letter of promise for M.Ed. candidate Jonathan

(Jon) Merrill. I met Jon while attending the annual NASPA conference in 2013 when we happened

to be sitting at the same lunch table during the Undergraduate Pre-Conference. As luck would

have it, we both ended up at Loyola University Chicago four short months later. I have had the

privilege to work with Jon over the last two years as a fellow Assistant Resident Director. He

consistently inspires and motivates me to do and be better.

Jon is an introvert by nature and it often takes him time to speak in large group settings.

Over these two years, I have watched Jon’s confidence grow as he became more comfortable in

departmental settings. His self-efficacy of feeling comfortable speaking in groups has increased

ten-fold. Jon is well-spoken and asks questions that challenge others to think deeper. Feeling

confident in his voice was difficult at times, both inside and outside of the classroom, however he

persevered and is someone I look to for new insight into topics and issues. Jon has found his place

in the department as someone who is a mentor for fellow introverts and extroverts alike.

Jon is an incredible mentor to me, particularly in his ability to hold others accountable in

cases of social injustices. Since our very first project together, Jon has been my partner and

confidant in exploring topics of social justice. He held me accountable in times when I could have

been a better ally to him and others. I will never forget the care and respect for he showed,

despite the fact that I caused hurt. I have felt incredibly supported by Jon on this social justice

journey. His ability to observe, interpret, and respond to conflict and injustices among groups is

unparalleled.

One final way I have witnessed Jon’s growth is through his work on the Training Task

Force. I had the opportunity to observe his ability to create and collaborate on Spring Training. He

worked with fellow committee members to plan and implement training for new student staff.

This is just one example of his collaboration skills. In working with Jon on this committee and

beyond, I am impressed with how he shares his ideas, yet works to fully incorporate the ideas of

everyone.

Jon brings genuine care and a calming presence to all that he does. I could not have asked

for a better support on the journey to our M.Ed. I am certain our friendship will continue beyond

Loyola and I hope our professional lives will cross again. I have no doubt that Jon will do great

things in the field of Higher Education. He will be an incredible addition to whatever institution he

joins. Please feel free to contact me by phone at (312)915-6703 or by email at lrogers5@luc.edu

should you have additional questions regarding Jon’s promise as a higher education professional.

Sincerely,

Lisa Rogers Assistant Resident Director – Baumhart Hall Loyola University Chicago M.Ed. Higher Education ‘15