Beth Marcotte, Resident Director Department of Residence Life Lake Shore Campus 1032 West Sheridan Rd. | Chicago, Illinois 60660 p (773) 508-3300 | f (773) 508-3311 bmarcotte@luc.edu

March 28, 2015

I am very pleased to write this letter of support for Russell Aivazian and his promise as a

higher education professional as he completes his Masters portfolio and his time in the Higher

Education program at Loyola University Chicago. I currently serve as the Resident Director for

San Francisco Hall at Loyola University Chicago and have known Russell since July of 2013. I

have been impressed with Russells growth as a supervisor, contributor, and learner coupled with

his well-developed work ethic. I am entirely confident that he will continue his hard work in the

field and represent with dignity the Higher Education program and Loyola University Chicago.

Having supervised Russell for the past year, I have seen him grow in many areas,

specifically in supervision. During his first year as an ARD, Russell struggled to assert himself

to the student staff members and balance the role of being a supervisor while also being a friend.

Having this experience, he set a goal to better his skills in relation to others. He made a point

from the beginning of the semester to form relationships with not only his supervisees but as

many students as possible. This effort resulted in genuine relationships that allowed him to have

a partnership with his students. Because of this, Russell was able to balance the supporting them

as individuals and challenge them in fulfilling job responsibilities. Coming from a Jesuit

undergrad, Russell also connects his experience with the students he interacts with. Having

knowledge of Jesuit education, mission and values allows the connection to be genuine and

provides an additional understanding to their struggles and experiences. I have seen him

consistently relate his experience as a student to his student staff members, which allows him to

coach and personalize his supervisory style.

Russell not only made an effort to get to know students but also made an immediate

effort upon arriving at Loyola to get to know professionals in the division. He quickly formed

connections with people he did not interact with regularly and continued these connections

throughout his time two years. Russell also volunteered his time to help divisional events,

retreats, practicums, and sporting events etc. none of which are required by him. He values

contributing to the team and enhancing the student experience, going above and beyond in doing

so. He has a natural ability to find opportunities for learning and connecting with others that will

only continue as he enters the field.

By valuing a team atmosphere, Russell is also not afraid to challenge or ask for

clarification. While working in a large department and being involved with several complex

processes, he is willing to speak up and question the methods in which we work. Russell does

this with the intention of care, betterment for the department and desire to fulfill strategic goals

and objectives. He also applies knowledge not only from the classroom but also from interning

at a different institution over the summer. Russell recognizes the importance of intentionality and

how comparison and variety can positively impact the environment we work in.

Above all, Russell puts the student first and exemplifies care. I have seen this

specifically with serving on call in responding to crisis and through student conduct. There have

been many examples where Russell responded to intoxicated students, suicidal ideations, and

general health concerns. Throughout these calls, Russell implemented care for the student and

proper protocol, a difficult balance in times of stress. Most importantly, he provides follow up

Beth Marcotte, Resident Director Department of Residence Life Lake Shore Campus 1032 West Sheridan Rd. | Chicago, Illinois 60660 p (773) 508-3300 | f (773) 508-3311 bmarcotte@luc.edu

on all levels from students, to parents, to supervisors ensuring that any service provided to

the student is complete. Russell has also provided care to students through the conduct system.

Coming into his second year as an ARD, he made a point to challenge himself in the level and

number of cases he heard as an administrator. In working toward this challenge, he sought out

additional cases with a higher level of difficulty. He not only completed this challenge but also

excelled at the level of care he provided students while doing so. He sought out sanctions that

were individualized to each students needs and taking time to follow up with each one. Russell

truly lives out what it means to be a person for others.

Russells energy and dedication to students, peers, colleagues, and the field is undeniable.

Using the qualities described above and his natural skill set of organization and detail as a

foundation, he will be an incredible addition to any institution. I am privileged to have the

opportunity to work with him throughout his time in graduate school and the Department of

Residence Life. Please feel free to contact me by phone at (773) 508-3041 or by email at

bmarcotte@luc.edu should you have any additional questions regarding Russells promise as a

higher education professional.

Sincerely,

Beth Marcotte

Resident Director

Loyola University Chicago