KATHERINE MURPHY 435O N. BROADWAY ST. #503 | CHICAGO, IL 60613 |
314.540.6766 | [email protected]
24 March 2015 To whom it may concern, I am writing this letter
in support of M.Ed. candidate Russell Aivazian. I have known
Russell for nearly two years in this program. I had the great
pleasure of serving alongside Russell as an Assistant Resident
Director in Residence Life, learning alongside him in Rome, and
growing alongside him as weve made our way through this program.
Russells commitment to his students, his ability to apply theory to
practice, and his continued desire to improve his practice make him
an excellent educator and student affairs professional. In this
field, students are the focus. It is called Student Affairs after
all. I know of no one who puts students more at the forefront of
their work than Russell. Even in casual conversations about work,
Russell is always concerned about what his students are learning,
how their experience is shaped, and how he can work to make their
experience better. Russell has a passion for student conduct and
has sought opportunities to learn how to better make an impact on
students he is working with in those difficult situations. Russell
does not seek to be a disciplinarian, but a mentor and educator.
When he works with his hall desk staff, hall council members, or
his Resident Assistants, Russell seeks to know their hearts, what
motivates them, and how they work best. In this vein, Russell
consistently takes what he learns in the classroom and incorporates
it in all of his work. For example, when we were in student
development theory, Russell became very focused on how students in
different developmental phases might respond in a challenging
conduct hearing. Russell is very aware of his privilege and works
to spend it to the benefit of his students whose voices might often
be silenced. He demonstrates the knowledge he accrues, yet does so
humbly. In the classroom, Russell provides examples from his work
and lived experience to help his peers connect principles to
practice. Finally, Russell desires to continually grow and improve
as a professional. Whether seeking professional development
experiences through conferences on on-campus opportunities,
engaging coursework in a new way, or going above and beyond in the
workplace, Russell gives his best and truest self to others. As a
fellow educator, student, and friend, Russell inspires me. He
spurns me on, encourages me to do more and be moreto find my better
self. His commitment to personal development and improvement will
take him far in a field that is constantly changing. Russell
Aivazian is a standout candidate, student, and friend. He has been
a support for me these past two years in ways that he cannot know.
I am confident in his success in this field. His love for his work
and his students speaks volumes about his dedication to the field
of higher education. I have no doubt that Russell will go on to
embrace this field, challenge this field, and improve this field
for the betterment of the student experience. Sincerely, Katherine
Murphy Loyola University Chicago M.Ed. Higher Education 15
