March 26, 2013 Dear Portfolio Committee, It is with honor and excitement that I recommend Kelly Alvarado as a promising

student affairs practitioner. In my experiences knowing her as a colleague, classmate, and friend, Kelly has never failed to express excellence in her ability to lead and collaborate with others in a multitude of contexts. Co-coordinating the accepted students Preview Days with Kelly was a tremendous partnership experience for both of us. This internship required consistent communication with numerous individuals, both on and off campus, for which Kellys diligent organization and authentic character helped to lead us toward success. Her encouraging and welcoming personality allowed us to engage the accepted students in discerning the right fit for their graduate experience. Throughout the entire process of coordinating and implementing this program, Kelly consistently showed high standards of excellence in leadership and collaboration, proven in the success of our sustained support and connections with current first-year students. Kellys other internship and graduate research opportunities express her commitment to understanding and meeting the needs of diverse populations through collaborative efforts. Working with the Students of Concern Committee, Kelly demonstrated her ability to utilize best practices while navigating the ethics of her responsibilities. She has also proven her commitment to multiculturalism and diverse perspectives in her research done to explore the needs of Latina/o populations within higher education and student affairs. Her collaborative networking with professionals across the country through her active membership with NASPA and outreach to the NUFP program illuminate Kellys professional commitment to inclusivity and being an ally for all students. In her full-time role, Kelly maintains strong communication as a liaison between our Vice President, various offices across campus, and all individuals in the Division of Student Development. Her empathic ability to relate to others is evident in the unmatchable ethic of care she carries in every interaction. Through open and direct communication, she is able to lead authentically, with a balanced willingness to learn and grow in any areas for improvement in her leadership. As a fellow classmate, I have also been fortunate to learn alongside Kelly in a number of courses. Her initiative shines through in leading discussions with seasoned professionals to learn from their diverse and experienced perspectives. Any class, group, or team would benefit from her ability to integrate student development theory and coursework into her everyday work and life. Kellys authenticity and genuine character are the driving forces behind her personal and professional integrity. In any future role, she will serve her students and colleagues beyond her full potential as she strives to create positive growth and developmental experiences through her work. It has been a privilege to know Kelly in these capacities, and also be continuously impressed by her competence and abilities. As an audacious, yet humble, individual, she expresses the utmost professional promise as student affairs practitioner. Sincerely,

Nicholas F. Cubita Graduate Assistant New Student and Family Programs Seattle University