November 21, 2012 Dear Hiring Committee Members: I am very pleased to write a letter in support of Alison Timinskis application

to join the faculty of your school. I have known Ms. Timinski since March of 2010 when she interviewed for admission to the Central Michigan University Leader Advancement Scholarship program. Since her selection for this award I have had the privilege of having Alison as a student in the scholarship cohort that I oversee, as a student in my leadership studies course, and as a student employee in my department. While attending Ludington High School Alison exhibited an unparalleled ability to balance her personal life, academics, and extracurricular activities. Alison was an avid volunteer and student leader in high school. Most notably she served as the president of the National Honor Society and the vice president of her senior class. Outside of school she was the student leader of her youth group, a Sunday school teacher, and a tutor for youth. All of this helped Alison stand out in a pool of over 2,000 applicants and to be selected for our program. Alison has been just as involved as a student during her time at Central Michigan University. She has been involved in her residence hall, His House Christian Fellowship, and served as a campus ambassador for the CMU Admissions Office. Alison has also maintained her commitment to serve, volunteering regularly with student organizations and the Central Michigan University Mary Ellen Brandell Volunteer Center. Alison works in my department, the Leadership Institute, as a program coordinator for Ignite Leadership, an intense four-week, not for credit course that teaches leadership theory and assessment to CMUs most advanced student leaders. Ms. Timinskis greatest contributions to our campus also illustrate her commitment to education. Alison is currently a GEMS workshop leader, providing professional development workshops to future educators. She also serves on the executive board of the Student Michigan Education Association and is an instructor for Super Saturday, a program that provides young students with additional math and science instruction on the weekends. Even with her level of involvement, Alison has maintained that her academics are her first priority while in college. Ms. Timinski has earned an impressive 3.66 GPA while enrolled in Central Michigan Universitys nationally recognized College of Education and Human Services. Alison was recognized for her efforts by being placed on the Deans List several semesters. I am continually amazed by Alisons ability to balance her academics, social life, and professional development. Her combination of determination, time management, and talent allow her to accomplish much more than the average student. Fortunately, too, Alisons amalgamation of planning and communication skills comes "packaged" in a friendly, witty, sincere and caring human being. Her personality is delightful. She is flexible, respected, and admired by her fellow students, faculty, and administrators. I am deeply impressed by Alison Timinski and recommend her unhesitatingly. Ms. Timinski is a wonderful role model and gifted educator and she would be a tremendous addition to your teaching staff. If you have any questions or wish to speak further about Alison, please feel free to call me at (989) 774-5323. Sincerely,

Daniel M. Gaken Director, Leadership Institute

LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE (989) 774-LEAD (5323) CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY MOUNT PLEASANT, MICHIGAN 48859