March 1, 2014 Dear SDA Graduate Portfolio Committee: I am writing with great enthusiasm to submit a letter of professional promise

for Ms. Tracy Phutikanit. I have known Tracy for nearly two years, after meeting at the beginning of our journeys in the Student Development Administration program at Seattle University. In this relatively short time of knowing her, I have been fortunate enough to say that Tracy has become a great friend, in addition to an exceptional colleague and mentor. Her care for students is overwhelming and the dedication to her work makes Tracy a great asset at any institution. Prior to even beginning the masters program, Tracy had a commitment to student development through her multiple years of work in orientation and student life at University of CaliforniaRiverside. Having this real-world knowledge of the field prior to graduate school provided Tracy with practical situations in which to relate course content to throughout the program. It has been fascinating to observe her application of new knowledge and skills to her past experiences, which shows just how reflective a practitioner she is currently and will continue to be in the years to come. Since joining the Seattle University campus through her graduate assistantship in Commuter and Transfer Student Life and interning in a variety of institutional types and focus areas, I have witnessed Tracy make intentional decisions for her career and meaningful links between her passions and curiosity to learn more. Additionally, I find that Tracys promise toward working for equity and diversity to be inspiring. Her concern for the experiences of both AAPI students and professionals in higher education has led her to head an informal group within the SDA program that focuses on connecting budding AAPI professionals with one another. This group of colleagues and friends meets to reveal personal experiences, share varied news and current events for AAPIs in higher education, and most importantly, set the foundation for their work in the future. Tracy has managed to move well above and beyond her already busy role in the program in order to challenge her development and the development of her classmates. This is just one example of how Tracys fervor is contagious and uplifting. Tracy is one of those rare individuals that manages to mix the perfect combination of grace, care, wisdom, and humor both personally and professionally. I am beyond confident in her aptitude for the field and her ability to achieve whatever she desires. I am proud to consider Tracy a friend and colleague, and I have no doubt at all that her excellence will persist as she moves forward in her education and career. Sincerely,

Leanna Patricio
Leanna Patricio