Dear Elisabeth,

When I hired you two years ago as the graduate assistant for the Office of Fellowships, I wasnt
totally sure what I was getting. Its an office known for its academic prestige, and most
prospective SDA students overlook it in favor of departments with more swag, visibility, and
fancy tablecloths. When I think back to that day and the things I remember about each
candidate, what I liked most about you was that you funded the majority of your education by
applying for scholarships.
Since then, I have continued to be impressed by your work. My admiration is not simply
because of your talent as an advisor, but more because of everything youve demonstrated
beyond your assistantship. Diversity and Inclusion often feel like mere politically correct buzz
words on this campus than actual commitments from those who have power to shift the culture
of Seattle University. Ive watched you take initiative in learning all you can about various
student-populations from students with disabilities, to transgender youth and first-generation
college students. Although you are much younger than most of your peers, you have an
awareness and sensitivity to students that simply cannot be taught.
Leadership takes many forms. I know you are not the most outspoken professional, but I also
know that this office would feel very differently without you. As you grow professionally, I
encourage you to continue thinking about the impact you hope to make within higher education.
While this field often emphasizes passionate professionals, I think the ones who are truly
effective are the passionate and intelligent ones. You have no shortage of either. We are quite a
ways away from achieving equity in higher education. Since youve been a GA, we have often
talked about issues of diversity both in the Office of Fellowships and Seattle University more
broadly. We have discussed power and privilege, language, messaging, micro aggressions and
those stakeholders who still are fighting to be heard and to have a seat at the table. I have no
doubt that you will use your talents to challenge the status quo and inspire meaningful change for
those student populations you care most about.
Remember to take care of yourself along the way. Finding a successful work life-balance is not
easy. Neither is it to find colleagues you can trust to whom you can both vent your frustrations
and celebrate your victories. So as much as I wish you success in your profession, I equally hope
that you find meaningful and lasting professional friendships as you will likely draw upon them
often.
I will miss trading stories with you about the adventures of taking King County Metro. I will
miss searching Seattle for happy hours that meet our standards, and the multiple small things you
did to help keep me organized, but most of all I will miss having you at our staff meetings and all
of the humor you brought to my work week.
Sincerely
Kiana Parker