Lisa Rogers

Assistant Resident Director

26 East Pearson Street | Chicago, Illinois 60660
p (312) 915-6703
lrogers5@luc.edu

March 9, 2015
To whom it may concern,
It is with great enthusiasm that I write this letter of promise for M.Ed. candidate Jonathan
(Jon) Merrill. I met Jon while attending the annual NASPA conference in 2013 when we happened
to be sitting at the same lunch table during the Undergraduate Pre-Conference. As luck would
have it, we both ended up at Loyola University Chicago four short months later. I have had the
privilege to work with Jon over the last two years as a fellow Assistant Resident Director. He
consistently inspires and motivates me to do and be better.
Jon is an introvert by nature and it often takes him time to speak in large group settings.
Over these two years, I have watched Jons confidence grow as he became more comfortable in
departmental settings. His self-efficacy of feeling comfortable speaking in groups has increased
ten-fold. Jon is well-spoken and asks questions that challenge others to think deeper. Feeling
confident in his voice was difficult at times, both inside and outside of the classroom, however he
persevered and is someone I look to for new insight into topics and issues. Jon has found his place
in the department as someone who is a mentor for fellow introverts and extroverts alike.
Jon is an incredible mentor to me, particularly in his ability to hold others accountable in
cases of social injustices. Since our very first project together, Jon has been my partner and
confidant in exploring topics of social justice. He held me accountable in times when I could have
been a better ally to him and others. I will never forget the care and respect for he showed,
despite the fact that I caused hurt. I have felt incredibly supported by Jon on this social justice
journey. His ability to observe, interpret, and respond to conflict and injustices among groups is
unparalleled.
One final way I have witnessed Jons growth is through his work on the Training Task
Force. I had the opportunity to observe his ability to create and collaborate on Spring Training. He
worked with fellow committee members to plan and implement training for new student staff.
This is just one example of his collaboration skills. In working with Jon on this committee and
beyond, I am impressed with how he shares his ideas, yet works to fully incorporate the ideas of
everyone.
Jon brings genuine care and a calming presence to all that he does. I could not have asked
for a better support on the journey to our M.Ed. I am certain our friendship will continue beyond
Loyola and I hope our professional lives will cross again. I have no doubt that Jon will do great
things in the field of Higher Education. He will be an incredible addition to whatever institution he
joins. Please feel free to contact me by phone at (312)915-6703 or by email at lrogers5@luc.edu
should you have additional questions regarding Jons promise as a higher education professional.
Sincerely,

Lisa Rogers
Assistant Resident Director Baumhart Hall
Loyola University Chicago M.Ed. Higher Education 15