SEATTLEU March 24, 2016 RE: Letter of Professional Promise for Kari Berkas Dear Portfolio Committee, It is with great pleasure that | submit this letter of professional promise for Kari Berkas. This past summer, | had the opportunity to supervise Kari in her role as the Fukuoka Summer Program intern at the International Student Center. Karl's background in career services and ESL instruction in Japan was a natural fit for this internship, and she excelled in coordinating this robust international program. This internship highlighted Kars skills in communicating effectively, demonstrating leadership and collaboration, and adapting student services to specific environments and cultures. Her initiative and professionalism were evident, as she worked to contact over 15 business law professionals and solidify the schedule for the two-week program. Kari considered the logistics and flow of the schedule, intended learning outcomes, and most importantly, the student experience for 18 first-year students from Fukuoka University. It was rewarding to observe Karis work with the student leaders and then orienting participants in their first two days on-campus. She also enhanced this year’s leader training process with 2 spring meeting that prepared the student leaders for their roles, developed their teamwork, and got the Fukuoka Program off to a great start. During the program, Kari provided more structure to the Dorm Orientation in creating a PowerPoint presentation and effectively communicating with these English language learners about their night on- campus and the program schedule. She anticipated the needs of participants and student leaders, and added to our ISC leadership presence while hosting the group at Seattle University for informational sessions, campus tours, and the Welcome Reception BBQ. From the first contacts to analyzing program evaluations, Kari’s contributions to the 2015 Fukuoka Summer Program were tremendous in establishing greater organization and intentionality Kari’s graduate work in international education and career services has provided her a foundation in supporting diverse populations at four-year universities. Through this internship, Kari truly demonstrated an aptitude for community outreach to businesses and faculty, and in challenging and supporting students to meet their goals. Her strong advising and community relations skills would be an asset to a variety of functional areas, and are skills particularly suited to a career in advising. | look forward to Kari’s future as a student development practitioner and hope to remain connected as she advances in the field Sincerely, end. Wood Jennifer Wascher / DSO Assistant Director pveeanae A 901 12 Avenue P.O. Box 222000 Seatile, WA.98122-1090 www seattieu edu Tal: (206) 296-6280 Fax: (208) 296-6262 e-mail isc@seatlleu.edu