Professor of Sociology, the Director

¶ … Professor of Sociology, the Director of the Graduate Applied Sociology Program and the Director of Asian Programs at the University of Indianapolis, I am often asked to write letters of recommendations for students. Every year since I began teaching at this institution in 1973, I receive dozens of requests. However, I feel that letters of recommendations are very serious matters, and will only write such a letter if I believe that the candidate is right for the program or position to which he or she is applying.

Josephine is one such student. I have known Josephine for the past four years. I originally instructed her in a Chinese Culture and Society class. Additionally, she was part of a one-year independent study group I supervised, dealing with the differences between Asian-American, Chinese, and Taiwanese cultures.

Over those four years, I have had many opportunities to work with Josephine, both personally and academically. I have watched her mature and grow into one of the finest students I have had the privilege of instructing. While there are many fine students in this University, few display the talent, wisdom, knowledge, and care that Josephine displays daily.

Josephine has a natural ability to interact with others, particularly those of a multicultural background. Her outstanding English language skills allow her to easily and efficiently bridge communication gaps between Asian and American students. In addition, those same interaction skills make her an ideal leader. She often organizes study groups wherein she assists her classmates in their understanding of class materials, and facilitates discussions. She listens well to others, and is quick to adapt to any social or academic situation with a high level of maturity. These people skills are what make Josephine such a team player.

Josephine is also extremely culturally sensitive. Due to her multicultural background skills, Josephine is able to combine sensitivity and respect when dealing with many difficult multicultural issues. She often offers alternative perspectives and solutions in a multicultural context. This, along with her care and compassion, makes other students feel worthwhile and respected, regardless of the issue at hand.

Academically, Josephine is outstanding. She is highly intelligent, particularly in the area of research. Her sophisticated researching style and analytical skills have combined to produce some of the best research papers I have seen in my entire teaching career. She is capable of conducting the most complicated research in a way that yields precise, well-studied results.