SEATTLEU February 26, 2016 RE: Letter of Professional Promise for Marie Johnston Dear Portfolio Committee, It is with great pleasure that | submit this letter of professional promise for Marie Johnston. | have had the opportunity to work alongside Marie at the International Student Center in her two years as our Programming Coordinator, a Graduate Assistantship that has been a perfect fit for her interests and skills in supporting a multicultural student population ‘Asan involved undergraduate at Western Washington University, Marie brought with her a passion for student-centered programming and engaging marginalized students, These passions, in combination with her personal experience transitioning from life in Japan to the U.S., have enabled her to relate well to international students and program for the community. She quickly jumped into her role training a team of orientation leaders and coordinating two fall orientations, which is our largest intake of new undergraduate and graduate international students. Marie is comfortable facilitating community building activities, partnering with student leaders, and problem-solving. Beyond her first international student orientations, she continued to develop supportive relationships with the student staff she supervises, share best practices and her digital design and musical talents. In Marie's time as the Programming Coordinator, she truly strengthened her programming experience and advocated for international students. Marie led five Programming Assistants in implementing regular community events, highlighted by the campus-wide International Dinner. She effectively organized over 40 student volunteers in cooking, decorating, and fundraising for the annual Dinner that sold out with 350 attendees. Marie's attention to detail and care for students made for successful programs. She also challenged the student staff in developing new educational programs to learn about the cultural background of Seattle, dialogue about their international student experience and multiple identities. From a busy programming schedule to organizational change at Seattle University, Marie was a professional in balancing her role as Graduate Assistant and voicing international student issues. Marie has intentionally developed her skills and experiences with international students, students with disabilities, and queer students in her graduate work. This breadth of experience prepares Marie to step into student affairs leadership as a culturally competent practitioner and future administrator. Although Marie will be sorely missed at the ISC, she is a dynamic addition to the field of student development and will undoubtedly have a promising career. Sincerely, Jennifer Wascher Assistant Director INTERNATIONAL STUDENT CENTER 901 12" Avenue P.O. Box 222000 Seattle, WA 98122-1090 www seattiou.edu Tel: (206) 296-6260 Fax: (206) 296-6262 e-mail isc@seattieu.edu