March 28, 2016

M. Ed., Higher Education Programs

Loyola University Chicago, School of Education
802 N. Michigan
Chicago, IL 60611
To Whom It May Concern:
It is with the utmost enthusiasm that I am writing in support of my supervisee and colleague, Eric Ruelle. As his
current direct supervisor, I have seen Eric work as a remarkable leader for the Roosevelt University Office of
Residence Life in his capacity as a Graduate Hall Coordinator. Led by his natural passion and propensity to
commit fully and whole-heartedly to his endeavors, Eric has become an integral member of our office, its culture,
and its success. Throughout our year together, I have had the joy of seeing and hearing about Erics evolving
passions as he has thoughtfully explored his values, leadership, and career aspirations. I firmly believe that his
successful academic background and zeal for pursuing his passions will make him an incredible addition to the
field of Higher Education.
In addition to his passion, I can personally attest to the quality of Erics ability to make meaning out of both his
academic and personal experiences. Eric had the opportunity, through his work in our office, to create new
advising structures for the Wabash Community Council, our halls student-led governance group. Eric created
foundational materials such as organizational structures, administrative processes, and a constitution. He did so
with an eye to detail and with a determination to create a transformative and empowering leadership development
experience for the student leaders he advises. As his students utilized these supports, Eric advised, mediated, and
developed them with insight and wisdom, and was willing to adjust both his foundational materials and his
advising practices appropriately to ensure that the students were developing their own styles of leadership. In fact,
most importantly, Eric is incredibly open to critical feedback. He maintains an open perspective and a willingness
to adjust his practice to ensure its success and effectiveness. He combines the knowledge he has gained from his
courses, our staff training, and his own lived experiences to maintain an openness that holds his professional
mission to create and empower passionate leaders in the highest esteem. Eric is then able to articulate how these
experiences both challenge and support his own values and passions.
Eric is adept at exploring how his experiences inform his worldview and his personal and professional course in
life, which highlights Erics uncommon maturity and directedness. I think this skill is one that is both well suited
for, and is one that he can better develop through, his emerging career in Higher Education.
For all of these reasons, I am confident in expressing my support for Eric and his promising career. His
experiences, self-directedness, potential for growth, maturity, and insatiable passion will make him an exemplary
professional. Im proud to be able to call Eric a colleague.
All my best,

Karl Turnlund