1. June 28, 2011
Mr. Thomas Bozman
Associate Director of Admissions
University of Redlands’ School of Business
Dear Mr. Bozman,
It is with great enthusiasm that I submit this letter of recommendation on behalf of David Akuien for
admission into the graduate program at the University of Redlands. I met David about three years ago at
Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) in Tacoma, WA when he was a student. He was involved in a variety
of academic and community programs and, over time, I grew to know him. David had incredible charisma
and I noticed people were drawn to him.
I was deeply moved when he shared his life story with me beginning with his early childhood memories
of the war in Sudan. He endured tremendous hardship and heartache including the massacre of many of
his family members including his father and siblings (including his twin). Later, at the brave
encouragement of his mother, he applied for and was accepted into the program to come to America and
earn a college education. He was placed in a foster home with very little English-speaking or writing
ability and without any family. I can only begin to imagine his isolation and loneliness but I have heard
him say that he was absolutely committed to honoring his mother’s wishes and obtain an American
education—the dream.
The first time he came to my home, he spoke to my daughter (age 12) and one of her best friends. During
the natural flow of the evening meal, he shared his story. I remember watching my daughter, wide-eyed
and quietly hanging on to his every word as he recounted his life. My daughter is not easily disturbed as
she also lived in foster homes for most of her life before coming to live with us at age 9. Over time, David
would be invited to our home on holidays (including Christmas) where he graced our home with
gratitude, respect and optimism. When my brother met him for the first time at Christmas, he remarked
with a profound degree of honesty, “I just don’t understand why David isn’t angry.” But, David isn’t
angry. He’s inspiring, adaptable in a variety of situations, resourceful, genuine and kind.
One year ago, my family proudly stood as his surrogate family members as we cheered, cried and
celebrated his graduation from Pacific Lutheran University (PLU). He had become a most beloved,
honored and admired member of our university community and his presence on campus is sorely missed.
The University of Redlands would benefit greatly from David’s enrollment. His fierce dedication to his
academic goals is complemented by his tremendous care of the world around him. He would bring an
unequaled maturity to the classroom uniquely developed from his life experiences. Please contact me if
you need additional information or if you have specific questions at tmoore@plu.edu or 253.232.4514. I
am careful when submitting a recommendation for students, and yet with David, I offer this reference
with no hesitation.
Best regards,
Teri A. Tingvall Moore
Executive Director
