1. June 16, 2015
Dear Hiring Manager,
This letter is to recommend Ms. Loretta Maestranzi for employment with your organization. I have
known Loretta since autumn 2011 when she joined the School of Social Service Administration (SSA) as
a first year Extended Evening Program (EEP) student. She will graduate from our program this August
2014 with a Master’s degree in Social Service Administration.
As Dean of Students, I have interacted with Loretta frequently, particularly in her role as President of the
Student Government Association (2012-present). Over the past 3 years, I have been especially
impressed with Loretta’s commitment to SSA and her willingness to engage in the life of SSA in myriad
ways including:
 As a first year EEP student, she became the EEP cohort representative on Student Government
Association (SGA) and advocated with several of her cohort members for the inclusion of EEP
students in the University’s health insurance program. Through her diplomatic and diligent
efforts, EEP students now have the option to enroll in the University’s student insurance
program.
 As a second year EEP student, she served as President of SGA and initiated several projects to
give SSA greater visibility within the University community as well as in the City of Chicago.
These projects included organizing a charity drive for the Night Ministry, exploring the option to
bring the CTA U-Pass to SSA (unlimited ride pass for full-time students on CTA trains and
buses), as well as initiating a professional development program on grant writing for Master’s-
level students.
 As a third year EEP student, she served as co-President of SGA and together with her board
was able to hold a successful referendum at SSA to gauge student interest in the CTA U- Pass
program; the referendum results indicated strong student support for the program, and
consequently the program was implemented at SSA in spring 2014. Additionally, this year
Loretta has worked toward achieving greater interaction and collaboration between SGA and the
SSA Alumni Association on initiatives such as the Social Justice Address and Alumni Weekend.
While Loretta did not single-handedly accomplish these activities above, it was through her drive and
determination that these programs were executed. Clearly, she rises to the top of the list of students who
are involved in the life of the School and desire to give back to the School as an alumna.
With respect to personal characteristics, in addition to her commitment, drive, and determination,
Loretta is also a collaborator and consensus-builder. As a student leader, she is quick to give credit
where credit is due and welcomes the input and suggestions of multiple constituencies. As example, this
year, Loretta and her SGA co-President sought to include first, second, and third year students as
officers in the Student Government Association, believing that the perspectives of students in varying
stages of the program is imperative for effective advocacy and program planning.

2. Other personal characteristics worth noting are her ability to be a genuine and attentive listener, her
thoroughness in any task she undertakes, and her constant striving for excellence in her own work and in
the collective work of Student Government Association.
It has been a pleasure working with Loretta these past 3 years. I believe she would be an excellent
employee who would make immediate contributions to your organization; she would undoubtedly take
her work very seriously and would devote herself whole-heartedly to the organization.
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss Loretta’s credentials further. Please do not hesitate to
contact me with any follow-up questions.
Best,
Celia M. Bergman, PhD.
Dean of Students