1. To Whom it May Concern:
It is with great pleasure that I write this letter on behalf of Ms. Patty O’Kelley. I have
known Patty since began working as Director of Recruitment at VanderCook College of
Music and have remained in touch with her since. Patty undertook her responsibilities at
VanderCook with great seriousness of purpose. Under her leadership, the enrollment of
our college grew in quantity and quality, and I witnessed the enthusiasm and respect of the
parents and students with whom she worked.
Patty is versatile. She is capable of taking care of detailed database management on one
hand, and long term strategic planning on the other. She uses her skills effectively to meet
her goals. For example, within her first year at VanderCook, enrollment in the college
increased substantially and steadily improved in quality and quantity throughout her
tenure.
One attribute of Patty’s personality that particularly impresses me is her insistence on
understanding the organization in which she works. At VanderCook, she attended
concerts and recitals and observed rehearsals to see what was going on within the school.
She encouraged and congratulated those students whom she recruited as they passed
through the various hurdles of college life. As a result of her deep engagement in the
college, she was able to speak knowledgeably about the experience of being a music
major. I am certain that she will bring a similar commitment to knowing and
understanding your organization so that she is able to do her best work on your behalf.
Patty has a great work ethic and a demonstrable loyalty to the organizations for which she
works She is always ready to handle a problem or greet a student or colleague. She has a
warm and welcoming style and will persist at a task until it is completed well. She brings
abundant energy and a great attitude to her work. I am happy to recommend her to you
highly and to speak to you by phone if you wish any further information.
Sincerely,
Professor and President Emeritus, VanderCook College of Music
1-312-788-1152 - office/1-630-337-3213 - cell
rrosenthal@vandercook.edu