1. SEA SEMESTER
at Woods Hole and at Sea
Sea Education Association P.O. Box 6 Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543 508.540.3954 www.sea.edu
July 30, 2010
Dear Sir or Madam:
Please consider this my freely given and wholehearted endorsement of Phyllis Downey’s application for
employment. I have known Phyllis for two years during which time she was my colleague at Sea Education
Association. While Phyllis did not report directly to me, it was my very good fortune to have regular access
to her assistance with several unique and ongoing projects. In her work for me, Phyllis was, without fail,
thorough, thoughtful and timely. Whether a project required precision, discretion or simply intelligence, I
could always count on her performance.
Beyond her exemplary abilities, Phyllis brought a wonderful personality and presence to our workplace. She
is unfailingly kind, considerate and cooperative. Phyllis has an uncommon way of putting the needs of the
job, the organization and her co-workers ahead of any personal interest. In collaborative efforts, Phyllis
often had excellent suggestions and insight that she shared humbly, never seeking particular
acknowledgement for herself, but always seeming genuinely more interested in a successful outcome than a
personal plaudit. As a new employee at SEA, she brought a fresh perspective to many topics and tasks,
while embracing our organization’s unique history and culture.
In her time at SEA, Phyllis streamlined the data entry and recovery process for our admissions department,
improved both the content and syntax of various letters and mailings, and frequently brought items needing
revision or modification (with excellent suggestions for improvement) to the attention of the appropriate
staffer.
I find it hard to write concisely to convey my appreciation of Phyllis and my pleasure at having known and
worked with her for the last two years. Her departure from our organization is a widely acknowledged loss
both to our department and to the organization as a whole. With her relocation, a new employer has the
opportunity to benefit form her professionalism and her character. She will be a wonderful asset for any
company or organization that has the good fortune and good sense to bring her on board.
I am more than happy to provide additional information or answer questions regarding my reference for
Phyllis. Please feel free to email vland@sea.edu or phone me directly at 508-540-3954 x557.
Sincerely,
Virginia Land McGuire, EdM
Associate Dean
Sea Education Association