1. Recommendation for Richie Webb:
I have known Richie Webb as my student in the year-long senior capstone process for management
majors at Hiram College. I would rate Richie overall as in the top 1% of students I have had in 35 years
of teaching at the College. I am giving him my highest recommendation based on his personal qualities,
knowledge, and skills.
The senior capstone process requires student to complete a research methods course in the fall
resulting in a complete Prospectus for a research project in the discipline of management. The spring
course involves participation in a seminar in which students read books selected by faculty and engage
in critical analysis in both written form and open discussion with peers. The capstone sequence
concludes with a public poster session of the research design where students must engage with faculty,
students, and the general public regarding their project. In the first part of this sequence, Richie Webb
developed a Prospectus in which he did an extensive review of the literature in the discipline, discovered
an original question, chose an appropriate methodology, and developed procedures and instruments for
implementing the research design. His research centered on examining the skills and characteristics
developed by study abroad and how these are evaluated by human resource professionals. The skills
necessary to be successful in this part of the capstone are persistence, ability to work independently, in-
depth research, original thinking, extensive writing, and engaging an audience. Richie Webb performed
all of these skills at the highest level. He is one of the most accomplished writers I have had in my
teaching career. The second half of the year is devoted to the seminar. Students are expected to
manage the seminar themselves after a short introductory period. The professor remains in the class
but assumes the role of another discussant. Facilitating the discussion, identifying issues and key points
in the readings, engaging in critical inquiry becomes the responsibility of the group. Richie was an
outstanding leader in this process. His thinking is innovative, and he embodies intellectual curiosity. He
was able to direct the conversation into greater depth. He was also very aware of insuring that others
had the opportunity to contribute and encouraged participation broadly. Richie possesses excellent
team building skills and leadership abilities and is respected by his peers. He was one of the top
performers in this course.
Richie is articulate, thoughtful, and self-motivated. I have become aware that his experiences abroad
have developed keen abilities for him to tolerate ambiguity, engage in creative problem-solving, and
remain cognitively flexible and more culturally aware. His involvement on campus indicates he is very
capable of building a team, innovation and entrepreneurship, and governance.
Finally, Richie education in a small liberal arts environment has prepared him exceptionally well to think
critically, write and speak well, and know the value of continuous learning. I give him the highest
recommendation for a position that can capitalize on his considerable strengths.

2. Sincerely,
Gail C. Ambuske, Ph.D.
Gail C. Ambuske, Ph.D.
Professor of Management and Communication
Hiram College
Department of Economics, Management and
Accounting
Chair, Department of Communication
Hiram, Ohio 44234
ambuskegc@hiram.edu
(330) 569-5139