Alex Diaz has worked as a 4-H Youth Development Agent for the Florida Extension Service since 2007. His supervisor, Joseph Schaefer, writes this letter of recommendation highlighting Diaz's strong record. Diaz plans, delivers, and evaluates successful Extension programs that address important issues for Miami-Dade residents. He uses varied educational methods and takes advantage of professional development. Diaz also produces quality educational materials, including websites, and obtains significant financial support. Schaefer gives Diaz his highest recommendation.

1. The Foundation for The Gator Nation
An Equal Opportunity Institution
South Florida Extension District
3200 East Palm Beach Rd.
Belle Glade, FL 33430
561-993-1280
561-992-1303 Fax
July 6, 2010
To Whom It May Concern:
This is my letter of reference for Alex Diaz who joined the Florida Extension Service in May,
2007 as a 4-H Youth Development Agent. I have served as Alex’s District Extension Director
during this time.
Mr. Diaz has shown that he knows how to plan, deliver, and evaluate successful Extension
curricula. He responded to input from his advisory committee, to assure that his programs
addressed significant issues of great importance for residents of Miami-Dade County. His
objectives are client-based, measurable and focus on desired impacts of his educational
activities. Alex’s educational methods have been varied, extensive and directly related to his
objectives. He has a pleasant and enthusiastic teaching style that truly engages his audience.
He has an excellent track record of taking advantage of professional development offerings to
achieve the highest level of competency possible.
Alex has produced a good number and variety of quality written and creative educational
materials to support his programs. Notable accomplishments in this area were his
development and maintenance of the 4-H Geography Program and Money Matters websites,
and the Miami-Dade County’s 4-H Facebook site. One of his strengths is an excellent ability
to use information technologies in ways that enhance his programs. His online webinars have
been very successful.
The amount of financial support he has obtained for his programs is very impressive. His
impact statements illustrate that his educational efforts were successful in accomplishing his
objectives and have resulted in significant positive improvements on the lives of his
audiences. His news-media coverage, newsletters and attendance at many clientele meetings
indicate that he has also been accountable to stakeholders and interest groups.
Illustrations of his effective working relationship with other Extension personnel include
contributions to several interdisciplinary projects, assistance with other 4-H educational
events that he did not lead, and participation in training activities with other instructors. He
has also participated through volunteering and accepting invitations to serve on and to lead
several University and professional association committees.

2. The Foundation for The Gator Nation
An Equal Opportunity Institution
Alex Diaz Reference Letter
July 6, 2010
Page 2
Mr. Diaz has made great progress in obtaining his Masters degree in public administration.
His various honors, invited presentations at professional conferences/meetings, international
activities, and service in professional associations demonstrate that he has developed a very
positive reputation in his field.
I highly recommend Alex Diaz for any position that requires the skills that I have mentioned
in this letter.
Sincerely,
Joseph M. Schaefer
Professor and South Florida District Extension Director