Anthony Graham is a dedicated student who maintains a good GPA while participating in various volunteer and service programs. He was selected for Land of Lincoln AmeriCorps where he tutors underprivileged children and helps them overcome academic and social struggles. In addition to his community service, Anthony is also involved in his university's Army ROTC program. He is recommended for an award recognizing distinguished seniors due to his academic excellence, leadership skills, and commitment to service.

1. February 6, 2014
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a general letter of reference for Anthony Graham. He became involved in the student
volunteer program when he came to our university as a junior. He is one of the most dedicated
and hardworking individuals I have worked with. He took is classes seriously and maintained a
good GPA. During our interactions it was obvious that he has a passion to help young people
meet their full potential.
In the summer before his senior year, Anthony was one of only nine students selected to
participate in Land of Lincoln AmeriCorps (LLA), the National Service program. He served as a
tutor and mentor to children at Lewis School in Carbondale and did an outstanding job. Each LLA
member completes 900 hours which includes extensive pre-service training, specialprojects, and
in-service professional development. Anthony was a tutor in the resource room at Lewis School
and helped students who face academic, social and learning struggles. He made a significant
difference in the lives of the under-privileged children. He was also simultaneously a member of
the Illinois Army National Guard and Army ROTC both of which involve considerable time and
dedication to training.
Anthony volunteered as a conversation partner for an international student to help the student
enhance English conversation skills. Not all students can mentor a peer who comes from a very
different culture and background. Anthony has exemplary leadership skills; his style is quiet and
understated but effective. He is a good listener, and has a strong sense of values.
In closing, I offer Anthony my full recommendation for the honor. If you have questions or need
further information, please contact me at 618.453.7522.
Sincerely,
Ms. Mythili Rundblad
Co-Director
Center for Service-Learning and Volunteerism

2. Selection Committee
25 Most Distinguished Seniors
Re: Nomination letter for Anthony Graham
It is a privilege to write this letter recommending Anthony Graham for the 25 Most Distinguished
Seniors award. I have known Anthony for about two years and he is one of the most dedicated
and students I have worked with. He represents the best ideals of our institution where we seek
to develop citizen-scholars. He excels in three areas intrinsic to education: academics,
community service and ethical leadership.
Anthony is an outstanding student who takes a full load of classes and consistently maintains a
solid GPA. He is serious about his academics and does not take the opportunity for granted.
During my conversations with him, I am impressed with his intellectual curiosity, and his love of
learning. He believes that higher education is a journey to understand our society and make the
world a better place. He is majoring in sociocultural anthropology to become aware of the
complex socio-economic issues facing our society, issues for which there are no easy solutions.
His academic success is remarkable considering his involvement outside the classroom and the
fact that he has to work to help pay for college. He has an amazing work ethic and excellent time
management skills.
This June, Anthony was one of only nine students selected to participate in Land of Lincoln
AmeriCorps (LLA), the National Service program. He serves as a tutor and mentor to children at
Lewis School in Carbondale. He is doing an outstanding job; each LLA member completes 900
hours which includes extensive pre-service training, special projects, and in-service professional
development. Anthony is a tutor in the resource room at Lewis School which helps students who
face academic, social and learning struggles. He is making a significant difference in the lives of
the under-privileged children. Even as he continues his civilian service through AmeriCorps,
Anthony is also a member of the Illinois Army National Guard and Army ROTC both of which
involve considerable time and dedication to training. He really does practice “service above self”
and believes in the ideals of fairness and opportunity for all.
Unlike some students who join multiple student organizations but have minimal involvement,
Anthony actually devotes his time and skills for programs and initiatives he believes in. He is
active in the Secular Student Allianceas well as the CollegiateFFA. He volunteers at the Interfaith
Center to plan programs for students and the community. He also serves as a conversation
partner for an international student to help the student enhance English conversation skills. Not
all students can mentor a peer who comes from a very different culture and background.
Anthony has exemplary leadership skills; his style is quiet and understated but effective. He is a
good listener, open to opinions and enjoys working with individuals of different cultures, class
and abilities.
One of the qualities I admire about Anthony is his keen sense of integrity and values. He always
goes the extra mile, is dedicated and a hard worker. In closing, I offer Anthony my full

3. recommendation for the honor. Due to his academic record, leadership skills, and passion for
service, he is a worthy nominee for the 25 Most Distinguished Seniors award. If you have
questions or need further information, please contact me at 618.453.5714.
Sincerely,
Ms. Mythili Rundblad
Coordinator of Service-Learning and Volunteerism