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I{AMLINE
UNIVERSITY
July 8, 2015
To Whom lt May Concern:
I am pleased to write on behalf of Nicholas (Nick) Stevenson, one of the most
likable, conscientious and hard-working students I have supervised at Hamline
University. I am the Director of the McVay Youth PartnershiP, an after-school
program serving urban middle and high school youth in cooperation with area
churches. Nick has been an important leader in our program for the past2Tz years
lwas always very pleased with his initiative, dedication, and dependability.
As a McVay Fellow, Nick and his team members planned and provided
programming three afternoons each week throughout the school year. Our program
is a blend of homework help, English language assistance, academic enrichment,
team-building, mentoring, recreation, and community service.
Nick served as a Fellow at our site at Arlington Hills United Methodist Church.
At Arlington, we typically serve between 25-40 Karen (Kuh-ren) refugee youth daily,
ranging in age from 5th grade to 12th grade. Most of their families fled from Burma
to refugee camps in Thailand, and recently arrived in the United States. Nick and
his colleagues at Arlington worked tirelessly with these young people to build
relationships and help them improve their English skills and academic performance.
Nick is a very positive leader, who exudes genuine warmth and a great sense of
humor, and never hesitates to jump into an activity. He excels at planning and
leading large group activities, and also always keeps an eye out for those youth
who tend to sit alone. I could always count on Nick to reach out to actively include
allthe young people in our activities.
Nick was a steady force in these students' lives. Because Nick had experience
living internationally, he seemed to relate particularly well with these refugee youth.
When Nick entered a room, he was always eagerly surrounded by youth.
He was also well-respected by his McVay teammates. Staff feedback about Nick is
overwhelmingly positive, not only due to his leadership skills, but because of his
welcoming and inclusive nature. Here are just some of the many positive
comments from his peer reviews: "The kids love him", "He gets along with everyone
really well", "Nick communicates wellwith lnterns", "Nick always takes initiative",
"Nick is good at diffusing situations by pulling kids aside (to handle the problem)
without people even noticing", etc.
McVay Youth Partnership, Wesley Center
MS-Arzgs, 153ó Hewitt Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 551o4-r284 V 651-523-2o7't 1,65t-Sz3-zóo8 jkrentzotqhamline.edu wwwhamline.edu/mcvay

2. Coworkers also comment that Nick was always on time and always participated
actively in programming. They said he was able to see the "big picture" and facilitate
group activities. When I asked his co-workers if there was anything Nick needed to
work on to improve, no one offered any suggestions. That is unusual, and speaks to
his ability to be a team player.
It is my honor to recommend Nicholas Stevenson as someone who would be an
asset to any organization.
Sincerely,
Jane Krentz
Director, McVay Youth Partnership
Hamline University - MS 41735
1536 Hewitt Avenue
Jkrentz0l @hamline.edu
651-523-2071 office
612-581-6978 cell