1. February 12, 2017
To whom it may concern:
It is my pleasure to write this letter of reference for Plash Sachdeva. I have known Plash for
approximately one year through his role as the president of our Graduate Student Organization (GSO). Our
GSO represents over 3,000 Masters and Doctoral students to the university’s senior administration. In this
role, Plash serves on several university administration boards and committees, including our Senior
Officers Group +, our Strategic Planning Steering Committee, and our Transportation and Parking Services
Committee. He also represents GSO on several other groups that work with students, faculty, and staff on
issues relevant to Graduate Students. In addition, I know that Plash works many hours per week in a part-
time position on campus, as well as being a full-time MS student in our Computer Science Department. I
am told by others who work with him that Plash does all of these tasks with the utmost diligence and
quality.
I have always been impressed with Plash’s character, thoughtfulness, and consideration. I know
that he is a strong student and a hard worker. I enjoy my conversations with Plash because his personality
and friendliness is disarming and creates an immediate sense of trust. His outstanding work in his role as
the GSO President are testimonies of his future promise.
What has been most impressive is the way that, in just a few months, Plash has completely
reoriented the relationship between the GSO and the university senior administration. He was quick to
understand issues that he could impact and those that he could not, and focused his attention on those that
were within his sphere of influence. I greatly appreciate this approach as it has resulted in a much more
successful and collaborative relationship.
Not only is Plash a very effective GSO president from the perspective of the university
administration, he is a strong and outspoken advocate for his student constituents. When he sees a
problem, he takes it on with full engagement and works with those who can help meet his goals. For
example, he has worked closely with the administration to revamp campus bus schedules to better meet the
needs of graduate students whose hours don’t conform to those of most undergraduates.
I know that others will provide letters about Plash’s academic and research skills and
accomplishment from a perspective close to his field of study. However, my letter is to serve as a way of
connecting Plash to a person at Binghamton who has been impressed by his spirit and collegiality.
Sincerely,
Harvey G. Stenger
President