February 15, 2016

M. Ed., Higher Education Program

Loyola University Chicago, School of Education
820 N. Michigan
Chicago, Illinois 60611
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to support my colleague and friend, Eric Ruelle. It is my great honor to write this
letter on behalf of Eric as I think highly of his academic and professional abilities. I have had the
privilege of working with Eric over the past two years during our studies at Loyola University
Chicago. During this time we have taken several classes together as well as traveled abroad
while studying with Dr. John Dugan in Rome.
Eric and I first worked together in our History of Higher Education class where we were
assigned as group partners. When we started to plan our first class presentation it was clear that
Eric had many skills from his time in Teach For America that would be valuable. He was
focused, polished, and willing to put the work into our presentation to make it both informative
and engaging. Following History, Eric and I have had many to have classes together where I
continued to see him grow.
Something I have always appreciated about Eric is his willingness to lean into uncomfortable
situations in order to personally grow and share with others. One of the many examples of this
was while we were taking Power & Authority in Cross-Cultural Leadership: Lessons from
Rome. Eric opened up to our class and shared some of the personal challenges he has faced. This
experience was so impactful not only to me, but to the entire class. I feel that Eric sharing in that
moment changed the course of our time together in Rome and brought us closer together as a
class. His authenticity is something I greatly admire and a skill that will help him to build rapport
and trust with students.
In addition to his ability to share his experiences with others Eric is also one of the most
determined people I know. The past two years have been full of many transitions for Eric. While
many factors in his life have changed he continues to persevere through many challenges. I have
most respected watching Erics journey to his current position at Roosevelt University. Eric
fiercely pursued opportunities after his assistantship at Loyola. This persistence is something that
will help Eric to be a successful professional in the future. He is dedicated to the field and is
willing to put his full effort into making his career goals a reality.
These are just a few of the reasons I feel that Eric is, and will continue to be, an outstanding
professional. I can think of countless reasons why I hold him in the highest regard. I look
forward to calling him my colleague for years to come.
Thank you for your time,
Claire Bailey