Outstanding Ta Award - Recommendation Letters t3l2l

Outstanding TA Award Recommendation Letters Letters Collected: January 2016

“The Outstanding TA Award recognizes Teaching Assistants who have made distinguished contributions to Syracuse University by demonstrating excellence in significant instructional capacities, such as classroom teaching, laboratory or studio instruction, leading recitation or discussion sections, or assisting senior faculty with high-enrollment courses.”

SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION AND RHETORICAL STUDIES

January 2016 Glenn Wright, Director Graduate School Programs 220 Bowne Hall Re: Terrell Jake Dionne – Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award Dear Glenn: I had the pleasure of supervising Terrell Jake Dionne (Jake) as my Teaching Assistant for CRS 225, Public Advocacy for fall semester 2014. I had the continuing pleasure of supervising Jake for both spring and fall semester 2015 as a stand-alone instructor for CRS 325, Presentational Speaking. Once again, this semester, spring 2016, Jake is teaching CRS 325. In addition to teaching CRS 325 this semester, Jake is my choice for teaching the stand-alone UC section of CRS 225. I ed Jake’s selection as the stand-alone instructor for the UC section of CRS 225, because it is my belief he has the intelligence, ability and dedication to teach two different courses while maintaining his responsibilities as a graduate student. As a TA for CRS 225, Public Advocacy, Jake was responsible for delivering content and instruction consistent with a syllabus designed by me to approximately 70 students divided among 3 separate recitation classes. It is important to note that the classes were populated with a large majority of students who were unfamiliar with the concepts and theories of communication and rhetorical studies. He took initiative and altered planned instruction when needed to assist students in understanding the material. He was also responsible for grading; an exercise that sometimes required delicate negotiations with students. As part of his responsibilities, Jake worked closely with his co-TA. The three of us met each week of the semester. His creative gifts proved a significant asset as he helped us craft new and innovative lesson plans. As the stand-alone instructor for CRS 325, Presentational Speaking, Jake has demonstrated excellence in significant instructional capacities. As an instructor for CRS 325, he is responsible for curriculum development, as well as teaching and grading a total

of 44 undergraduate students each semester. Many of the students he teaches are nonmajors with little or no experience in the field. He has handled his teaching responsibilities with grace and comion. In those inevitable situations with students that require diplomacy and patience, Jake at all times maintains his professional composure and responds to students fairly and with respect. His students have completed the course with a high level of competence in the subject matter. Jake is particularly helpful to his colleagues. As part of a group of CRS 325 teaching assistants, he is required to attend approximately 8 meetings over the course of the semester. He has attended every meeting and always contributes meaningful assessments and comments. I have created a blackboard space for the Teaching Assistants and ask them to share lesson plans and teaching suggestions. Jake has been a prolific and conscientious contributor to the site. On a personal level, I rely on Jake to assist me with some istrative responsibilities, assuring that meetings do not conflict with other graduate responsibilities and adding important items to our agenda. (I continually tell him that I am going to miss him when he graduates.) I offer my highest recommendation for Terrelle Jake Dionne to receive the Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award 2016. Sincerely, Lynn Greenky Assistant Professor Communications and Rhetorical Studies

Deema Alsalih & Sora Alsalih Undergraduate TA at the Department of Physics Syracuse University Phone: 315-560-8724 Email: [email protected]

To whom it may concern, It is our delight to recommend Terrell Jake Dionne (Jake) for the Outstanding TA Award. We took Communication and Rhetoric Studies (CRS 225) in the Fall of 2014 with Jake. Jake is an incredibly amazing TA, and he is one of our favorite people and for good reasons, most importantly being is his dedication to students. Jake excels in his interactions inside the classroom, and outside of the academic setting. In of the classroom framework, it is imperative to mention the high level of classroom interactions he achieved. He engaged the students with thought provoking conversations, and always encouraged asking questions in the classroom and via Email. He also dedicated more time for office hours for students to practice their presentations, and get his constructive criticism on their performance before the day they are assigned to present. Jake went above and beyond what he needed to do to help us improve on the academic level by giving us well-constructed on assignments and presentations, and he was willing to communicate with us had we needed further help. Jake is also great outside of the academic setting, and he cares for you as a person. In virtue of his shining personality, we always feel comfortable to ask him for help and/or life advices. We are firm believers that his approachable personality is one of his irable qualities that encouraged us to get to know him, and seek his advice from his life worth experiences. Our favorite advice being to “never give up!” We are extremely honored to nominate Jake for the Outstanding TA Award, and we appreciate your consideration!

Warm regards, Deema Alsalih & Sora Alsalih

Syracuse University, Department of CRS Outstanding Teacher’s Assistant Award Letter of Recommendation % Re:%Terrell%Jake%Dionne% %%%%%%%TA%College%of%Visual%and%Performing%Arts%% %%%%%%%Phone:%(409)%988]8481% % % %%%%%%%Email:%[email protected]%

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% Dear%Department%of%Communication%and%Rhetorical%Studies,% % % Mr.%Jake%Dionne%was%my%instructor%for%Presentational%Speaking,%Fall%Semester%2015.%The%moment%I%met% him,%I%knew%it%was%going%to%be%a%great%semester.%There%are%few%people%in%one’s%life%that%will%forever%leave%an% imprint.%For%me,%Jake%is%among%them.%He%is%the%gold%standard%for%evaluating%TAs%and%teachers.%I%am%writing%this% letter%in%%of%Jake’s%nomination%for%Syracuse%University’s% Outstanding*Teacher’s*Assistant*Award.% % Jake%was%very%professional%throughout%the%semester.%He%was%always%well%organized,%punctual,%and% prepared%for%class.%He%drove%home%his%lectures%about%informational,%persuasive,%epideictic%and%impromptu% presentations%by%drawing%on%various%pop%culture%examples,%and%promoted%all%types%of%learning%styles%through% visuals,%audios,%and%student%teachings%through%group%work%from%the%book.%Jake%was%always%available%for%questions% in%or%outside%of%the%classroom%and%had%assignments%graded%and%posted%in%a%timely%fashion.%While%not%everyone%in%a% teaching%position%can%be%organized%and%punctual,%most%are.%This,%however,%is%not%what%set%Jake%apart%from%other% TAs%I’ve%had,%or%even%some%teachers.%% % The%moment%he%walked%into%that%room%on%the%first%day%of%class,%Jake%connected%with%each%and%every%class% member%in%a%way%that%comforted%me,%calmed%the%class,%and%assured%his%credibility%right%from%the%start.%He%exuded% confidence%in%himself,%positivity,%and%humor%with%any%and%all%communications%with%the%class.%%He%promoted%a% positive%learning%experience%by%expressing,%and%enforcing,%his%expectation%of%respect%for%all%classmates.%This%was% evident%through%the%ease%classmates%had%in%giving%speeches%and%receiving%constructive%%throughout%the% semester.%After%all,%the%number%one%fear%among%society%is%public%speaking!%Above%all,%Jake%made%a%mandatory%class,% that%most%people%just%want%to%get%done%and%over%with,%truly%enjoyable.%This%is%evidenced%by%the%fact%that%all%those% who%started%the%class%in%September,%stayed%through%to%the%end.%I%have%yet%to%see%that%in%any%other%class%on%campus.% A%class%is%only%as%good%and%successful%as%the%one%who%is%teaching%it.%In%short,%Jake%was%nothing%short%of% OUTSTANDING!% % % Jake%was%professional,%driven,%and%effective%in%his%approach%to%teaching%CRS325*Presentational*Speaking.%I% feel%one%of%the%hardest%things%to%do%in%a%classroom%setting%is%to%make%people%feel%at%ease%and%truly%enjoy%a%class,% especially%a%mandatory%one.%Jake%did%a%phenomenal%job,%and%I%would%absolutely%recommend%any%of%his%classes%to% anyone.%May%he%continue%to%do%great%things%in%his%future%and%impact%as%many%people%as%he%can%with%his%positivity,% humor,%and%knowledge.%But%for%now,%I%highly%recommend%he%be%rewarded%for%his%creativity,%ion,%and% awesomeness%in%the%area%of%fostering%a%positive%learning%environment%at%Syracuse%University.% % Laura%Boucher,%Senior,%DPD,%Syracuse%University% [email protected]%% (315)%708]6275% %

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Dear%To%Whom%This%May%Concern,% %

Good%day.%My%name%is%Dylan%Brophy%and%I%am%currently%a%Communications%&%Rhetorical%

Studies%major%in%my%sophomore%year%at%Syracuse%University.%I%am%writing%this%letter%today%as%a% full%endorsement%and%personal%recommendation%of%the%work%of%Terrell%Jake%Dionne.%I%believe%he% is%a%just%and%favorable%candidate%to%receive%his%recognition%for%his%tremendous%work%as%a% Teaching%Assistant%to%the%very%department%I%am%enrolled%in.%% I%first%met%Mr.%Dionne%as%he%was%a%teaching%assistant%to%Professor%Greenky%in%CRS%225% (Public%Advocacy).%Although%Mr.%Dionne%was%not%my%personal%teaching%assistant,%or%TA,%I%found% myself%gravitated%to%his%office%hours%where%he%always%provided%personal%and%excellent%academic% advice%and%guidance.%I%than%was%greeted%with%the%pleasure%of%being%Mr.%Dionne’s%student%as%he% yet%again%worked%under%the%awesome%Professor%Greenky,%this%time%leading%a%section%of%CRS%325% (Public%Speaking).%This%was%the%class%where%I%really%learned%under%his%tutelage.%Mr.%Dionne% engages%his%classes%in%a%very%personal%ways.%He%does%not%neglect%any%opinion%from%being%said% from%the%students%which%allows%a%great%learning%forum%to%advance.%He%has%a%certain%way%of% explaining%topics%which%incorporates%traditional%textbook%rhetoric%infused%with%today’s%pop% culture.%Mr.%Dionne%simply%has%a%way%of%making%every%student%very%comfortable%which%leads%to% a%fantastic%work%environment.%% I%believe%Mr.%Dionne%is%certainly%qualified%and%deserving%of%being%awarding%this% prestigious%honor%as%excellence%during%his%time%as%a%Teaching%Assistant.%He%certainly%meets% proper%criteria%to%have%the%qualifications%and%excellence%to%be%the%recipient.%%

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A%particular%example%I%use%to%describe%his%wonderful%teaching%ways%is%an%occurrence%that%

happened%on%the%first%few%weeks%of%our%public%speaking%class.%This%class%was%very%diverse,%from% racially%too%financially%to%simply%on%campus%activities%being%taken.%We%had%everything%from%the% fraternity%star%to%the%drama%club%to%good%old%fashion%nerds.%This%melting%pot%of%a%class%can%be% very%intimidating%for%anyone%to%voice%his%or%her%opinion.%Mr.%Dionne%recognized%this%issue%and% implemented%his%own%voice%to%help%us.%He%built%his%own%credibility%as%being%different%from% talking%about%his%what%seems%foreign%upbringing%in%a%small%town%in%Texas.%He%then%proceeded%to% relate%the%academic%topic%at%hand%to%events%from%a%recent%television%award%show%which%was%a% very%popular%topic%on%campus.%With%relating%himself%to%us,%the%class%realized%we%can%relate%to% each%other%and%we%sure%did.%The%class%went%from%complete%silence%to%one%of%the%more%chatty% classes%I%have%taken%here%at%Syracuse%University.%% In%conclusion,%I%believe%Mr.%Terrell%Jake%Dionne%is%absolutely%qualifies%and%deserving%of% the%honor%that%recognizes%outstanding%work%as%a%teaching%assistant.%Mr.%Dionne%has%gone%up% and%above%and%exceeded%expectations%for%the%impact%a%teaching%assistant%can%have%on%the% students%of%Syracuse%University.%% % Sincerely,% Dylan%Brophy% [email protected]%% 631.481.5961%

Karen Cheung 6340 Bunnecke Court Ridgewood, NY 11385 [email protected] January 27, 2016 To Whom It May Concern: I am pleased to recommend Jake Dionne for the Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award in the department of Communications and Rhetorical Studies. I had the pleasure of having Jake as a TA for CRS 225 (Public Advocacy) in the fall semester of 2014. Jake was always well prepared for every recitation and demonstrated that he knew the subject matter extremely well. His recitations were very effective in helping me gain a better understanding of what was covered in CRS 225 lectures and his bright personality kept the class interesting. Going to his recitations always put a smile on my face and brightened my day, even though I was not particularly interested in public advocacy. Jake made sure to cover each topic very thoroughly, using a lot of examples along the way. Jake showed that he cared about his students and ensured that each and every person in the class had a good understanding of what he was teaching. Whenever a student struggled to understand something or was not sure how to complete an assignment, Jake never hesitated to help in class, during office hours, or via email. Although I never liked public speaking and had no intention of staying a Communications and Rhetorical Studies major, Jake made the class enjoyable for me. As a freshman at the time, I was very shy, but Jake encouraged me with his positivity and helped me gain confidence in my presentation skills. He took the time to give constructive criticism to each student after each project. With his , Jake emphasized my strengths and told me how I could do even better for the next assignment. I have transferred into the Whitman School of Management since then, but I still find myself applying what Jake taught me in his class over a year ago to my career as a business student. For all of these reasons, I believe that Jake is very deserving of the Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award. If you have any questions, feel free to me at the email address stated above. Sincerely, Karen Cheung

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Juliana%DeZolt% 891%McDonald%Drive% Fort%Johnson,%NY%12070% [email protected]% January%26,%2016%

To%Whom%It%May%Concern,% I%am%writing%on%behalf%of%Terrell%Jake%Dionne%regarding%his%nomination%for%the%university]wide% Outstanding%TA%Award%at%Syracuse%University.%%Jake%was%my%TA%during%the%semester%of%Fall%2015%for%CRS% 325,%Presentational%Speaking.%During%the%semester,%I%have%gotten%to%know%Jake%quite%well%and%can% thoroughly%vouch%for%his%character%and%abilities%as%a%TA.%% Jake’s%positive%attitude%in%class%made%each%and%every%class%fun%and%interesting.%Since%it%was%a% presentational%speaking%class,%there%were%some%topics%chosen%by%peers%that%would%be%considered% controversial%in%today’s%society.%Instead%of%turning%students%down%to%speak%about%topics%such%as%black% lives%matter,%transgender,%and%gun%control,%he%encouraged%students%to%speak%on%them%in%a%respectful% manner.%Jake%also%controlled%the%classroom%well%when%many%of%my%peers%had%different%opinions%on%these% topics.%Instead%of%these%topics%causing%a%heated%debate,%Jake%turned%them%into%class%wide%conversations% to%see%everyone’s%point%of%view%on%these%matters.%% On%a%personal%level,%Jake%has%been%the%only%TA%to%offer%and%encourage%practicing%my%speeches%with%me% multiples%times%before%each%presentation.%This%has%helped%me%by%getting%me%better%at%speaking%for%my% professional%career.%Not%only%did%he%help%me%when%I%was%struggling%at%the%beginning,%but%when%another% peer%got%up%to%speak%for%her%first%time%and%did%not%succeed,%he%offered%her%the%chance%to%practice%with% him%before%every%presentation%to%help%her%overcome%her%fear%of%public%speaking.%When%I%went%in%to% practice%my%speech%with%Jake%one%afternoon,%I%was%expressing%to%him%the%difficulty%I%was%having%applying% to%graduate%schools%and%writing%my%personal%statements%for%each%school%that%I%was%applying%to.%Without% thinking%twice,%Jake%offered%to%help%me%write%and%revise%all%of%my%personal%statements%that%I%was% struggling%with.%He%has%by%far%been%the%biggest%help%to%me%at%Syracuse%University%thus%far%in%my%college% career.%Not%only%has%he%made%me%become%a%better%public%speaker,%but%also%up%to%date%he%has%helped%me% to%write%and%revise%eight%graduate%school%essays%on%his%personal%time.%% It%has%been%a%privilege%to%know%this%brilliant%and%dedicated%TA%who%only%continues%to%achieve%his%goals% and%help%others%along%the%way.%I%feel%confident%that%you%will%agree%that%Terrell%Jake%Dionne%is%the%most% deserving%candidate%for%this%award.%Please%feel%free%to%%me%for%any%additional%information%you% may%inquire.%% % Sincerely,% Juliana%DeZolt% % % %

Keelan Erhard 874 Sumner Avenue Syracuse, NY 13210 (716) 245-8415 [email protected] January 26, 2016 To whom it may concern: It is with my immense pleasure that I would like to recommend Jake Dionne as a candidate for the Outstanding TA Award. As a student, I find it important that a TA is knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and approachable. Jake exemplifies all of these in the classroom, and it is for this reason that I am recommending him for this distinguished award. I came to know Jake last semester while taking CRS 325: Presentational Speaking. As Jake had pointed out at the beginning of the semester, for most of the students taking the class we were required to take it rather than choosing to take it for fun. While required classes that don’t pertain to a student’s major are usually tedious and mundane, Jake kept the class captivated and engaged. I would feel comfortable in saying that most, if not all students in the class enjoyed attending class because of Jake’s enthusiasm for the course material. The ion that Jake has for his studies could be seen through his teaching style. He always came to class prepared to teach the course material at hand, and always did so with an eagerness that made us wanting to learn more. Jake was very knowledgeable on the material in the course book and was effective in facilitating class discussion to talk about the themes covered. He also integrated multimedia effectively in helping our understanding of the topics; I find that students now learn better when multimedia is used. He would come to class with great videos showing different types of speech styles, whether they be from debate competitions, Ted talks, or other students like ourselves. When struggling with course content, it was very easy to go to Jake for help because of his friendly, welcoming personality. Jake was always free outside of class during his office hours to help students, and he responded quite timely when asking questions via email. I believe that I succeeded in the class because of Jake’s helpfulness both inside and outside of class. When I think of an exceptional TA, I think of Jake. Jake is undoubtedly one of the best TAs that I have had in my three years here at Syracuse University. This is due to his commitment to ensuring that his students are understanding the course content through his knowledge and enthusiasm for the material, all while being approachable for help outside of class. I can’t think of another TA that would be more fitting for the Outstanding TA Award than Jake. Please feel free to me should you have any questions. Sincerely, Keelan Erhard, Class of 2017 Student Life Chairman | Student Association, 59th Legislative Session

Victoria Fennessy 125 Victoria Place Syracuse NY, 13210 January 28, 2016 Dear Nomination Committee, I am writing you on behalf of Terrell Jake Dionne. I had him last semester (Fall 2015) for CRS 325 Presentational Speaking. I signed up for the class because as an Interior Designer having the ability to present, and present my projects well is a very crucial part of Interior Design. Before I took the class I had basically zero confidence in my ability to present; often times while presenting it came out more as word vomit. After Jake’s class I have noticed a dramatic increase in my presenting abilities, and confidence while presenting. Jake always made sure that the class had an interesting dynamic, despite it being just another elective for me, I thoroughly looked forward to showing up each class. He was very good at having an authoritative role within the classroom while making the students feel comfortable enough to joke around right alongside him. During the course we covered three different presentation styles; including informative, persuasive, and epidictic. Each time he walked us through what that type of speech was generally used for, and how to go about writing it. Jake was excellent at giving on how he thought you could improve your speech both before and after the project. When it came time to present my first speech, he told us that we were only allowed to have one index card up with us, I basically had a heart attack. He reassured us that we would be fine, and that as long as we practiced a few times, it would come out great. Jake was completely right, I blew it out of the water! Jake constantly pushed each one of his students to one up their previous performances. By the end of the semester when we had to do an impromptu speech given 3 minutes to prepare, I felt fully confident in my abilities. I’m extremely glad that I took the class with Jake; through him pushing us I was able to get over my fears of talking in front of people, and was actually able to completely form my thoughts before presenting. I have noticed a large difference in how I present for my Interior Design classes since taking the class. I have confidence in what I’m saying, and have the ability to adequately explain to my viewers/clients what I want them to know. What Jake taught me in his classroom will follow me in my professional career for multiple years to come! Best, Victoria Fennessy

January 28, 2016

To Whom It May Concern:

I am pleased to write a letter of recommendation for Terrell Jake Dionne, who was my Teacher’s Assistant here at Syracuse University within the Department of Communication & Rhetorical Studies. During his tenure as the Teacher’s Assistant in the Fall of 2015, Jake connected very well with students as he taught the various forms of rhetoric and how to effectively deliver a variety of speeches. Mr. Dionne is an exceptional teacher as his ion for the subject matter along with excellent communication skills allows the class to have a great understanding of the course objectives. Given that public speech is a daunting task for many individuals, the class was able to feel very comfortable prior to the speeches given he included personal experiences and real-life examples to aid in his work. Mr. Dionne’s teaching ability coupled with his interpersonal skills created a cohesive environment in which we, as a class, were able to have great interactions with him. The most impressive aspect of Jake’s teaching is his positive attitude and cheerful spirit that was then spread across the classroom. Myself and others would consistently express our anticipation for the class given the pleasant presence that Jake had, as well as his comion for actually assisting us in any way possible for he was a genuine system. As a student, it is very encouraging to have someone who is very familiar with the discipline and can present the material in a way that captured the audience’s interest despite unfamiliarity with the topic. In summary, Jake exemplified the qualities that make a teacher’s assistant outstanding. He is an excellent person to interact with, gains the comfort of his students and communicates what is expected of the course in an effective manner. Throughout the semester I was able to go to Jake and receive the extra assistance I needed in the course and he was delighted to help. Mr. Dionne sincerely cares about his students and I would highly his nomination for the Outstanding TA Award as I believe he embodies the excellence of a teaching assistant.

Sincerely, Gary Graves

To%Whom%It%May%Concern:% % When%it%came%to%CRS%325%last%semester,%I%didn’t%really%think%much%of%the%class%besides%the%fact% that%I%needed%it%for%a%credit,%and%that%I%honestly%wasn’t%the%biggest%fan%of%public%speaking%in% general.%Like%most%general%Syracuse%classes,%I%was%expecting%to%be%taught%by%a%TA%who%due%to% their%“lack”%of%teaching%experience%was%going%to%make%the%class%pretty%difficult%to%enjoy.% However,%when%I%walked%in%last%semester%to%my%Thursday%6:45]9:30%it%became%very%apparent% this%was%going%to%be%a%great%class%this%semester.%If%there%is%a%TA%that%is%going%to%be%given%an% award%for%outstanding%work%as%a%teaching%assistant,%you%must%look%no%further%then%Jake%Dionne.% Jake%helped%turn%CRS%325%from%a%required%class,%to%my%favorite%class%that%I%took%last%semester.% He%combines%his%hilarious%and%outgoing%personality%with%the%necessary%requirements%of%a%class% like%no%TA%I%have%ever%seen.%Jake%not%only%made%all%us%students%feel%comfortable%with%public% speaking,%he%made%us%excited%to%publicly%speak.%Through%his%use%of%modern%day%topics,% combined%with%his%own%personal%touch,%Jake%made%our%CRS%class%fun,%interesting,%Relevant%to% todays%world,%and%most%importantly%he%made%all%of%us%feel%comfortable%with%him.%To%be%a%good% TA%you%don’t%need%to%follow%a%syllabus%word%for%word%as%a%professor%outlines%it.%You%have%to%be% able%to%relate%to%your%students%and%understand%what%their%needs%as%learners%are.%I%can%honestly% say%that%few%TA’s%have%been%able%to%come%close%to%the%effectiveness%that%Jake%displayed%last% semester.%He%knows%and%enjoys%what%he%it%teaching,%he%clearly%loves%working%with%students,%and% I%can%say%with%confidence%that%every%student%in%my%class%loved%working%with%Jake.%Jake%has%been% one%of%the%best,%if%not%the%best,%TA’s%that%I%have%had%at%Syracuse%and%absolutely%deserves% recognition%for%his%work%as%a%teaching%assistant.%My%public%speaking%is%significantly%better%thanks% to%Jake,%and%its%not%even%really%close!%% % % ]Josh%Grotenstein% Junior%Student% Sports%Management%Major% Syracuse%University%% % % % % % % % % % %

Dear%Madam/Sir,%% % It%is%my%great%pleasure%to%write%this%letter%in%%of%Mr.%Jake%Dionne’s%nomination%for% the%university?wide%Outstanding%TA%Award.%% % I%had%Mr.%Dionne%as%a%Teacher’s%Assistant%for%two%different%classes,%Public%Advocacy%and% Presentational%Speaking.%These%two%classes%primarily%focused%on%teaching%students%how%to% speak%in%front%of%an%audience%confidently%and%effectively.%Mr.%Dionne%worked%tirelessly%to% make%sure%that%each%of%us%knew%how%to%do%this.%He%would%always%start%the%class%by%asking%us% a%question%to%start%a%discussion,%and%to%make%us%feel%more%comfortable%talking%in%front%of% one%another.%% % Mr.%Dionne%would%always%make%sure%we%were%as%prepared%as%we%could%be%whether%it%was% for%a%test%or%a%quiz.%He%would%make%power%points%for%us,%study%guides,%and%if%he%saw%that%we% were%struggling%with%a%certain%concept,%he%would%make%sure%he%took%extra%time%in%class%to% go%over%it.%When%it%came%to%grading%assignments%he%was%always%sure%to%give%us%tons%of% ,%which%helped%me%with%other%future%assignments.%Mr.%Dionne%was%also%very% friendly;%he%would%always%come%to%class%with%a%smile%on%his%face%and%was%always%sure%to%ask% us%how%we%were%doing.%He%is%very%enthusiastic%about%teaching%and%it%shows.%% % Based%on%my%observations%I%can%say%that%Mr.%Dionne%is%the%best%Teacher’s%Assistant%I%have% had%so%far%at%Syracuse%University.%He%truly%cares%about%his%students%and%goes%above%and% beyond%to%help%them%be%successful.%This%is%why%I%am%recommending%him%for%the% Outstanding%TA%Award.%% % Sincerely,%% % Emily%Kingston%% Communications%and%Rhetorical%Studies% Syracuse%University% [email protected]%%% % % % % % % % % %

For Jake, By Sha Luo As a student of TA Jake for two semesters on his 225 and 325 classes, I have to say that he is the best TA in my two years’ university life. Honestly, it was really terrifying for me to take CRS major classes. Because in my mind, they are super hard class and would definitely ruin my GPA, but Jake changed the impression of CRS. English is not my daily speaking language, and I seldom speak English except when I have to. It was true that I ed the TOFLE test when applied for SU but tests are dead, they are not like living people and will always stay the same question types. When facing to English speaking people around me and when I have to use the second language to do presentations, write essays and learn, I am facing a huge difficulty. At the first semester of my freshman year, Jake’s recitation was the only class I was looking forward to attend every week. I was so afraid to attend others classes because I felt like that I am from Mars and can never understand what the instructors were saying. But Jake always shows understanding and gentle to my language problem and never laughed at me. He was so patient at every question we asked and tried to help us find the answer out. I never said this directly to him, but I really want to thank him for his kindness. Not only compliment on his personality but also on his real work on teaching, he is absolutely not the kind of TA that want to trick you or make you feel that you are going fail. He always try to make a very complicated key point easy to be understand with interesting examples. His classes and PPT are really well-organized for me to review after class and before exams. And I never felt too stressed on his classes, everyone is encouraged to express their own opinion and individuality even differ from his. I felt a very comfortable atmosphere on his classes, which make me never be afraid to say something no matter. I took 325 last term of Jake, and I think that is the best presentation class. He clearly pointed out what we need to do on a presentation and how to do a better one. I recommend this class to every friend of mine. I told them Jake is the best. I really think he deserved to be called the best TA, not just because of his attractive characteristics but also because of his high teaching quality.

Eva Manuse  829 Ostrom Avenue  Syracuse, NY 13210    January 25, 2015  To whom it may concern,    I am writing on behalf of Jake Dionne regarding his nomination for the Outstanding TA  Award. Mr. Dionne was my TA for Presentational Speaking CRS 325 during the Fall  2015 semester.  During our time together, I have learned a great deal about his  character and abilities as a TA.      Mr. Dionne’s ive and pleasant attitude helped many students leave their comfort  zone and gain self­confidence.  Many of my fellow classmates, including myself, viewed  speaking in front of a crowd of 20+ students as a daunting task.  The first time I stood in  front of the class, I was incredibly nervous to present and found myself lost for words.  Mr. Dionne lightened the mood with a few jokes and then proceeded to provide   and advice that helped me regain my confidence and complete my presentation.      Throughout the semester, Mr. Dionne’s ion for public speaking and his students  became apparent.  He was always prepared for class and created an environment that  was both fun and exciting to participate in.  Mr. Dionne continually made an effort to  connect with his students and to get to know each of us individually.      Mr. Dionne encouraged students to formulate their own opinions and then express  those ideas in their speeches.  He also provided constructive criticism after each  speech to help students improve.  As the semester went by, there was a clear  improvement in my confidence and public speaking abilities, which I firmly believe is a  direct result of Mr. Dionne’s efforts and teaching style.  It takes a very special individual  to not only encourage their students growth, but to also inspire them.  For this reason,  Mr. Dionne is truly deserving of the Outstanding TA Award.      Sincerely,  Eva Manuse     

To%Whom%It%May%Concern:% % I%am%writing%this%letter%of%recommendation%for%Jake%Dionne.%This%past%semester,%he%led%my% Communication%and%Rhetorical%Studies%course%at%Syracuse%University.%Jake%was%a%pleasure%to%have%as%an% instructor%in%many%ways.%I%found%him%to%be%helpful,%organized,%dedicated,%and%overall%good%with%each%of% the%students.%By%the%end%of%the%first%day,%it%was%clear%that%the%students%were%comfortable%with%him,%and% respected%him.%% % The%class%met%for%about%three%hours%once%a%week.%In%this%time,%we%would%learn%as%Jake%taught%and% reviewed%material,%quizzed%us,%and%made%sure%we%understood%what%it%was%we%were%expected%to.%%We% would%also%be%expected%to%compose%and%present%several%different%types%of%speeches.%He%made%his% expectations%for%us%as%students%clear.%%Hard%work%and%preparation%outside%of%class%were%necessary%to% excel%in%the%course,%but%he%would%be%there%along%the%way%to%guide%us%in%any%sense%we%needed.%% % With%a%good%sense%of%humor,%he%made%this%class%enjoyable,%and%I%can%honestly%say%I%looked%forward%to% meeting%each%week.%I%know%many%of%my%peers%would%agree%with%this%as%they%felt%the%same%way.%Chosen% topics%for%speeches%were%interesting,%and%the%ways%that%Jake%maneuvered%teaching%a%group%of%younger% college%students%proved%unique%and%completely%effective.%% % Jake%is%a%successful%and%bright%instructor%and%person%in%general.%He%took%his%job%seriously%while%making%it% interesting%and%beneficial%for%all%of%us.%I%would%strongly%recommend%Jake%to%any%of%my%peers—in%fact%I% recommended%him%to%anyone%that%I%knew%to%be%taking%the%same%course%I%took%for%this%% semester.%If%there%is%anyone%who%deserves%the%Outstanding%TA%Award,%it%is%Jake%Dionne.%I%can%say%that% with%the%upmost%confidence.%% % Best,%% % Julianna%B.%Matthews% Syracuse%University%‘18% Whitman%School%of%Management%

% % %

601$Comstock$Ave$ Syracuse,$NY,$13210$ (718)208=0812$ [email protected]$ 01/25/2016$ To$whom$it$may$concern:$ It$was$my$pleasure$and$privilege$to$get$to$know$Jake$Dionne$as$my$Instructor$for$CRS$325,$ presentational$speaking.$The$class$was$a$life=changing$experience$that$I’ve$had$and$remained$ my$favorite$class$at$Syracuse$University.$Most$of$my$appreciations$for$the$class$come$from$ Instructor$Jake,$who$is$a$graduate$teaching$assistant$in$communication$and$rhetorical$studies.$ Because$of$his$devotion,$commitment,$and$ion$for$being$an$orator,$he$was$able$to$offer$me$ meaningful$insights$and$distinctive$perspectives$on$various$subject$matters.$I$found$Instructor$ Jake$to$be$very$knowledgeable,$responsive,$and$humorous.$He$was$always$prepared$for$class$ and$made$excellent$visual$presentations$that$filled$with$his$creative$ideas.$He$was$a$successful$ mentor$who$impressed$me$with$the$power$of$words.$With$his$guidance,$I$was$able$to$broaden$ my$previous$understanding$for$presentational$speech.$ I$can$confidently$recommend$Instructor$Jake$for$the$university=wide$Outstanding$TA$Award.$ Please$do$not$hesitate$to$$me$if$you$would$like$to$discuss$this$recommendation$further.$ Sincerely,$ Junyue$(Ginger)$Ou$ $

To%the%Department%of%Communication%and%Rhetorical%Studies,%% % My%name%is%Deanna%Polanco%and%I%am%a%former%student%of%Terrell%Jake%Dionne%–a%nominee%for% your%Outstanding%TA%Award.%From%my%experience%of%having%Jake%as%a%professor,%I%can%sincerely%say%that% he,%deserves%such%a%title.%Jake,%who%has%a%different%gender,%race,%and%even%orientation%than%myself,% ironically,%was%someone%who%was%still%versatile%enough%to%relate%to%the%wide%range%of%differences% amongst%myself%and%my%peers.%Jake’s%fearlessness%and%dedication%to%his%ion%of%public%speaking,% illuminated%through%every%class%he%taught.%I%actually%do%not%%one%day%in%which%he%was% unprepared%or%not%eager%to%teach,%and%with%that,%learn%from%us.% % From%my%personal%experience%with%Jake,%I%would%like%to%start%off%by%saying,%he%is%a%prime%example% of%what%modern%education%should%exemplify:%someone%who%is%open%minded,%extroverted,%and%respectful% of%every%backgrounds/upbringings.%I%appreciated%his%obvious%youth%because%it%assisted%with%the%goal%of% having%open%discussion%because%his%students%always%knew%the%correlation%he%made,%whether%it%ranged% from%Miley%Cyrus%to%Ted%Talks.%His%overall%being,%created%an%atmosphere%where%people%where% comfortable%enough%to%laugh%out%loud%or%even%cry%from%frustration.%% % The%reason%why%I%have%the%utmost%respect%for%Jake%is%because%he%gave%us%an%open%space%that% allowed%us%to%correct%each%other%when%we%felt%someone%else%was%in%the%wrong%but%also,%praise%people% when%their%ideas%were%brilliant.%Just%to%give%an%example,%all%his%assignments%–thankfully]%allowed%us%to% gear%towards%social%platforms%that%were%important%to%us%as%individuals.%The%theme%of%some%people’s% platforms%were%incurable%diseases,%environmental,%or%gender%issues,%while%mine%revolved%around%race% issues.%Jake%gave%me%the%opportunity%to%educate%my%peers%and%never%did%he%once%tell%me%to,%tone%down% my%frustration%and%eagerness%to%educate%my,%not%so%diverse%population,%nor%did%he%ever%tell%me%to%get%rid% of%focusing%on%my%ion%at%all.%Whether%or%not%people%agreed%with%me,%and%regardless%of%the%amount% of%students%in%the%class,%Jake%gave%me%the%opportunity%to%make%a%difference,%big%or%small.%And%for%that,%I% could%never%thank%him%enough.%The%beauty%of%it%all%was,%my%ion%bled%throughout%my%work,%which% turned%into%good%grades,%so%for%me,%my%overall%experience%was%a%win]win%situation.% Until%this%day,%Jake%and%I%partake%in%simple%and%yet%meaningful%conversations%via%email,%sharing% things%we%feel%is%eye%opening%and%mind%altering.%Our%relationship%is%founded%on%our%differences%and%yet% we%still%make%an%effort%to%connect%by%the%mere%fact%that,%our%differences%overlap%and%when%they%don’t,% we%express%to%each%other%why%we%should%care.%This%type%of%professor%to%student%dynamic%is%extremely% rare%to%find,%and%this%alone%should%prove%to%you%all%that%Jake%is%a%one%of%a%kind%professor%who%should%be% praised%and%used%as%an%example%to%his%counter%parts.%Jake%is%fluent%in%his%craft,%persistent%with%his%tactics,% and%overall%fluid%in%his%methods%of%teaching.%These%aspects%and%more%are%the%reasons%why%Jake%is%such%a% special%individual%who%has%gracefully%left%an%imprint%in%my%mind%and%heart.%I%am%overall%pleased%with%my% experience%of%having%Jake%as%a%professor,%mentor,%and%even%a%friend,%and%he%certainly%epitomized%an% outstanding%TA.% % Best,% Deanna%Polanco% Falk%College%at%Syracuse%University% [email protected]% 646]662]4119%

1/25/2016%% % Dear%Sir%or%Madam:%% I%am%writing%in%reference%of%the%nomination%for%the%University]Wide%Outstanding% TA%Award%on%Terrell%(Jake)%Dionne’s%behalf.%I%had%the%privilege%of%having%Jake%as% my%TA%my%freshman%year%at%Syracuse%University.%% % Jake%was%the%first%TA%I%ever%had.%It%was%dreaded%8:00am%public%speaking%class% however%Jake%made%it%one%of%the%most%memorable.%His%positive%and%fun%attitude% made%the%class%very%entertaining,%and%his%ion%for%the%subject%made%it%that% much%more%enjoyable%to%learn.%Jake%was%always%there%for%me%when%I%ever%had%any% questions%or%needed%any%help.%He%always%answered%my%emails%in%a%timely%fashion% and%met%with%me%outside%of%the%classroom%if%I%needed%more%help.% % Public%speaking%didn’t%come%naturally%to%me%at%first,%but%after%Jake’s%guidance%I% ended%the%semester%being%very%confident%with%public%speaking.%This%class%was%an% absolute%joy%to%be%in%and%it’s%all%because%of%my%outstanding%TA.%When%picking%out% classes%for%the%future%I%look%to%see%if%I%can%take%one%with%Jake%because%of%the% amazing%experience%I%had%in%his%class.%If%anyone%deserves%an%Outstanding%TA% Award%it%should%be%Jake.%I’ve%had%other%TAs%at%Syracuse%University%and%no%one% compares%to%Jake.%He%is%one%amazing%guy%and%is%going%to%do%great%things% % If%you%have%any%questions%please%don’t%hesitate%to%call.% % Sincerely,% % Annie%Toczynski% Sophomore%Communication%and%Rhetorical%Studies%Major% [email protected]% (805)%416]6762% %

To#whom#it#may#concern,# # # We’re#Shauna#Zelker#and#Shonni#Velasquez#and#we#had#Jake#Dionne#our# sophomore#year#for#presentational#speaking.##It#was#an#amazing#experience#for#the# both#of#us#that#helped#us#to#both#grow#as#people.##He#pushed#us#to#go#outside#of#our# comfort#zones#while#still#embracing#our#friendship.###Not#only#was#the#class#at#8am# and#centered#on#public#speaking,#which#pushed#us#out#of#our#comfort#zones#already,# but#also#he#pushed#us#to#do#topics#that#we#never#would#have#thought#of#on#our#own.## Even#with#all#these#new#concepts#he#still#made#the#class#very#enjoyable.##He#came#to# class#every#morning#with#a#giant#smile#on#his#face#and#a#ton#of#energy#that#woke# everyone#up.##Since#he#knew#that#we#were#best#friends#he#would#use#that#to#keep#us# engaged#by#referring#to#us#as#a#pair,#which#was#both#funny#and#enjoyable.##He#even# had#one#of#us#do#a#speech#on#why#the#other#was#important#to#us.##While#he#did#refer# to#us#as#a#pair#he#also#worked#with#us#individually#acknowledging#that#we#each#had# our#own#strengths#and#weaknesses.##Jake#made#a#class#that#we#dreaded#into# something#that#we#enjoyed#and#expanded#our#knowledge#of#presentational# speaking.##To#this#day#he#is#our#favorite#TA#and#we#will#never#forget#the#experience# that#we#had#in#his#class.# # #

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Shauna#Zelker#and#Shonni#Velasquez#