Reference Letter for Dena Gudaitis- Abdul Karim Bangura, AU International Relations Professor

Abdul Karim Bangura - American University International Relations Professor

November 22, 2002

To whom it May Concern,

It is a wonderful pleasure to write this letter of recommendation in support of Ms. Dena Gudaitis. It is no exaggeration when I state that Ms. Gudaitis is one of our best and hardworking students. Indeed, from the time I embarked upon my teaching career at Howard University in the fall of 1987 up to the first time I embarked upon my present semester in American University's School of International Service, a relatively small number of students has thoroughly impressed me. One of these students, I'm proud to say, is Ms. Gudaitis. I have been appreciative of Ms. Gudaitis' untiring interest and service to the cause of

humanity. While all about her swirls the daily pressure of academic life, she has kept to a straight course. Ms. Gudaitis' extensive volunteer work is testimony to her dedication.

Academically, Ms. Gudaitis has been an excellent student who demonstrated the potential to excel in any field she desires to pursue. The following small sample of honors and awards are proof of her hard work and intelligence:

     - Author of a chapter in the book entitled Unpeaceful Metaphors (2002)
     - A cumulative GPA of 3.4 (out of 4.0)
     - Will earn her BS in Multimedia Design and Development in three years
     - School of Communication Deans list Internships at National Public Radio, C-SPAN, and the US        Congress
     - Seven Years of formal French language instruction
     - Fluent in many computer programs
     - Student member of several on-campus organizations

Humanist public service will appear in numerous locations and situation as a result of her aspiration and direction. We can look forward to continued wide-ranging impact as she will one day call on her colleagues in varied profession and activities to conduct themselves with humane attention to the needs of their fellows. While we all know that the task is beyond our fulfilling, we also know that it will not falter so long as stalwarts like Ms. Gudaitis endure.

Sincerely,

Dr. Abdul Karim Bangura
Researcher-In-Residence at the Center for Global Peace and
Professor of International Relations at American University

Original copy of letter available upon request