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 members 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 supported Jakes 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 compassion. 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 administrative 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: daabdulw@syr.edu & Sabdulwa@syr.edu

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 terms 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 feedback 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 admirable 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 Teachers Assistant Award
Letter of Recommendation
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Re:%Terrell%Jake%Dionne%
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Dear%Department%of%Communication%and%Rhetorical%Studies,%
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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%ones%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%support%of%Jakes%nomination%for%Syracuse%Universitys%
Outstanding*Teachers*Assistant*Award.%
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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%Ive%had,%or%even%some%teachers.%%
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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%feedback%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!%
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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,%passion,%and%
awesomeness%in%the%area%of%fostering%a%positive%learning%environment%at%Syracuse%University.%
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Laura%Boucher,%Senior,%DPD,%Syracuse%University%
lebouche@syr.edu%%
(315)%708]6275% %

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Dear%To%Whom%This%May%Concern,%
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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.%Dionnes%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%todays%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.%%

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.%%
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Sincerely,%
Dylan%Brophy%
dmbrophy@syr.edu%%
631.481.5961%

Karen Cheung
6340 Bunnecke Court
Ridgewood, NY 11385
kcheun03@syr.edu
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 feedback, 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 contact me at the email address stated
above.
Sincerely,
Karen Cheung

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Juliana%DeZolt%
891%McDonald%Drive%
Fort%Johnson,%NY%12070%
jdezolt@syr.edu%
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.%%
Jakes%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%todays%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%everyones%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%contact%me%for%any%additional%information%you%
may%inquire.%%
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Sincerely,%
Juliana%DeZolt%
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Keelan Erhard
874 Sumner Avenue
Syracuse, NY 13210
(716) 245-8415
kterhard@syr.edu
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 dont pertain
to a students 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 Jakes enthusiasm for the course material.
The passion 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 Jakes 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 cant think of another TA that
would be more fitting for the Outstanding TA Award than Jake.
Please feel free to contact 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 Jakes 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 feedback
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. Im 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 Im 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 Teachers
Assistant here at Syracuse University within the Department of Communication & Rhetorical
Studies. During his tenure as the Teachers 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 passion 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. Dionnes 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 Jakes 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 compassion for actually
assisting us in any way possible for he was a genuine support 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 audiences interest despite unfamiliarity with the topic.
In summary, Jake exemplified the qualities that make a teachers 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 support 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%didnt%really%think%much%of%the%class%besides%the%fact%
that%I%needed%it%for%a%credit,%and%that%I%honestly%wasnt%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%dont%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%TAs%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,%TAs%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%%
%
%
%
%
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Dear%Madam/Sir,%%
%
It%is%my%great%pleasure%to%write%this%letter%in%support%of%Mr.%Jake%Dionnes%nomination%for%
the%university?wide%Outstanding%TA%Award.%%
%
I%had%Mr.%Dionne%as%a%Teachers%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%
feedback,%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%Teachers%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%
ekingsto@syr.edu%%%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

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 passed 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, Jakes 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.

EvaManuse
829OstromAvenue
Syracuse,NY13210

January25,2015
Towhomitmayconcern,

IamwritingonbehalfofJakeDionneregardinghisnominationfortheOutstandingTA
Award.Mr.DionnewasmyTAforPresentationalSpeakingCRS325duringtheFall
2015semester.Duringourtimetogether,Ihavelearnedagreatdealabouthis
characterandabilitiesasaTA.

Mr.Dionnessupportiveandpleasantattitudehelpedmanystudentsleavetheircomfort
zoneandgainselfconfidence.Manyofmyfellowclassmates,includingmyself,viewed
speakinginfrontofacrowdof20+studentsasadauntingtask.ThefirsttimeIstoodin
frontoftheclass,Iwasincrediblynervoustopresentandfoundmyselflostforwords.
Mr.Dionnelightenedthemoodwithafewjokesandthenproceededtoprovidesupport
andadvicethathelpedmeregainmyconfidenceandcompletemypresentation.

Throughoutthesemester,Mr.Dionnespassionforpublicspeakingandhisstudents
becameapparent.Hewasalwayspreparedforclassandcreatedanenvironmentthat
wasbothfunandexcitingtoparticipatein.Mr.Dionnecontinuallymadeaneffortto
connectwithhisstudentsandtogettoknoweachofusindividually.

Mr.Dionneencouragedstudentstoformulatetheirownopinionsandthenexpress
thoseideasintheirspeeches.Healsoprovidedconstructivecriticismaftereach
speechtohelpstudentsimprove.Asthesemesterwentby,therewasaclear
improvementinmyconfidenceandpublicspeakingabilities,whichIfirmlybelieveisa
directresultofMr.Dionneseffortsandteachingstyle.Ittakesaveryspecialindividual
tonotonlyencouragetheirstudentsgrowth,buttoalsoinspirethem.Forthisreason,
Mr.DionneistrulydeservingoftheOutstandingTAAward.

Sincerely,
EvaManuse

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%peersin%fact%I%
recommended%him%to%anyone%that%I%knew%to%be%taking%the%same%course%I%took%for%this%upcoming%
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$
Jou02@syr.edu$
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$Ive$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,$and$passion$for$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$contact$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.%Jakes%fearlessness%and%dedication%to%his%passion%of%public%speaking,%
illuminated%through%every%class%he%taught.%I%actually%do%not%remember%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%peoples%
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%passion%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%passion%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%dont,%
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%
deannapolanco@gmail.com%
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)%Dionnes%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%passion%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%didnt%come%naturally%to%me%at%first,%but%after%Jakes%guidance%I%
ended%the%semester%being%very%confident%with%public%speaking.%This%class%was%an%
absolute%joy%to%be%in%and%its%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.%Ive%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%dont%hesitate%to%call.%
%
Sincerely,%
%
Annie%Toczynski%
Sophomore%Communication%and%Rhetorical%Studies%Major%
aetoczyn@syr.edu%
(805)%416]6762%
%

To#whom#it#may#concern,#
#
#
Were#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.#
#
#

Sincerely,#

Shauna#Zelker#and#Shonni#Velasquez#