Andrea Varga
Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts
vargaa@newpaltz.edu (845)
257-3902
7 March, 2011
To Whom
It May Concern,
I am
writing this letter in regards to my colleague at the State University of New
York at New Paltz, Carlton Rounds. I
have had the pleasure of working closely with Carlton over two years on a
short-term faculty-led study abroad program that I redesigned and coordinated
with his help. Because this was a fairly
lengthy and intense project I got to know him quite well and found his insight,
leadership and enthusiasm to be essential in crafting a multi-disciplinary
learning experience that would appeal to a diverse group of students.
In
addition to creating the new London Theatre and Culture seminar, Carlton has
been working with me to expand my own opportunities within International
Education. As a theatre artist with a
background in history and women’s studies, I bonded with him over our shared
value of creating dynamic, multi-disciplinary liberal-arts oriented programming
that breaks out of the boundaries of traditional academic disciplines. Our foundation as “theatre people” has led us
to realize that groups of people who share many interests can make wonderful
things happen, from local community oriented education and service to
international and global outreach and educational programs. Be it through the arts, science, economics or
any other field, young people who are educated well can truly make a difference
in creating a better world.
No one I
have worked with either in academia or in the entertainment industry more
exemplifies someone who takes action on this belief. Carlton’s vision for creating safe, accessible,
intellectually challenging, socially relevant and fun learning opportunities is
an inspiration. He cares about real
diversity and creating access for traditionally under-represented, and less
visible members of society. He is truly
a joy to work with as a mentor and a colleague.
I find him to be refreshingly honest, straight forward, and
visionary. He is realistic about
resources and goals, but at the same time keeps one thinking about
possibilities and how to innovate.
Carlton is a dynamic leader with incredible potential. I have no doubt that any educational and/or
service program that works with him will gain an incredible team member and a
good friend.
Should
you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Andrea Varga
