Invitation as Key Note Speaker for Charles University's Event Sponsored by the US State Department for Cultural Diplomacy

Dear Mr. Rounds – and To Whom It May Concern,

This letter is to serve as official invitation and confirmation that Mr. Carlton Rounds has been awarded a Small Grant for Democracy by the United States Department of State through its US Embassy to the Czech Republic to visit the Department of American Studies of Charles University in Prague to be a keynote speaker and trainer at the Allen Ginsberg Memorial Freedom Festival, to take place in Prague, the Czech Republic on April 29 through May 7, 2015.

Click Here for Information on the Historic Visit of Allen Ginsberg to Prague 50 Years Ago

Mr. Rounds’ participation is key to the success of the Festival, which celebrates the 50th anniversary of out gay Beat poet and activist Allen Ginsberg’s 1965 visit to Prague, in then Communist Czechoslovakia. The Festival presents to Czech university students and faculty, the general public and activist audiences the history and current state of US artistic freedom of expression, democratic dissent, civil rights and LGBT and HIV/AIDS activism, and trains them in cross-cultural coalition building for social justice. Mr. Rounds’ extensive experience and strong record of leadership in these fields make him a highly desirable citizen diplomat for this cultural exchange program.

Letter of Support from SUNY New Paltz Equal Opportunity Program

To Whom It May Concern:

For seven years I have worked as an Academic Advisor for the Educational Opportunity Program at SUNY New Paltz. Our program assists underrepresented students with various student support services. In 2008, in an effort to increase our number of students studying abroad, our office collaborated with that of the International Programs Office to develop a Best Practice Model.

At that time, Carlton Rounds was the Director, and together, in an effort to ensure more students had access to study abroad opportunities, we developed and formulated a model to increase student participation. Within a year, our efforts resulted in a marked increase in student enrollment and in 2011, our offices were recognized, and were awarded the Diversity Network Innovation Study Abroad Award.

His professionalism, communication and organizational skills and played an essential role in our efforts. He was dedicated and committed in assisting our students’ find the academic and financial resources ,which enabled them to have access to international educational opportunities.

In short, Carlton is devoted to becoming the best kind of educator and teacher. As a fellow higher education professional, I recommend him highly.

Sincerely,

Clare Kelly-Barra
SUNY New Paltz

Reference by Ethan Night - President of American Gap Association

March 30, 2015

To: Hiring Team,
Re. Carlton Rounds Letter of Support

Dear Hiring Team,

I have the distinct pleasure of writing a letter of support for Carlton Rounds. I've known Carlton through our shared connection with Ron Witczak, the Provost for Portland State University's Office of International Affairs.

In the past three years since we initially met, I've had the great fortune to rely heavily on Carlton to assist in the development of the AGA Standards. Clearly, when developing something as comprehensive as the AGA Standards, we referred to many similar standards, and not only with his background, but also his integrity, he became a very important element in the preliminary review. Indeed it was my first truly professional interaction with Carlton and I was not surprised, albeit pleasantly so, at his contributions to our Standards.

Reference from Erin L. Barnhart, Ph.D.

To Whom It May Concern:

Please accept this letter of recommendation as evidence of my high regard and respect for Carlton Rounds. 

I first met Carlton through our mutual work with the Building Bridges Coalition, an international collective of nonprofit, corporate, and educational organizations and institutions invested in and seeking to help facilitate ethical, meaningful international service. Carlton was already a recognized thought leader in the field, particularly regarding the need for greater diversity and inclusion, and he was immediately an invaluable collaborative, dynamic partner, offering actionable ideas and strategies as well as challenging accepted norms and inspiring new directions.

Cascade AIDS Project Reference from Supervisor

February, 2015

To whom it may concern,

This letter serves to share my experience of working with Carlton Rounds at the Cascade AIDS Project (CAP) over the past two years. During that time I have worked as a supervisor to Mr.Rounds in his position as a CareLink Service Navigator. Carlton has impressed me since the first day that I met him in his job interview, and he has continued to impress and inspire me for as long as I've known him. Carlton's performance in his role as a service navigator, and his contributions to our work environment at CAP, have been paramount to the impact and success we've had in supporting the efforts of our clients to reach their healthcare and other life goals.

Sharing his combined personal and professional experiences, Carlton has been an exceptional advocate and case manager for his clients. Carlton sees the bigger picture in terms of how a multitude of factors impact a client's ability to improve engagement with medical care. He examines all aspects of a client's life and interests to help empower them to make positive and healthy decisions in their lives. He relates well and builds rapport with our diverse range of clients, and he encourages them to identify and utilize their strengths to achieve their goals.Through empathy, compassion, honesty and trust, Carlton connects with his clients no matter what their background or circumstance may be.They find common ground and work together to help the clients improve their own lives.

Carlton has been a tremendous asset in terms of cultivating relationships with community

partners that support our work and the needs of our clients. He cooperates effectively with

other service providers and has initiated new contacts with agencies and resources that help us serve our mission. Carlton is quick to lend support to colleagues inside and outside of CAP,whether it be related to a specific client concern, or any other issue. This is only one example of the many ways that Carlton devotes his time and energy to helping others, both here locally and in other parts of the world as well.

Carlton is exceptionally intelligent, compassionate, focused and driven. He is a thoughtful

observer and communicator, a strategic forward-thinker and a fair and caring leader. Carlton is an unwavering and relentless advocate for our clients and community, and he does everything in his power to strengthen the integrity of and dedication to our agency's mission.

I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to know and work with Carlton Rounds. I have learned so much from him both personally and professionally, and I am grateful for the positive impact that he's had on me and on so many others. Carlton has performed incredibly well throughout the time we've worked together and I am completely confident that he will continue to bring the same skill and energy to all of his future endeavors. Please feel free to contact me if I can be of service in any way.

Sincerely,

Adam Kutrumbos

Manager of Service Navigation

Cascade AIDS Project

kutrumboa@gmail.com

503-310-5053

Letter of Reference from Momentum Alliance/Student Alliance Project

January 16, 2015

To Whom It May Concern,

Carlton Rounds contributed hundreds of hours in 2014 to assist Momentum Alliance youth from underrepresented communities, particularly undocumented youth who are first in their family to attend college, with college preparation, applications, scholarship and success.

Carlton empowered youth with knowledge about the college system from the differences between public and private colleges to the financial systems of colleges and universities. Unlike their higher income peers with college-educated parents, our youth start at a disadvantage without this knowledge. Carlton ensured that our students began this next part of their life aware of their range of options, the financial implications of their choices and the best match for their interests, personality and talents.

Jonathan Becker, Vice President for International Affairs and Civic Engagement, Letter of Support

January 10, 2015

To whom it may concern:

I am writing this letter on behalf of Carlton Rounds, who served as Associate Director of International Programs at Bard College’s Institute for International Education from 2000-2005. I knew Carlton very well at the time, serving a Dean of International Studies, and worked with him on a number of programs, including the Program in International Education, which welcomed international students from ‘transitional countries’, mainly from Central and Eastern Europe and Southern Africa, to Bard for one year study programs and in recruitment of students to Bard’s international programs.

Morgan Mutsau - Zimbabwe

14 August 2006 Recommendation for Carlton Rounds To whom it may concern, I have known Carlton Rounds since 2002. Carlton came to conduct interviews at the University of Zimbabwe for the Program in International Education (PIE) from Bard College of Liberal Arts in New York. PIE is the most prestigious scholarship at Bard College. Because of the high profile of the PIE program, Carlton’s predecessors were involved in corrupt enrollment deals. Carlton’s administration of PIE was marked by transparency, fairness and merit. Carlton carefully considered the profiles and capabilities of the students to determine how they would handle the program. As a result, the people he chose, including myself, were very successful. This became more apparent to me when I got the chance to work with him in the New York office. During the time I worked with him in the office, I had received a fellowship with a prominent US academic Professor James Chace. Once at Bard, Carlton displayed a remarkable depth of passion for his job. He designed our orientation program such that for people fresh out of Africa like myself, the cultural shock was reduced to manageable levels. In his long service at Bard, he had mastered a lot of best practices and studies recurrent student problems such that he would discuss them with us as we went along. He would take note of the students who were not doing well and take personal efforts, even outside working hours and on many occasions with his own money, to make sure that everyone was comfortable. He took his job at heart and created a truly human face for the PIE program. Carlton was never satisfied with the sheer numbers of the students who went through their various programs just to make an impression on the donors. He took personal interest in the welfare and success of the students, unlike other officials. He brought a convivial environment to an otherwise tough and challenging experience with a demanding curriculum and cultural transition. As our director, his planning was impeccable. Our hectic student schedules had to be synchronized with other PIE program functions. Carlton is very hard working. Despite having a full time job as director, he was also a professor of Adult Continuing Education at Marist College. This was a big explanation for his savvy and administrative acumen when dealing with a diverse group of international students. He showed outstanding intelligence and diligence at work and was very popular with his students. Despite his amicable side, Carlton was a tough, performance based administrator. He displays a powerful ability for introspection and the man can think on his feet. He was a voice of constraint and reason when things would go wrong. Some of the senior official would even enlist his help. It was very evident that his abilities were underutilized at Bard. Carlton’s polished social attributes are some of his greatest trade marks. He is very humorous, approachable, friendly and fun to be with. He is also an accomplished performer. Carlton is well traveled and exposed, making him compatible with multicultural communities. Above all, Carton is genuine. What you see is what you get. I unreservedly recommend Carlton for your programme. The man is an assert. Please feel free to contact me for any additional information. Morgen Mutsau Project Analyst and Evaluator: South African Social Investment Exchange (SA Postnet Suite #293, Private Bag X16, Constantia, 7848 Tel: (021) 794-0580/1     Fax: (021) 794-2239      Email:  info@ggsa.co.za      Website:  www.GreaterGoodSA.co.za Registered Trust IT3334/2004; NPO 040-346 NPO; P.B.O. No. 930 014 027; TEU Reference Number EVZ0064/11/05 Board: C.J. Sidego (Chairman), R. Ndlovu, J. Sathorar, B. Peterson, M. Black, C. Tappenden, T. Ractliffe (Executive Director) Patron:  Mervyn E King SC

Recommendation from Dr. Zelinka

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN - Letter of Recommendation for Mr. Carlton Rounds

FROM: Dr. Elisabeta Zelinka

Academic Director, American University of Central Asia - AUCA

205 Abdymomunov St., Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic 720040

Mobile: +996-0550-166-012, Skype ID: elisabeta_zelinka1

American University of Central Asia - AUCA - NGA

I have had the life chance and the honor to collaborate with Mr. Carlton Rounds since August 1, 2001, when I was selected as a Bard College USA PIE Program Scholarship Student within the IILE- PIE Program (Institute for International Liberal Education), Bard College, NY, USA, http://iile.bard.edu/pie/.  Mr. Carlton Rounds became my mentor and advisor.

Recommendation from Former NAFSA President

Recommendation from Connie Perdreau,
Former President of NAFSA

New Paltz Center for International Programs

June 20, 2014 

To Whom lt May Concern: 

This is a letter of recommendation for Carlton Rounds, international educator. It is my distinct pleasure to recommend Carlton Rounds for a position in your educational institution or organization.

Mr. Rounds worked in the Center for International Programs at the State University of New York (SUNY), New Paltz, from 2007 until 2011. I served on the Search Committee which selected Mr. Rounds for the position as Assistant Director for Study Abroad, and | collaborated with him on a number of subsequent projects and initiatives while at New Paltz.

Simon's Rock Outstanding Alumnus - 2013

for achievement in HIV 

and 

human rights service and activism

Catherine Street - Poughkeepsie Neighborhood Club Award

In recognition of my work with 

under served youth in the Hudson Valley.

From the Blog Of Terrance Mc Cauley - Fiction Writer

I haven’t used this blog to talk much about the many important, smart people I’ve had the pleasure to know about in my life, but Carlton Rounds is a worthy exception.

CHW Certification for State of Oregon

Carlton Rounds 

is now an official 

Community Health Worker
November 2014

Reference From Bernadette Morris - SUNY

Bernadette Morris, Registrar

HAB 15

SUNY New Paltz

500 Hawk Drive

New Paltz, NY

(845) 257-3111

morrisb@newpaltz.edu

To Whom It May Concern:

There are few occasions where I am actually honored to write a recommendation letter; this is one of those instances. I wholeheartedly support Carlton Rounds’ desire to become a member of your institution. Carlton has the intellectual acumen, knowledge and personal integrity, passion for helping others and a commitment to higher education that make him particularly valuable.

Andrea Varga Rec

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.

Additional References from SUNY-New Paltz and Cross-Cultural Solutions

Assistant Director of Study Abroad

Beth A. King, Internship Coordinator in the Career Resource Center, SUNY- New Paltz

“Carlton contacted me very soon after starting his position at New Paltz. He wanted to meet and form an ongoing connection so our offices could work together. Of course, I was immediately impressed by him. I have found him to be extremely passionate about his work, very creative, and genuinely concerned about our students and their time studying and volunteering abroad. He is constantly working on improving the study abroad experience. I think the Center for International Programs (CIP) and SUNY New Paltz are very lucky to have him.” January 14, 2011

Manisha Ford-Thomas, Director of the MLK Educational Center, SUNY- New Paltz

“I enjoy working with Mr. Rounds. He is a pleasure. He freely gives his advice and time to the Scholar's Mentorship Program as well as the interested scholars who haphazardly visit the CIP. With his diligent work ethic and new energy here at SUNY New Paltz, I believe every NP student will choose to study abroad. (I just hope that I can go too!)” March 9, 2009

Jeff Pollard, Coordinator of the Institute for International Business, SUNY - New Paltz.

“Carlton brings it all to the table - he is engaging, intelligent, gets you to examine your thoughts on a given topic, all without offending you and being genuine. You leave each interaction with a new nugget to chew on regarding whatever it was you were talking about - be it service learning, study abroad, some new technology, or merely chatting about the environment we work in. I enjoy having Carlton as a colleague, and often seek his knowledge and input on international education and service learning. Not to mention that he keeps us all informed on technology and it's possible use in our educational endeavors. The only hesitation I have in recommending Carlton is that he might be lured away from our office for a bigger and/or different challenge. So while I think he is great - he should really stay at SUNY New Paltz for a few more years. ; )” February 16, 2009

       
           Kristi Eck, Study Abroad Adviser, SUNY Cortland  

 “In our work together in the field of international education, I have always found Carlton to be a thoughtful leader who both takes the time to truly listen to others' opinions and to also challenge his colleagues to consider all aspects of factors affecting the modern international student on our campus and the students we prepare to study abroad. Carlton's diverse, well-rounded background as an educator, social activist, and engaged member of local community organizations, as well as national institutions, enables him to inspire his colleagues to become more involved in their work, to remember their passions and to commit to pursuing them, and to look beyond the immediate tasks of their daily jobs and consider the global, rather than only the local, components that shape the field of international education.” January 25, 2009

Partnership Manager with Cross-Cultural Solutions

          Kam Santos, Director of Communications, Cross-Cultural Solutions

“Carlton understands the fields of international volunteering and study abroad, and is an expert at helping to connect the needs of the academic world to the opportunities available in the field-at-large. He has a lot of enthusiasm for his work, and a true passion for creating opportunities for cultural exchange for people of all backgrounds and abilities. His conviction that this is an important experience for all to have in their personal and professional growth translates to follow-through. Carlton was not only a great team member, but one who could raise the energy and enthusiasm of the group to ensure progress was made.” January, 2010

          Melissa Mitchell, Outreach and Training Coordinator, Mobility International

“Carlton's passion for ensuring underrepresented groups in international education is infectious. He considers the individual and works with them to find the best experience for their goals and needs.” January, 2009

          Michael Caban, Outreach Coordinator, Cross Cultural Solutions

“Carlton is one of the most generous managers I have ever worked with. Without losing his strategic vision for projects, he senses what your strengths and weaknesses are and challenges you to perform better by offering project management advice and encouragement, devoid of micro-managing, trusting that the product will be returned at a higher level than anticipated. His management style is assertive, but not condescending; cool and calm, but not un-supportive. His creativity, productivity, personality, and intelligence surpassed my expectations. However, Carlton is humble and kind. He is always wanting to do more to better the business, his colleagues, his environment, and himself. The voracity in which he tackles projects and tasks at hand is jarring, but everyone is ready to get on board with Carlton because his heart is huge, his humor is unmatched, and his dedication to education and humanity is extraordinary. Anyone is lucky to partner with such a remarkable man. Any organization should be proud to have Carlton in the matrix; he is truly a phenomenal asset.” July 2009

          Jill Peckenpaw, Program Director and Management, Cross-Cultural Solutions

“Carlton has uncanny analytic abilities and more than anyone I've ever met, Carlton is able to communicate in a way that is relevant to his audience, engaging and informative. He gives superb presentations, and he is expert at creating and managing relationships. Carlton is easygoing, hardworking and dedicated to the academic community as it pertains to international education. He can recognize trends, he assesses situations well and is an asset to any organization he affiliates himself with.” January 18, 2009

          Sharon N'Diaye, Senior Program Manager, Cross-Cultural Solutions

“Carlton is a huge asset to any work environment. His experience is diverse and extensive. Carlton brings high energy and a lot of creativity to his work environment.” August, 2008

          Margaret Rubin, Retired Volunteer Coordinator, Cross-Cultural Solutions

         "I have had the pleasure of working with Carlton Rounds at Cross-Cultural Solutions.
         He is innovative, energetic and always brought new ideas to the meetings. He is responsible for          the growth of the Partnership Department and the success that Cross-Cultural Solutions                        achieved while he was there. I highly recommend him for his intelligence, caring and                          dedication." January, 2015

SUNY - New Paltz sets a record with number of scholarships for students studying abroad!

NEW PALTZ – The Center for International Programs at the State University of New York at New Paltz has a record number of scholarships being awarded to students studying abroad during the 2009-2010 academic year.

Morgan Mutsau, Zimbabwe

14 August 2006

Ref: Recommendation for Carlton Rounds

To whom it may concern

I have known Carlton Rounds from 2002 to 2004. Carlton came to conduct interviews at the University of Zimbabwe for the Program in International Education (PIE) from Bard College of Liberal Arts in New York. PIE is the most prestigious scholarship at Bard College.

Riaan Oppelt, Rhodes-Mandela Scholar

Carlton Rounds is without doubt one of the most exceptional and gifted mentors I have had in my time as a graduate and postgraduate student. I became acquainted with Mr Rounds in his capacity as a selector for the Program in International Education (PIE), through which foreign students, on grounds of their academic prowess, social skill and aspirations towards nation building, are chosen for a year’s study at Bard College in New York State. This forward thinking institute gathers gifted young people from areas of democratic transition and supports them for a one year term of high intensity academics while simultaneously enrolling them in a robust schedule of activism, arts, and social interaction. This program has helped to influence and to develop a generation of globally educated and intellectually inclusive leaders, which has made a profound impact on both the learning community at Bard as well as the home institutions of many of these non-North American students. As such, students selected in the program grow into ambassadorial roles, representing cultural and moral aspects of their respective countries and ideally strengthening ties between their native land and their host, the United States.