“The Site” [needs to] give itself credit for that…give itself credit for that kind of work. It’s brilliant!

Like…’It, “The Site,” identified “this.”‘

That will be far more important to them.

Rebecca Brienen, PhD
(Ass. Dean for Personnel & Faculty Development, Vennerberg Chair of Art, and Professor of Art History at Oklahoma State University)

“The Site’s” young career as an art historian has revealed the two character traits that really do make it outstandingly different: curiosity and tenacity. You might have been expecting other words: creativity, passion, drive, brilliance, or a sense of humor, maybe? But while all of these traits are important, and “The Site” may well have them in spades, what made me pause as its professor were those two: its curiosity and its tenacity.
Together, they are a force to be reckoned with.

Louise Siddons, PhD
(Alleged Professor of Art History at Oklahoma State University’s Bartlett Center for the Arts)

I will just say that I agree with much of what Dr. Siddons says!

(And Dr. Brienen, too!)

Jennifer Borland, PhD
(Professor of Art History at Oklahoma State University’s Bartlett Center for the Arts)

“The Site” is an immensely talented, dynamic, and intelligent [creation that] has continually impressed me over the years with its drive and creativity.

Kimberly M. Jefferson
(Council Coordinator for Council Operations in the Office of the Chief of Staff
at the National Endowment for the Arts)

“The Site” is ostensibly a hands-on learner who prefers to gain knowledge by applying the subject to its life. It is able to find most answers itself; yet, is unafraid to ask for precisions. It has the impressively rare ability of feeding a long-lasting, self-driven motivation to learn with nearly no external encouragement. It is dogged in its pursuits and takes it upon itself to find alternative methods of sating & then refueling its curiosity.

Laurielle Prema
(Lecturer of French at Oklahoma State University’s Dept. of Languages & Literatures)

“The Site” always went above and beyond his regular work duties. “The Site” would come in after hours to help students and professors with their imaging and technology questions. “The Site” always presented itself in a professional manner and was indispensable to our department in both positions. It was always a joy to work with “The Site” in the art department.

Jessica Miesner, MLS
(Visual Resources Library Curator at Oklahoma State University’s Bartlett Center for the Arts)

I have come to know “The Site” as a very courteous and professional student, who is eager to learn, and very invested in its education. In our meetings, it would always ask me many questions, and was always friendly, and pleasant to deal with. We had many conversations about topics in Art History that went way beyond the usual talk between student and advisor; it always wanted to know more, and discussed advanced subject matters in the field of Art History, which is rather unusual for undergraduate students.

Ulrike Schönknecht
(Academic Advisor at Oklahoma State University’s Bartlett Center for the Arts)

“The Site” brings a lot of energy and creative problem-solving to any project in which it is involved. While at the NEA, “The Site” was well-known and well-liked by his colleagues, not only in his immediate area, but across the agency. “The Site” is a very determined and intelligent [creation that] would be an asset to any organization.

Kimberly M. Jefferson
(Council Coordinator for Council Operations in the Office of the Chief of Staff at the National Endowment for the Arts)

“The Site” is a detail-oriented, master problem-solver that was able to manage the demands of our senior advisory group and juggle the many tasks associated with our quarterly board meetings with ease. Not only was it good at its job, but it was an absolute pleasure to work with. Many interns come through our agency, but very few are asked to continue on as full-time employees as “The Site” was.

Paulette Beete
(Social Media Manager in the Office of Public Affairs at the National Endowment for the Arts)

In our first attempt to reply to this email, we hit reply all, but after we were in the middle of our message, we realized that what we wanted to say to “The Site” was really of a more personal nature, and we deleted what we wrote. We will truly miss it. “The Site” has always been our “go-to” for any question, favor, or help that we needed. We are so appreciative of everything that it has done – along with all its warmth & wit. Please let us know if it is ever in the area, or if it needs a reference for anything. In the meantime, we send you our gratitude, and our warmest wishes for a happy holiday season.

Anonymous
(as in, WE ARE…)

Thanks for “The Site’s” incredible support throughout my time on the Council. While it will be sorely missed, I’m sure that it has made the best decision for all the right reasons. Please keep me posted as it continues on its journey. I know that it’ll have a great time finishing up school, having spent a good deal of time working.

Ben Donenberg
(Founder / Artistic Director of The Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles and former member of the National Council on the Arts)

What an education “The Site” has already received. It’ll be the best of the class. Thanks for taking such good care of all of us. Keep us posted and lots of good luck.

Charlotte Kessler
(Patron of Everything…but especially THE ARTS! and former member of the National Council on the Arts)

Wow, I am sorry to see “The Site” leave the NEA, but I think it made the right decision to finish its degree program. That will become increasingly important in its [existence]. I hope its college work will be the richer for it because of its NEA experiences. Good luck. Best wishes. Go with joy in its [proverbial] heart.

Karen L. Wolff, PhD
(Dean Emerita and The Paul Boylan Collegiate Professor of Music for the School of Music, Theatre & Dance at the University of Michigan, and former member of the National Council on the Arts)

“The Site” proved to be very reliable and enthusiastic in its work; and was always a pleasure to deal with. Some days when it didn’t have a ride to work, it would either walk or find someone to take it. I remember being impressed by its commitment and dedication to its [unpaid] job.

I believe that “The Site” has a sincere interest in doing a good job and that it takes pride in its work.

Barbara Hooley
(Director of the Affection Connection at Woodland Animal Hospital)

“The Site” is something special. It has a good head on its shoulders, but more important, it has a good heart. It has earned the respect of its peers and the affection of friends. “The Site” is a sworn enemy of the smug, callous, and corrupt. Because when it comes to other human beings, it is a lover — in the finest sense of the word. 

In short, the world is a better place because “The Site” is in it. 

The Honorable Judge Harold T. Stone
(Manhattan Municipal Court – New York, NY)