1. 5055 Santa Teresa Boulevard Gilroy, CA 95020 www.gavilan.edu (408) 848-4800
Dr. Steven M. Kinsella, DBA, CPA − Superintendent / President
July 6, 2015
To Whom It May Concern:
It is with great pleasure that I write a letter of recommendation on behalf of Hillary Apel. Over
my 19 year teaching career thus far, Ms. Apel stands out in the top 1% of the thousands of
students I’ve taught over the years. She is an exemplary student, active community volunteer,
and committed to excellence in whatever she sets her mind to.
Ms. Apel enrolled in my CMUN 1A: Introduction to Public Speaking class. That was the
moment that the light bulb went off for her. She found speaking publicly a passion of hers,
especially surrounding public policy and controversial issues. Her written skills coupled with
her strong rhetoric propelled her above fellow classmates and garnered her the Best Overall
Speaker award in class. She continued her coursework in Communication Studies maintaining
a 4.0 GPA and was placed on Dean’s and President’s list for her academic excellence
graduating with an Associate of Arts degree in Communication Studies. Following Gavilan
College, she obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies with a Public
Relations emphasis from San Jose State University. Her continued success was demonstrated by
earning the Top Speaker award at the Intramural Debate Tournament at Ohlone College and
presenting her research project at a conference. Ms. Apel was a public relations intern for The
Lacrose Group and was the Administrative Assistant to the CEO of NPI Solutions, Inc.
Ms. Apel recognizes the importance of civic involvement in her community. She has been a
contributing writer to the Left Hook blog for The South Bay Labor Council. She volunteered
with the marketing director of the Morgan Hill Summer Concert Series and continues to
demonstrate strong leadership and collaborative communication skills with others.
On a personal note, my interactions with Ms. Apel have been both enriching and insightful.
She is an authentic woman that genuinely cares for others and aspires to make a positive
difference in this world. When she sets her mind to something, she goes above and beyond
what one would expect. She does so with grace, kindness, and unwavering commitment to
excellence. I am grateful for her presence in my life.
I recommend Ms. Apel to you without hesitation, in fact, I recommend her to you with the
highest praise. She would make a strong Program Planner for Lockheed Martin and an asset to
the company. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 408-671-9825.
Sincerely,
Denise Besson, M.A. Department Chair and Professor of Communication Studies
Board of Trustees: Tom Breen, Jonathan Brusco, Kent Child, Mark Dover, Walt Glines,
Laura Perry, Esq., Tony Ruiz, Anēl Tovar- Student Trustee
Please help keep Gavilan College a litter-free campus and preserve its park-like setting. Thank you.