September 1, 2005

Dear admissions committee member:

Jordan Goddard’s decision to pursue a career in law suits him well. He is one of the most talented and intelligent students that I have observed in twenty one years as a college professor and debate coach.  

Throughout his undergraduate experience here at Northwest University, I saw first hand his quick analytical ability and skill for communicating both orally and in writing. He received high marks on all papers and speeches. All of my colleagues notice that he is an impressive student who consistently produces the highest quality work.

His intelligence and giftedness was especially evident in the success that he enjoyed while participating in our nationally ranking debate team. As an intercollegiate debater, Jordan demonstrated superior academic prowess competing against the best students from dozens of institutions across the nation.

Because topics are assigned fifteen minutes before each round, debate competition require that students develop a broad understanding of the world and learn to see both sides of controversies. Continuing a winning debate record from high school, Jordan proved successful in this activity from the beginning, participating in more than one hundred debates and winning eighteen awards during his time at Northwest.

In March 2005, he won a finalist plague at the national debating championship tournament at Texas Tech University competing in a pool of more than six hundred students. Other honors include public speaking awards at tournaments hosted by Oregon State, Linfield College, and Lewis and Clark College. At a tournament at Portland State University in the spring of 2005, he ranked as the Best Speaker out of sixty.

These awards demonstrate that Jordan has an ability to think on his feet, analyze complex data and express ideas coherently and persuasively. I am sure that these skills will serve him well when he faces the rigors of law school or a career as an attorney.

In his senior year Jordan was elected Debate Team Captain showing that he is considered a leader by his peers. His maturity and interpersonal skills easily win him the trust and respect of others.

The summer of 2005 he was employed as an intern for the Public Interest Law Group in down town Seattle and received the highest evaluations by his supervisors. 

Jordan has devoted many hours volunteering each week as a high school debate coach for a group of twenty home school students, showing that he is a generous person. He is reportedly an effective teacher and shows enthusiasm for helping others grow.

Jordan has a dramatic personal story of triumph over adversity. When he was in high school his mother was severely injured at work and became profoundly disabled. Suddenly Jordan had to take over the responsibilities of caring for his mother and siblings. After graduating from high school he went to work in a warehouse to pay the bills. Now that his mother's health has improved, he was able to return to finish his college degree and enrolled at Northwest University.

Instead of holding him back, these personal challenges have produced strong character qualities that may explain his drive for excellence. He projects confidence and determination in all that he does.

I have no doubt that if accepted Jordan Goddard would make a significant contribution to the success of your institution. I can think of few other students more likely to excel in law school or show more promise of becoming a leader in his profession and community.

Gary Gillespie

Associate Professor

Chair of Communication Department and Debate Coach