October 31, 2017

Matthew H. Bakke, Ph.D.

Gallaudet University
Department of
Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences
Washington, District of Columbia

Re: Tenure for Larry Medwetsky, Ph.D.

Dear Dr. Bakke,

It is an honor and a privilege to write a recommendation on behalf of Dr. Larry

Medwetsky for tenure in his position as Professor in the Department of Hearing,
Speech, and Language Sciences at Gallaudet University.

From my very first class at Gallaudet under Dr. Medwetskys instruction, I was
immediately struck by his student-centered focus. He not only indicated a desire for
preparing his students to become the best audiologist within their potential, but he also
reinforced this statement consistently over the years through his counsel and support.
Dr. Medwetsky not only taught, but also proactively nourished the development of his
graduate students.

In the classroom, Dr. Medwetsky highlighted human experiences in his lessons so that
his students may better understand the significance of our roles and work as future
clinicians. This approach should indicate both his belief about the value he sees in
audiologists, and of the potential he sees in his students whom he is dedicated to
educating. He appropriately introduced the psychosocial impact of hearing loss into
academia for our training, a valuable piece of education that makes us stronger and
better clinicians.

Outside the classroom, Dr. Medwetsky also carried himself with a charismatic and
approachable presence that warmly welcomed students. He was always accessible for
guidance and mentorship. One could truly believe that he also enjoys these
opportunities immensely in his role within the department. I always enjoyed our
interactions, even during times when he was challenging me professionally. In the
context of learning within a predominantly culturally Deaf institution, it was Dr.
Medwetsky who first prompted me to recognize the diversity of the broader hearing loss
community (e.g., deaf individuals who otherwise do not personally identify as Deaf, and
who preferred oral communication). Retrospectively, this emphasis on diversity
represents the highest impact upon my education while at Gallaudet and prepared me


to be adaptable as an audiologist in a broader context. More importantly, he
accomplished this by also supporting the value and significance of his students
becoming audiologists at a Deaf institution. I further attribute Dr. Medwetskys influence
during my graduate education to inspiring me to work at the unique niche that
characterizes my current position as a postdoctoral research fellow at Johns Hopkins
University. In this respect, Dr. Medwetskys role as an educator has left an undeniably
positive mark on my own budding career.

It is without reservations that I enthusiastically recommend Dr. Larry Medwetsky for

tenure at Gallaudet University. The institution would be securing an educator through
whom many more university members would benefit in their own personal and
professional growth through his presence and relationship.

Please reach out to me directly should you need anything further in my reference.

Best regards,

Jonathan J. Suen, Au.D.

Gallaudet University Alumnus