UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, MERCED

BERKELEY • DAVIS • IRVINE • LOS ANGELES • MERCED • RIVERSIDE • SAN DIEGO • SAN FRANCISCO SANTA BARBARA • SANTA CRUZ

CALVIN E. BRIGHT SUCCESS CENTER UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, MERCED

5200 N. LAKE ROAD
MERCED, CALIFORNIA 95343-5603

December 30, 2018

To Whom It May Concern:

It is with great pleasure that I submit this letter of recommendation for Ms. Delainey Conger for your
consideration. As the Associate Director for Educational Equity and Access within the Calvin E. Bright
Success Center at the University of California, Merced, I have known Delainey for over three years. It
is in this context that the following observations and recommendations are written.

As a student scholar and student leader at Merced High School, Delainey has distinguished herself as
an engaging role model for her student peers. She has shown herself to be a responsible and
dedicated individual. She has a deep sense of concern for others, and has a good understanding of
personal development and group dynamics. Delainey’s outreach skills are excellent, enabling her to
establish good relationships with a wide variety of people. Delainey’s decisions are based on what
would be best for all concerned and not what would be easiest to do. I believe her commitment to
helping people is most genuine.

I have enjoyed working with Delainey; she is a conscientious, compassionate and caring individual
with a warm sense of humor. Her ability to maintain a positive attitude and keep a heavy school and
activity workload in perspective is to be commended. Delainey’s commitment to her education has
been demonstrated by her involvement on the Merced High School campus and within the Merced
community, and coupled with her outstanding academic performance represents the type of student
that should be embraced in any community of scholars.

Her level of maturity for someone her age is exceptional. Delainey has grown both intellectually as
well personally, during her high school tenure; this is most evident in her willingness to engage in
scholarly dialogue, coupled with her ability to implement into practical application what she has
learned.

Delainey has been involved UC Merced’s Gateway Scholars Program, a college-bound program for
first-generation low-income students, throughout her time in high school that has assisted her in
becoming eligible and prepared for college. For Delainey, this experience has helped her to see and
identify the variables that contribute to or hinder a young person’s success in life. It has been an eye-
opening experience and has contributed to her commitment to her education as a means to helping
people.

Delainey and her family reside in the San Joaquin Valley, long considered one of the most
impoverished areas in the United States, which has provided her first-hand experience the importance
of accessibility to education. Her strengths can be traced to her own origins, her commitment to be
part of the first generation in her family to attain a college degree, the unconditional love and support
of her family, and the desire to help those who share the same dream.
Delainey has distinguished herself as an emerging student leader as well as a person of conscience.
The latter has been most evident in Delainey’s efforts to assist others in developing an understanding
and appreciation of differences. Her openness to new experiences and challenges coupled with her
receptivity and effectiveness with a variety of constituencies will bring an individual of versatility and
solid work ethic. And, she is commended with a high degree of confidence and high expectations.

Delainey is an example of the greatness one can achieve despite obstacles that present themselves
through societal, cultural, or personal formations. This is a young woman who is in a perpetual state of
personal and intellectual growth and not one to shy away from those things that will enhance or
contribute to that growth. What I value so much about Delainey is her willingness to share about her
life with students who come from the same origins as she does. She is awe inspiring in her ability to
motivate young people to achieve their own personal greatness.

We currently are in uncertain times in our country and around the world, but it is individuals such as
Delainey who keep the light of hope burning. That we as scholars, not only have the responsibility to
create learning communities that foster intellectual development, but that we are also the stewards of
developing young scholars of conscience who will implement positive change. Delainey is an
exceptional young woman who possesses those attributes that are invaluable to a person of highest
convictions; e.g., commitment, passion, and intelligence. Be assured that Delainey Conger will
represent your institution with these attributes.

If you should have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (209) 228-4625.

Sincerely,

Alejandro S. Delgadillo
Associate Director for Educational Equity and Access
Calvin E. Bright Success Center
UC Merced