May 18, 2012 Mrs. Paige Moore Director of Human ... - Allen University

May 18, 2012
Mrs. Paige Moore
Director of Human Resources
Allen University
1530 Harden Street
Columbia, SC 29204
Dear Mrs. Moore:
It is my pleasure to recommend Demetria George Caston as a candidate for
the Director of Alumni Affairs. I have known Demetria professionally and
personally for nearly twelve years when she held an entry-level development
position within the Office of Alumni Relations at Xavier University of
Louisiana. As a senior major gifts officer, I had the opportunity to mentor her
on several fundraising and alumni efforts including The Kresge HBCU
Initiative which focused on improving the effectiveness of advancement
offices at HBCUs. During her time at Xavier, Demetria had the opportunity
to learn about the various functions of an advancement office.
As a student, Demetria volunteered with the Office of Alumni Relations
showing gratefulness for a scholarship received. She was member of the
UNCF/ NAC Pre- Alumni Council where she served as President and had the
chance to attend UNCF National conferences to network with fellow HBCU
students and alumni. It was during this time that she realized her passion to
help other disadvantaged students achieve a higher education through a
development career. She remains active with her alma mater, presently
serving as the Recording Secretary of the National Alumni Association. She
also served the local communities of Houston and Dallas in key leadership
alumni chapter roles.
Demetria was recognized and rewarded for her continued involvement with
alumni, fundraising and student recruitment efforts in 2005 when she received
the “Outstanding Young Alumnus of the Year” award.
Professionally, Demetria has been involved with professional organizations on
both the local and national levels since beginning her career. She currently
serves on the education committee for the Association of Fundraising
Professionals (AFP). She also serves on the webinar committee for the
Council for Resource Development (CRD).

Demetria is a natural leader and a consummate professional who is extremely
organized and dependable. Through her nearly eleven years as a development
professional she has excelled within diverse sectors in various roles. Demetria
possesses the aptitude for strategic planning and implementation. All of the
skills experience and expertise she has achieved will prove invaluable to the
success of this position. Hence, it is without any hesitation that I highly
recommend her for this opportunity.
Sincerely,
Vallery B. Gaines
Area Director, UNCF Cleveland