Greetings! As you know, this is the last issue of News & Views for the 2004-2005 year. Melissa Gregory has done a fantastic job; the newsletter has been full of great articles and pictures. As the 2005-2006 Newsletter Chair, I will be sure to continue this tradition. Of course, Melissa Gregory will still be an active member of Tristate, as she and Aristea Williams chair the new Early Awareness Committee. I am excited to be the new chair and am looking forward to working with everyone. I am sure that I will get to know many of you throughout the year but wanted to take this chance to tell you a little about myself.

I work in the Financial Aid Office at Delaware Technical & Community College, Owens Campus located in Georgetown, DE. As a kid growing up in Harford County, MD, I always wished I lived closer to the beach. However, I took the slightly longer route to Delaware and came to the state after living in Montana. While pursuing my undergraduate degree at Montana State University, I discovered my enthusiasm for working in higher education. I now have six years of experience in higher education and still love it. I enjoy working in Financial Aid and being involved in Tristate has made this job more rewarding.

This year, I hope I can give a little back to Tristate. My goal is to publish a newsletter that will be interesting and beneficial for its readers. But I need your help! There is always the need for contributions from Tristate members. Articles, commentary, photographs or even just a few sentences about what is new in your office would be great. Additionally, your feedback and suggestions are important to the newsletter’s success. Anytime you have an idea for a story, a piece to submit or comments, please e-mail me at mrakes@dtcc.edu.

I am looking forward to an exciting year ahead. Enjoy the rest of your summer and I hope to hear from you soon.