Hello Everyone!

Just wanted to take a quick moment to recognize and thank the members of the Membership Committee that helped out with the fall conference. Loretta Drummond, Morgan State, was unable to attend the conference, but helped out with the pre-conference decisions. Don Emel, Sandy Spring Bank, helped with the registration table as well as made sure all the signs were up for the different sessions. Susan Erb, Hood College, was seen taking pictures for the photo buttons, and was instrumental in planning and decorating for the New Member Reception. Maria Nero, Citibank, and Michelle Thomas, M & T Bank, helped at the registration desk. All the members had input into the membership gift and helping out with many aspects of the conference. I want to thank them for all of their hard work and dedication to this organization.

Just a reminder that you can still apply for membership for the 05-06 year if you have not already done so. Please go to www.dedcmdasfaa.org, and click on Membership Services, Quick Links, and Membership Application. Dues are just $40 for the year.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions about membership at gagnon@msmary.edu.

Thank you!

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Professional Development & Training
Submitted by:  Andrea Cipolla and Lynn Lee, Co-Chairs

The Professional Development & Training (PD&T) Committee has had two successful events so far this year. The Neophyte workshop was held October 16-21, 2005. We also held the Winter Office Workshop on December 15, 2005 at the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) Catonsville Campus. We offered the NASFAA Fall Training on Administrative capability in cooperation with EASFA on October 20, 2005. Thank you to all the members that participated as well as presented at each event.

PD&T is busy planning other events such as a full day verification workshop in February 2006. We may possibly offer a Leadership Workshop in March 2006. The Spring Conference will be on April 6, 2006 at Sheppard Pratt Conference Center. Look for a Diversity workshop in May and then the Summer Office Workshop in June.

Awards & Scholarships
Submitted by:  Gloria Holt, Chair

The Awards and Scholarships Committee was pleased to award the following awards to Association members during this year’s Fall Conference in Cambridge, MD:

	Volunteer of the Year	Kenneth Robinson, Montgomery College
	New Member of the Year	Kimberly Strickler, University of Maryland, College Park
	Committee of the Year	Professional Development and Training, Co-Chairs Melvina Johnson and Lynn Lee

In conjunction with the Historical Committee and on behalf of the Association, the 2005 Omega members were also recognized. Lawrence Digregorio formerly with Delaware Tech, Stanton/Wilmington Campus; Michael E. Lee formerly with the University of Delaware; and Elaine Beck-Gavin, formerly with Anne Arundel Community College, were remembered.

We’re pleased to announce that the student scholarship application for 2006/07 will be on the listserv before the holiday break. Remember the application must be certified by the institution’s Financial Aid Director before it can be submitted and only one application can be accepted from a member institution. Scholarship winners will be announced at the Spring Workshop in April.

Committee members: Gloria Holt, Chair Melva Carty Jacqui Daughtry-Miller Marcus DeCosta

Loretta Drummond Patricia Lopez Albertha Mellerson Karen Price Lori Ratliff

Gerleen Russell Hie Ju Seung Janet Whalen Tara Yancy