Summer 2006 Online Publication    

Perspectives
    Message From the Chair
    Message From News Chair
    Thank You Sponsors
State News
Spotlight Features
    2005-06 in Retrospect
    Member in the Spotlight
Committee Reports
    Federal Relations
People and Places
    Office News
    Mark Your Calendar!
Special Features
    FFEL Process
    New Grant Programs
    Updates to DCTAG

PUBLICATION SCHEDULE
Issue Due Date
Fall
 9/15
Winter 12/01
Spring 04/15
Summer 06/30

Submit articles to
Melissa Rakes
State News
Delaware Dialogue
Submitted by:  Chris Lodge, Delaware President

I would like to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to everyone who contributed to our successes this year. No matter how small or large, whether a few minutes or several hours, each of my colleagues showed their support of our profession—and each other—by offering their time and expertise to help students, parents and families. As we begin planning for next year, I am confident that these efforts will continue once again.

Financial Aid Night Programs
From December through February, eight Financial Aid Night Programs were conducted in Delaware with multiple sites offered in each of the three counties. Six financial aid administrators provided information to approximately 500 students and parents. In addition to these programs, financial aid administrators provided information at several of the College Night programs during October.

College Goal Sunday
College Goal Sunday 2006 had all the makings of another success story—until Mother Nature appeared! This would have been our first year for three sites, reaching many more of our families needing help with FAFSA completion, and the weather conditions caused all three sites to cancel. Calls were received on the College Goal Sunday toll-free line which were returned by Delaware financial aid professionals, and calls were also handled by individual financial aid offices. Again, I owe a huge ‘thanks’ to everyone who volunteered to staff each site and hope they will step forward again for our 2007 program.

Community Service
Discussions and research have begun for a community service event in Delaware.

A state meeting was held on May 31 at Delaware Technical & Community College, Terry Campus, which was attended by 17 members. We reviewed activities from this past year and have begun planning for 2006-07. Very special thanks to Debra McCain, Jennifer Grunden, Veronica Oney, Melissa Rakes, Cristine Layton and Beth Parker for all of their time and effort. Without their help, we could not have experienced such success!

Maryland Moments
Submitted by:  Stephanie Bender, Maryland President

I would first like to thank the members of my committee. Without their hard work, none of the events would be possible:

Brittany Benton, Rachel Brinkley, Nasim Keshavarz, Gene Logan, Jerry McKeen, Dennis Moy, Karen Price, Pat Shoemaker, Kim Strickler, Aristea Williams, and Tim Wolfe.

We hosted the following events for 05-06:

  • HS Guidance Counselor Workshops
  • Fall Networking Event
  • You Can Afford College
  • Bill to Law Day

Our final event was a Spring Networking Event at the Bowie Baysox baseball game. Over 20 financial aid professionals and their family/friends enjoyed a night at the ballpark. Jerry McKeen of MHEC was able to throw out the first pitch. A special thank you goes to the vendors who contributed giveaways.

I look forward to serving the Tristate Association for 06-07.

Thank You, Sponsors! 2005-2006 in Retrospect