Hall of Fame - Dave Gardner

David M. Gardner Dave Gardner’s resume was impressive even before he began his financial aid career. He earned a Bachelors of Arts in Business and Economics from Colorado State College, a Master of Education in Guidance from University of North Texas. He served as a Sergeant in the Army; worked for a bank prior to “easy access student loans”; taught part-time in the Behavioral Science department; and then Financial Aid discovered him! He never aspired to be a leader in the sense he never felt he had to be in a high profile position on executive committees or the president of organizations. However, he acknowledged the importance of professional development and played a vital role as a member of the original steering committee that established TASFAA to provide training opportunities for Texas financial aid professionals. No doubt TASFAA, or a similar organization, would have eventually been created; however, without Dave’s leadership, commitment, and organizational skills TASFAA would not have become a reality so soon or as viable an organization as it is today. Under Dave’s gentle persistence and guidance, he was able to overcome opposition from those who felt the creation of TASFAA would threaten the growth of the young regional association SWASFAA.

Dave declined the nomination to become TASFAA’s first President. He felt his contribution was to chair the steering committee, which would lay the foundation and direction of the organization. Dave was the one whom the other members of the committee relied upon for advice, objectivity, and leadership. When the Basic Grant Program was created, it was appropriate that Dave was one of the trainers selected by the Department of Education. Additionally, he served on review and appeals panels created by the Department which determined the amount of federal funds institutions would receive.

He was a trainer, a mentor to many, and an advocate and friend to students. On one occasion, he drove a student from Ft. Worth to Austin to testify about the need for state grant funding. The student was very nervous, but she later reported that “Mr. Gardner made me feel so important and so special.” Dave never shrank from voicing his opinions to the Department of Education when he felt that the government was obtrusive and over regulating. Because of his reputation as a strong student advocate, sound judgement, and objectivity, Dave’s opinion was always sought and respected. In times of disagreement he supported anyone’s right to disagree and never belittled anyone for his or her opinions. Even though Dave was active in many professional activities, he never forgot the most important aspect of financial aid. . .to assist worthy and deserving students to obtain the funds needed to meet their educational and career goals. Shortly before he retired from financial aid, he served as President of SWASFAA and as a member of the NASFAA Board of Directors. He encouraged many of his colleagues to be active in state, regional, national, and federal organizational activities. On TASFAA’s 30th anniversary, it seemed appropriate to recognize and honor David M. Gardner, one of TASFAA’s most prestigious founders.