President's Message
February 2004

Dear TASFAA Colleagues,
As this year quickly evolves into one of my greatest professional experiences, I have come to appreciate all of the accomplishments of my predecessors. Here are some highlights of TASFAA’s accomplishments since October:

Training Provided for Texas Legislative Staff
TASFAA formed a partnership with the Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas (ICUT) to conduct financial aid training for aides in the Texas Legislature. Marcus Wilson, past president, coordinated the project with Carol MacDonald of ICUT. Training was held on October 27 in Austin. Trainers included Lynn Wheeler, George Torres, Carol MacDonald, Mike Novak, Ron Brown, Karen Krause and Marcus Wilson. We received such a wonderful response to this initiative that we have been asked to conduct two more sessions. This is another great opportunity for TASFAA to further its initiatives.

Briefing to Texas Joint Select Committee on Education
On January 20, several TASFAA members conducted a financial aid awareness program for members of the Texas Legislature’s Joint Select Committee on Higher Education. We recognize Jim Lane, Karen Krause, Terry Bazan, Pat Jost and Henry Garcia for representing TASFAA and the financial aid community. This group contributed their holiday weekend to meet in Austin the evening before the session. Thanks also to Carol MacDonald from ICUT for joining us for this important program.

Representation on THECB Committee on Financial Aid
As TASFAA President, I have been asked to serve on the THECB’s Steering Committee to Study Financial Aid. Other TASFAA members include Marcus Wilson, Larry Burt, Carolyn Cunningham, Doris Constantine and George Torres. In addition, TASFAA members Jim Lane, Henry Garcia and Donnie Purvis have also been asked to serve on the committee. We will be meeting twice a month between February and June, to review, evaluate and submit recommendations for all state financial aid programs to the Texas Legislature.

Enhancing Productive Partnerships with TG
I was honored to represent TASFAA at TG’s ribbon cutting ceremony for its new building on October 29. It is a great facility, and the TASFAA Archives have also found a new home in the new building. I also attended my first Lender-School Advisory meeting. After visiting TG on three visits within a few weeks, TG staff suggested that I consider requesting my own cubicle in the building.

Progress in 2004 TASFAA Fall Conference Planning
Arnold Trejo has begun working on the next Fall Conference. He will soon issue a “Request for Proposals,” and he is hoping to have a Web site available for members to submit session proposals. He is in the process of sending the committee the information from the Wichita Falls conference evaluations. The committee plans to meet in late January or late February in Corpus Christi.

Future Board Meetings Scheduled
Board meetings have been set for the following dates:

Depending on the amount of association business, there may be one conference call meeting added to this list, or we may convert one of these meetings to a conference call. Pat Jost is doing a great job as Vice President in notifying the general membership of the meetings. Everyone is welcome to attend our meetings.

I believe everyone can agree with me that TASFAA is extremely fortunate to have the type of dedication we have in our members. We continue to be successful because of the excellent group of leaders you elected to our board of directors, our committee chairs, and the many members we have called upon to assist with the Legislative training sessions.
I must admit that being part of all of this is hard work, but it is also very satisfying.

Regards,
Linda Gonzalez-Hensgen, President