What’s Happening at TASFAA
By Raul Lerma

TASFAA Rookie of the Year & Service Awards
Belén Valdez from The University of Texas – Pan American has joined a select group in TASFAA by being named the 2003-2004 TASFAA Rookie of the Year by the TASFAA Board of Directors at the Fall Conference in Wichita Falls.

This award is given to that individual who exhibits involvement with TASFAA, concern for the growth of the organization, a true desire for growth within the industry, as well as assisting the students that we serve. Congratulations, Belén!!

Service Awards
One hundred and twenty-nine (129) TASFAA members qualified for service pins ranging from 10 to 35 years. Those attending the Fall Conference received them with their name badges and were recognized at Thursday’s luncheon. Those who were unable to attend were mailed theirs.

Special recognition went to those receiving 25, 30 and 35-year pins. This year, Mr. Ken Rogers from Houston Baptist University received a 35-year pin. Thank you, Ken!!

Mark Your Calendars!
TASFAA's 2004 Camp WeBeeNu is scheduled for May 17 - 21, 2004, at St. Mary's University. The registration application will be posted to the TASFAA Web site in the near future. Registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis. The camp is excellent training for new financial aid staff as well as a refresher course for others.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Rick Renshaw, Chair, at rrenshaw@dcccd.edu, or call (214) 860-2710.

TASFAA Mentors Needed
The Diversity and Leadership Committee needs your help soliciting volunteers to mentor new financial aid professionals.

What is a mentor? A mentor is someone who helps someone else to learn something the learner would otherwise have learned less effectively, more slowly, or not at all.

Why would you want to be a mentor? Helping others can be fulfilling. New people give us fresh views on stale sights. Sometimes it is nice to get a new perspective.

If you are interested in becoming a TASFAA Mentor, please email cjones@ccccd.edu for more information.