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Mack
C. Adams Professional Development Scholarship Recipients at The University
of Texas at El Paso The Mack C. Adams Professional Development Scholarship has been awarded to several staff members at The University of Texas at El Paso. All staff members awarded have used it to attend the New Aid Officers Workshop. Two previous recipients of the award are Cecilia Corpus, Recorder II (has since been promoted and is now a financial aid assistant) and Elizabeth Dominguez, Office Manager. Cecilia had been working in UTEP’s aid office for three years when she applied and Elizabeth had been with UTEP’s aid office for almost two years. Cecilia was nominated and encouraged to apply by the financial aid director, Raul Lerma, and Elizabeth was encouraged to apply by a former recipient, Daniel Estrada. When asked what went through their minds as they applied, both recipients expressed similar sentiments—“they hoped they got the scholarship.” Upon receiving word of being awarded the scholarship, any fears or concerns were overshadowed by the excitement of attending the New Aid Officers Workshop and the professional growth and development it offered. They were looking forward to expanding their knowledge base. One of the most memorable times for Cecilia was the group work. “It was a relief to know that I wasn’t the only one who didn’t know everything about financial aid.” The information provided at the New Aid Officers Workshop exceeded their expectations as they covered a variety of topics ranging from state aid like the Texas Grant and federal aid such as work-study. There was also the opportunity to do hand calculations for needs analysis. Hand calculations allow individuals to gain a deeper appreciation of the nuances involved in needs analysis. The training was a positive experience for Elizabeth and Cecilia as they especially enjoyed meeting other “new financial aid staff” from other institutions and discovering that all had something in common—they all faced some of the same issues. Both Cecilia and Elizabeth will continue to encourage new employees to apply for the Mack C. Adams Scholarship. The scholarship allows access to a very beneficial workshop. Participating in the workshop reinforces that great spirit of collegiality within the aid community so “newbies” don’t feel alone or lost. They have a great community behind them and they walk away with new friends and colleagues.
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