Aaaannnnnd the winners aaarrrre …
The first 2 people to email in will win a $15 gift card.
Jana Parks and Darcy Johnson
Two picks raffle will win a $10 gift card.
Amanda Duffy*and April Sidesinger
*Edited to change a raffle winner. Previous winner is no longer with their company.
Congratulations!!!
The new KASFAA year is upon us. So, to wrap up this past year we are doing our final quarterly contest.
We are asking you to login to kasfaa.org and update your Member Profile and add a photo of yourself.
How to win
Once you are complete send Bonnie Sandefer an email (which can be found in the Member Directory.)
What you win
The first 2 people to email in will win a $15 gift card. Then we will put the rest of you in a raffle to win a $10 gift card. We will have 2 winners for that, as well.
You have until Monday 5/2/2022 to email.
The 4 winners will be announced on Tuesday 5/3/2022.
KASFAA needs you! Or WAIT maybe you need KASFAA? Check out the many benefits of volunteering!
Like many non-profit organizations KASFAA depends on volunteers and we need you to help keep our organization running smoothly and effectively. Interested in helping? You can start by filling out this form!
Not sure which committee to volunteer for? Check out the list below!
Still have questions click on the committee and contact a member!
Jana Parks
Come be a part of something great!!
KASFAA is built and sustained on the hard work of volunteers in the financial aid community.
We have an amazingly diverse list of committees to join. Something to fit the needs and interests of everyone. From Archive committee and the Corporate Support team to Professional Development and the Conference Planning committee. No matter what you love to do we have a committee that will fit.
Let’s just dive right in …
Courtney – Cloud County Community College
I chose to volunteer for the Association News and Publicity Committee this year largely due to my academic history with journalism and mass communications and love of writing. We are all Financial Aid Administrators here but I love that committees like this allow us to still utilize some of our other skills and passions.
I was lucky enough to receive a scholarship to RMASFAA’s Summer Institute from KASFAA last year and wanted to do my part to repay the organization that provided so much for me. I previously volunteered with the Government Relations Committee because I was looking to get involved as a newbie to the Financial Aid world and I thoroughly enjoyed by time with that committee as well.
I’m so excited to see everyone in person this year at the Spring Conference in Wichita!
Nathan – Hutchinson Community College
Why did you volunteer for KASFAA? I was a new Director at Hutchinson and after visiting with staff they had mentioned we had been active KASFAA but when I came the school had not been very active for a couple of years before my arrival. So one thing I wanted to do after starting was to get us back into conversations and develop a network that we could use in the financial aid community. Also it was a good opportunity for me to start my professional network to get to know people in the state financial aid community.
Why did you pick the committee you did? I think I somehow got roped into the archive committee. I didn’t know what is was or what they did but it was an opportunity to get involved. It got me connected with Linda Oldham-Burns who I know work with pretty much every semester on military state aid. Then I ran for Treasurer but was asked to change gears and throw my name in for President-Elect from that point got elected and was fortunate to be elected President. The committees only scratched the surface of involvement. Becoming KASFAA President I got to serve on the regional board and was introduced more to the NASFAA and what they do in Washington, DC through the Leadership Conference. I was very thankful and privileged to serve as KASFAA President, KASFAA is very respected in the financial aid community and know that I was able to be the leader of this state organization was such a humbling experience.
Tell us one favorite thing you accomplished while in that committee? My best thing that I accomplished was that while I was President I was able to get the board and the state to support KASFAA moving from 2 conferences annually to have one conference and being able to provide multiple training opportunities through the Drive in training that we now do. I was trying to be respectful of all the colleges and their budgets at that point in time knowing we were seeing less and less dollars and how would we stretch those dollars to be used in the most effective way possible.
Diana – Butler Community College
Why did you volunteer for KASFAA? I love being a part of KASFAA. I enjoy going to the training sessions that are available or going to the conference. As a member of any organization, if you are getting something from that organization and they ask for volunteers it is only right that you give back. An organization that is run on volunteers is only as strong as the number that volunteer so the more that help the stronger KASFAA will be.
Why did you pick the committee you did? I did not technically pick the committee. I was asked to run for President and as such, am a part of this committee. I have been in Financial Aid for over 20 years and have been a member of KASFAA that entire time. I did not do much in KASFAA for the first couple of years but then started joining in the training and going to conferences. As I became more active in KASFAA activities I felt is was my responsibility to become more active as a KASFAA volunteer. I have been Vice-President also and have run for Treasurer. I feel like KASFAA has given me so much that when I was called to run it was my duty to answer that call.
Tell us one favorite thing you accomplished while in that committee? I will tell you as President Elect, helping to put on what I think was a successful on-line conference felt like a pretty big achievement. And this year we are maintaining a virtual option so that everyone that can’t attend or any college that does not have the personnel that allow them to attend or the budget, might still get the opportunity to be a part of the conference. I think it is a way that KASFAA can try and serve every single member.
Heather – Wichita State University
Why did you volunteer for KASFAA? I volunteered for KASFAA so that I could gain more knowledge from others outside of my office regarding Financial Aid as well as network/meet new people.
Why did you pick the committee you did? I was asked by a former member of the committee to be apart of it and then she had a change in employment. But this committee has been a great place for me to get my feet wet in.
Tell us one favorite thing you accomplished while in that committee? I thing that I wouldn’t consider an accomplishment but was reaching out to the members of KASFAA and getting to know them and their backgrounds.
Darcy – Emporia State University
I started volunteering for KASFAA 10 years ago after my first Spring conference (which was 5 months after I started in FA). Seeing the connections that my coworkers had with others in the state made me want to get involved and be welcomed like those I saw around me. Over time, KASFAA has given much to me, so my desire to volunteer now also stems from a place of wanting to give back and see KASFAA continue to thrive.
This is my third time volunteering for Outreach Training, and it is by far one of my favorite committees. I love to plan/organize events and I love training/sharing info with others. This committee combines those two, which is why I really enjoy it. Plus the work this committee does is important in helping our college access partners have the information to assist high school seniors and underserved populations.
Because I already knew the inner workings of the Event Administration, Forms Builder, and Zoom module admin areas of the KASFAA website, I volunteered to do registration this year, which included building the events and setting up the zoom links, coordinating with Mac to get them posted on the OTC page of the KASFAA website, and sending reminders to the registered participants the day before the session. Afterwards, I provided registrant and attendee data to Kaitlin so she can build a large master contact list, and evaluation data to Faye so she can compile for an overall view at the success of our mission.
There are two other things that did for the committee this year that are battling for top billing as my favorite. The first was having the opportunity to co-present with Daisha Holmes from JCCC. We tag teamed “this is what your students should be working on this spring to prepare for next year,” then she presented on Kansas Promise, and I covered all the FAFSA Simplification changes that we know about thus far. I’m so blessed that I was able to work with Daisha, as she’s an excellent presenter that brought an energy to her presentation that made the complexities of Kansas Promise not seem quite as cumbersome as they are.
The second was something I kind of took on extra. I had access to the zoom recordings, KASFAA YouTube account, and love using Premiere Pro to edit videos. Knowing that we had a lot of dead air at the beginning that would need trimmed, I decided to take it a little further, and add title cards and intro/outro music at either end of each video before posting it to YouTube. I also overlaid web links on the video in places that information was shared due to questions asked during the presentation. No one else may care, but doing this made my nerdy-self happy to make our videos look slightly more professional before posting them to the public. It’s these little extra opportunities that KASFAA provides to utilize ones skills that really make volunteering even more worthwhile. So remember, look for committees that you can bring a little something extra and don’t be afraid to speak up and say “hey, can I add this value to what our committee is doing?”
Linda – Kansas Board of Regents
Why did you volunteer for KASFAA? I volunteer for KASFAA for two reasons – one, to get to know other financial aid administrators across the state and two, KASFAA reminds me why we do what we do every day – to serve the students and their dreams!! It is easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day details of our work but KASFAA allows me to see a bigger picture of what good we are doing.
Why did you pick the committee you did? Throughout my time in KASFAA, I have been a part of many committees. While it is fun to explore new committees and their tasks, I do like the work that the Outreach Training Committee does. Again, it goes back to getting to know other FA people and meeting the high school counselors.
Tell us one favorite thing you accomplished while in that committee? I have enjoyed watching my fellow financial aid colleagues present on different aspects of financial aid. I always learn something new and they are all so clever and funny!!
If you want to remember why you are in this crazy business of financial aid and higher education, you need to be a part of KASFAA and volunteer for a committee. You will not be disappointed!!
Thank you to all of our volunteers for the amazing work they do!!!
Check out our past blogs for more testimonies and information on each committee or head over to kasfaa.org under the Members tab for a quick peek of the amazing things we accomplish. Under that same Members tab toward the bottom you will see the word Volunteer. Check it out.
Come be a part of something great!!
KASFAA is built and sustained on the hard work of volunteers in the financial aid community.
We have an amazingly diverse list of committees to join. Something to fit the needs and interests of everyone.
As Past President Darcy is a part if Association Governance. She wrote us an amazing piece about the devotion and love that goes into volunteering.
Association Governance is a unique committee in the respect that it is the one KASFAA committee that is not open to volunteers. Instead, it is chaired by the KASFAA Past-President, the other four members are the current President, President-Elect, and two most recent past presidents that are still active in KASFAA. This means that when you agree to run for President, you will have a 5-year volunteer commitment if elected. If someone in that lineup of 5 leaves the association, we go back and ask the most recent past-past president to resume their role as a committee member (which is why Nathan is on his sixth year on this committee).
While this may sound like a daunting time commitment, it really is not. The committee is tasked with reviewing the P&P and proposing updates to be voted on by the Board of Directors. They also review the By-laws. By-law changes must be voted on by the membership after a 30-day notice of proposed changes. Of course, this committee also ensures that the association is following the P&P and By-laws and offers interpretation if there is a question (and as aid officers, we know that we’re all experienced with interpreting rules and regulations).
Two other tasks of this committee are to secure candidates/hold an election of officers for the upcoming year and secure the Governor’s Proclamation of February as Financial Aid Awareness Month in the state of Kansas.
The work of this committee is carried out via email and/or quarterly meetings, so the time commitment is nominal. While all KASFAA committees are crucial in the work that they are set up to conduct, Association Governance is important in the respect that it keeps the association moving forward. I can also tell you that stepping into the role of President, it’s incredibly reassuring to know that you have the support and knowledge base of those who came before you.
As the current KASFAA Past-President, I’ve had the pleasure of serving as Association Governance chair this year. After a thorough review of the P&P last spring/summer, I was able to present 14 P&P changes to the BOD for vote. Most of them were making sure that the P&P was updated to reflect current practices of the association and/or committee of relevance. All 14 proposals were approved; you can view them in the summer board meeting minutes if so desired. Once approved, I made the updates to the P&P and had Mac (current Electronic Resources chair) post the current version on the Governing Docs section of our website. I also made pronoun updates to the P&P at that time, removing all he/she and replacing with they/them/their. I also proposed two by-law changes to the association and held an electronic vote in the fall. These also passed, and I followed the same procedure for updating and having the updated copy posted to the web.
The task I enjoyed most this year was securing candidates to run for office for the 2022-2023 year. I enjoyed calling to ask them to run and hearing the surprise (or trepidation) in their voice; then getting to share my own excitement when they said yes. I am so grateful for those that agreed to put themselves out there and run. I was elated to have a full slate of candidates; and we had a very strong candidate pool, which made voting difficult. To those that have run and didn’t secure the vote this year or in the past: don’t let it discourage you. I ran for VP three times before I was elected. In fact, I ran for VP twice, was defeated both times, and then was asked to run for President. I felt that I needed to do VP first and wasn’t quite ready for President, so I offered to run for VP a third time.
I had a lot of fun with the elections this year, by utilizing the technology available to us to introduce candidates in a new way. I feel that this effort was successful as we had a higher voter turnout than we have had in recent years. Thanks again to the candidates for being willing to go along with my crazy ideas! It was also fun to watch the votes come in…like my own personal election night…except this time I like and was supporting ALL the candidates. 😀 Special shoutout to Leah Nicholson and Crystal DeLong who served as election auditors and reviewed the results before I announced the outcome to the candidates and association.
If you’ve done the math, you know that I have another two years on this committee. However, my time as a four-year board member (one year as VP, and then the following three years in the President cycle), is coming to an end in the next few weeks. A thank you to all the volunteers and board members I’ve had the pleasure to work with; I’ve enjoyed getting to know you. To all of you on the fence about volunteering, JUST DO IT! It’s more rewarding than you can ever imagine. For me, the biggest reward has come in the form of friendships that I wouldn’t have had without KASFAA.
If all of these awesome words have not convinced you to volunteer yet, come back tomorrow for more testimonies from our amazing KASFAA volunteers!!
If you are ready to volunteer or if you need more information on each committee head over to kasfaa.org under the Members tab for a quick peek at the amazing things we accomplish together. Under that same Members tab toward the bottom you will see the word Volunteer. Check it out.
Come be a part of something great!!
KASFAA is built and sustained on the hard work of volunteers in the financial aid community.
We have an amazingly diverse list of committees to join. Something to fit the needs and interests of everyone. From Archive committee and the Corporate Support team to Professional Development and the Conference Planning committee. No matter what you love to do we have a committee that will fit.
More volunteer love …
Tony – Benedictine College
I am currently serving as a member of the Awards Committee of the Conference Planning Committee for the current year Spring Conference. I am also serving as a Mentor in our KASFAA Mentorship program, as well as a Mentor for RMASFAA’s Leadership Pipeline.
I entered the world of financial aid nearly 15 years ago. I came from the “outside” world having been involved in the business world for 20 years, so I was excited to see what this new realm would be like. The interim Director that I learned from told me I needed to get involved with the different associations to get to know more people and to learn how things are done at other schools. Immediately within the first year, I was asked to be a part of the RMASFAA Conference philanthropy committee since the conference was being held in Kansas that year. Agreeing to do so, I was quickly welcomed into the group, and we proceeded to raise funds for replacement wagons for Children’s Mercy Hospital. Our goal was to fund 10 new wagons, which cost over $200 each. We raised enough to fund 17 new wagons! It was work! It was fun! But most of all, it gave me the opportunity to meet so many of my colleagues for the first time, as well as get the opportunity to make so many new friends.
Seeing the generosity of these people was so warming that I knew I had found a career that I was going to enjoy. It motivated me to go on to be a part of RMASFAA’s Summer Institute as faculty and Committee Chair for 6 of my first 8 years in financial aid. From there, I got started with the Awards Committee for KASFAA where I met one of my dearest friends, Bruce Lopez, who I miss to this day. This type of connection drove me on to be a volunteer in many different capacities to eventually serving as KASFAA President, a most humbling honor.
We got into this field to help others, our students. In a world rife with cynicism, skepticism, and anger, we get to be a ray of light by helping people to reach their goals. While many may be looking for a “handout,” we get to give a “hand-up.” Just knowing that each student that graduates from our institution received some assistance from our office, whether they realize it or not, is both satisfying and humbling. “WE GET TO DO THAT!” What an amazing feeling!
I truly enjoy being involved with the Awards Committee because I feel it is important to show our friends that they are appreciated for the tireless work they do. Whether it is acknowledgement for years of service or being selected for one of our association’s distinguished awards, our members deserve to feel they are appreciated (plus it’s fun to spice it up a bit with some entertainment).
Being a part of KASFAA and volunteering my time is my opportunity to surround myself with other amazing individuals that get to do what I do. When we see each other, we share our successes, our challenges, and yes, our frustrations (plus a lot of hugs). But most importantly, we build life-long friendships with others that we most likely would have never met if we didn’t have KASFAA. If you have been with KASFAA for a long time, you probably know what I mean. If you are new to KASFAA, there are so many wonderful people you have the chance to make a part of your life within our association. Take a chance. Take the time to meet someone new (which is why I enjoy the Mentorship program). Who knows, by volunteering, you may just make a friend or two that will become an enriching part of your life! I know I have!
Emily – Washburn University
I was presented the opportunity to volunteer when I went to Summer Institute 2021, and I thought that KASFAA would be the perfect place to start! I have a past of planning events in college and so the Conference Planning Committee really appealed to me. It has been a very rewarding process to be able to virtually meet, interact with, and connect with other members across the state of Kansas. My favorite thing that I have accomplished while on the committee was taking charge of the decorations subcommittee. Decorating is a love of mine and I get a lot of joy from it. I can’t wait for everyone to see what we have been coming up with!
Matt – UNISA, Inc
Why did you volunteer for KASFAA? I wanted to support KASFAA and my KASFAA school clients. Soon after volunteering, Diana VanDyke and Laura Weiss-Cook were inspirational and asked me to continue to assist and support KASFAA for future years to come.
Why did you pick the committee you did? I was guided and inspired by Diana VanDyke and Laura Weiss-Cook.
Tell us one favorite thing you accomplished while in that committee? I was honored to emcee the 2021 KASFAA Awards Luncheon hosted on Zoom and it was a fun, exciting and a memorable experience.
Kelli – Credit World Services, Inc.
I have been a member of KASFAA since 2006. My co-worker Bruce Lopez convinced me to volunteer in 2018 or 2019. I was able to witness the great friendships, business relationships and fun that he had throughout his years of volunteering and thought, I want to be apart of that.
I do not think that I picked Corporate Support the first year, I believe Bruce told me there was a need in that committee and I needed to sign up. I do enjoy Corporate Support since I am familiar with most of the other volunteers and they welcomed me in and helped me along.
I am not sure that I accomplished anything, it truly has always been a group effort. One favorite thing as a group is being able to help pull off a fun and successful virtual entertainment hour. Who knew you could have fun virtually. LOL
This will be my first conference in person while being a volunteer, so I am really looking forward to it!
Boy we have a lotta great people with good things to say. Come back for more testimonies tomorrow.
If you are ready to volunteer or if you need more information on each committee head over to kasfaa.org under the Members tab for a quick peek at the amazing things we accomplish together. Under that same Members tab toward the bottom you will see the word Volunteer. Check it out.
Come be a part of something great!!
KASFAA is built and sustained on the hard work of volunteers in the financial aid community.
We have an amazingly diverse list of committees to join. Something to fit the needs and interests of everyone. From Archive committee and the Corporate Support team to Professional Development and the Conference Planning committee. No matter what you love to do we have a committee that will fit.
Here are more volunteer testimonies
Rachel – WSU Tech
I began volunteering for KASFAA out of gratitude for being given a scholarship to go to the RMASFAA Summer Institute. I have continued to volunteer because of all the great people I have met and because I appreciate all that KASFAA offers its members.
I chose the Archive Committee because I enjoy writing. I also am a bit of an introvert and thought I could work behind the scenes by volunteering on the Archive Committee. Little did I know that I would be asked to be a Co-Chair and then later to become the Chair of the Committee. It has been great though. I have enjoyed going to the Board Meetings and learning how the organization works, as well as getting to meet and work with some amazing people.
One of the favorite things I accomplished while in the committee is writing a year in review last year and getting to help piggyback on some of the organizing and editing of the Handbook that had been in process before me. I love the people I’ve gotten to work with on this committee as well, and am so grateful for their help with reviewing old KASFAA newsletters to find information to add to the draft of the KASFAA living history.
Thank you, KASFAA, for this opportunity!
Kristi – Highland Community College
I have been with the college since 2012, but I started in the financial aid department in 2014. My volunteering for KASFAA began in 2017 when my supervisor at the time started encouraging those of us that worked for him to be active in the organization. He felt that we would learn so much more by being an active member, and he was right! I have learned so much more about the financial aid profession, and the connections and friendships I have gained from being on different committees has really helped me throughout my financial aid career.
I have volunteered for several committees in both KASFAA and RMASFAA, but the latest for KASFAA is the 2022 conference planning committee. I served as the KASFAA Vice-President last year which means that I was a co-chair for the 2021 virtual conference. I offered to stay on the committee again for the 2022 spring conference since the duties were still fresh in my mind from helping to plan last year’s conference. My favorite thing about this committee is getting to meet with several of my friends as least once a month to work on this project together.
I can’t wait until April to see how it all comes together as a finished product for our KASFAA membership!
Cindy – Johnson County Community College
Why did you volunteer for KASFAA? I enjoy being involved in whatever capacity I’m needed. I also felt this was a great way to network and meet new people in the industry. Those people have mentored me and become my friends. I know they will have my back if needed. 25 years later I still look forward to helping and I’ve worked on several committees as a member, as a chair, and have held different positions on the board.
Why did you pick the committee you did? A year ago, I was asked to run for Vice President. I had been Vice-President many years ago, but thought I would like to help again. As Vice President, this position is the conference planning co-chair and oversees certain parts of the conference planning committee. I have worked with some awesome committee members who, when asked, have stepped up to the plate to assist me as one person can’t do it all. It takes a village and that’s what we have. First off, thank you to Kristi Blevins and Ashley Jost without whom the registration and program could not have been completed. To April Sidesinger and Emily Shaw who are doing an awesome job with the decorations and to April who reached out to her school’s graphic design department to find this wonderful logo – “Let the Games Begin”. To Stephanie Covington and Diane Lindeman who checked out websites and contacted persons to present and Stephanie who reached out to Visit Wichita for their assistance with our conference goodie bags. To Crystal DeLong and Robb Cummings who have been instrumental in getting everything going with the Associate Members/Exhibitors and they’ve got some fun stuff planned for all of us. I know the Dinner and Awards evening will go off without a hitch as Tony Tanking, Matt Chinn and Stephanie Covington guide as through this fun evening. Thanks to Barbara Evans and Mac Schwartz as you’ve maneuvered through all the web processes and worked to have both virtual and in person options for our membership to attend. Thanks to Denise Varrientos in sharing ideas for the Fiscal Officer track, and to Trish Runion for her assistance with membership, the Newcomers Breakfast and the session on volunteering and mentor/mentee opportunities within KASFAA. And last but not least, a huge thank you to Laura Weiss-Cook, Conference Chair and Diana VanDyke, President. If I’ve missing anything that they did to assist, my apologies, but please know how much I appreciate all they’ve done to make this a successful conference in April.
Tell us one favorite thing you accomplished while in that committee? Being able to work with all these folks above has been my favorite thing. Each one brings a special flavor and a different take on things so as a whole different ideas are brought to the table to know how to best move forward. Hope you enjoy the conference.
And of course, any other fun details you would like to add! I have 2 grown children, a son 29 and a daughter 31, a husband of almost 34 years and retirement looming in the near future as I take my leave after 26 years in the financial aid industry this coming September, 2022. It’s been an awesome journey and through all the volunteering I’ve done, I’ve met some wonderful people that I consider my friends. But I’m also excited to begin the next chapter in this life’s adventures.
Stephanie – University of Kansas
I like to stay involved with our state organization. It is a great way to stay in touch with long time friends and establish relationships with new professionals. This year I picked the conference planning committee because we haven’t been able to meet in person for a couple of years and I wanted to be a part of the group planning a long overdue in person conference. It has been something fun to look forward to! Covid brought a lot of extra work and challenges to all over offices so I’ve really enjoyed doing fun stuff like discussing conference themes, sessions, and awards. I’m not the most creative person, but it has been fun to let that side of me come out while developing conference teasers. Can’t wait to see everyone!
Come back next week for even more testimonies from our amazing KASFAA volunteers!!
If you are ready to volunteer or if you need more information on each committee head over to kasfaa.org under the Members tab for a quick peek at the amazing things we accomplish together. Under that same Members tab toward the bottom you will see the word Volunteer. Check it out.
Come be a part of something great!!
KASFAA is built and sustained on the hard work of volunteers in the financial aid community.
We have an amazingly diverse list of committees to join. Something to fit the needs and interests of everyone. From Archive committee and the Corporate Support team to Professional Development and the Conference Planning committee. No matter what you love to do we have a committee that will fit.
We asked a few of our current volunteers what their thoughts were and this is what they said …
Kristina – Manhattan Christian College
Why did you volunteer for KASFAA? I was brand new to financial aid and trying to absorb everything I could. Volunteering has always been important to me and this was an opportunity to meet more people and network within the state.
Why did you pick the committee you did? My degree is in Public Relations so the News and Publicity Committee felt like a natural fit.
Tell us one favorite thing you accomplished while in that committee? After I attended RMASFAA’s Summer Institute last summer, I volunteered for their News & Publicity committee. First year on and I am the Chair. This is really more just the circumstance of the situation rather than my accomplishment, but I am honored to be able to fill that role for RMASFAA while still being able to serve KASFAA!
Kristine – Benedictine College
Why did you volunteer for KASFAA? Volunteering with KASFAA is a great way to grow in your profession, meet great people, and get out of the office (HA HA). I did win a scholarship to SI many years ago, so I am (required, forced 😊) happy to give back!
Why did you pick the committee you did? This is my third (?) Committee with KASFAA, PD is something everyone can use and is vital to our organization.
Tell us one favorite thing you accomplished while in that committee? We were able to add a training that was not a NASFAA credentialing event.
And anything else you would like to add? My committee was great to work with. They are much more creative than I ever could be! Everyone should volunteer with KASFAA. I love being part of an organization that is committed to growth of our profession while fostering relationships.
Kathryn – Southwestern College
My name is Kathryn Perez, I have been in the education field for over 20 years starting in K-12 then moving to the College level. The financial aid position has only been 3 years. Serving is a passion and I currently am a volunteer for KASFAA Membership. I recognize people put a lot on themselves and become very busy. I feel a reminder of what KASFAA offers through the website for not only our careers but for the general public at the local level is important as well as sending reminders that dues are approaching. I will make a plug for our KASFFA Mentor program, it is the most beneficial support outside of your campus co-workers.
My favorite thing about being on the committee is the networking it provides for myself, a transfer student arriving or leaving campus. I can give a resource for the student. My job is to guide the student to success in life.
Cherish – Baker University
Why did you volunteer for KASFAA? I first started volunteering when my Director, Jana Parks, was Membership Chair and she encouraged me to join her committee. It was nice to come in already knowing someone who was part of the committee, but I soon found out that when you choose to volunteer for KASFAA, your fellow committee members almost become like colleagues to you. I have made many wonderful friendships through volunteering for KASFAA!
Why did you pick the committee you did? The first reason I choose it was because my Director was the Membership Committee Chair. The other reason I was attracted to the Membership Committee is that I knew it would be a great place to meet a diverse group of people with the same goal of helping students achieve their dreams of a higher education. I also thought it would be a wonderful networking tool.
Tell us one favorite thing you accomplished while in that committee? By far, the accomplishment I am proudest of while being a part of the Membership Committee is being part of the Mentorship Program! While the original blueprint for the Mentorship Program started back in 2018, it officially launched in 2020. I have had the privilege of continuously developing and watching it grow into the amazing program it is today for the past 2 years. I am VERY proud of our KASFAA Mentorship Program!
Come back tomorrow for more testimonies from our amazing KASFAA volunteers!!
If you are ready to volunteer or if you need more information on each committee head over to kasfaa.org under the Members tab for a quick peek at the amazing things we accomplish together. Under that same Members tab toward the bottom you will see the word Volunteer. Check it out.
Don’t forget to register for the 2022 KASFAA Spring Conference in Wichita, KS! Early Bird Registration closes after 3/4/2022! Special hotel block pricing ends 3/23/2022!
Register Here: KASFAA Spring Conference Registration
Schedule Here: KASFAA Spring Conference Schedule
Wichita Marriott Link Here: Book Wichita Marriott
KASFAA Conference 2022 Fundraiser
This year’s fundraiser will be a raffle raising funds in the honor of our friend and colleague, Bruce Lopez, who passed away in 2019. The proceeds from raffle ticket sales will be awarded to lucky KASFAA-member schools to be used as general scholarship funds.
Bruce worked with Credit World Services as a Regional Sales Director for 18 years. He also served KASFAA very well during that time, holding several positions and committee roles. He always went above and beyond for KASFAA, donating his time, talent, and resources without hesitation. The Meritorious Achievement Award was renamed the Bruce Lopez Meritorious Achievement Award in honor and memory of him in 2019.
How can you help?
We need your raffle items! KASFAA members have always come through in the past, donating many fantastic items. We’ve had themed gift baskets, sports tickets, delicious homemade baked goods, gift cards, and countless other items donated to help raise funds. Get creative and have fun while knowing the funds you help raise will go to worthy scholarship recipients! Please bring your items to the conference and drop them at the registration table.
Watch for more details as we get closer to the conference.
Questions? Ask Kelli Lowe-Heying kellilowe@creditworldservices.com or
Robb Cummings robb.cummings@salliemae.com
By Robb Cummings
The Oz-Sociated Press 