Montana . . .

Amber Hemry, a financial aid counselor at Carroll, is engaged to Jamie Dushen who works at MGSLP. The two met at the RMASFAA Summer Institute. A March 5th wedding is planned in Conrad, Montana.

Scott Knickerbocker, Carroll College, and his wife are expecting their third child this summer. Scott is already the father of two beautiful girls.

Janet Riis just became a first time homeowner. She is also the chair for the RMASFAA Summer Institute.

The entire Carroll financial aid staff has teamed with the Carroll College Honor Scholars students to decorate a tree for the Intermountain Childrens' Home Festival of Trees. The proceeds from the auction of the trees goes to benefit the children at the home who have been abused and/or neglected.

Wyoming . . .

Western States Learning Corporation (WSLC) announced Kathy Cathcart has assumed the duties of vice president of student loan operations. Her areas of responsibility are student loan customer service, compliance, internal auditing, quality assurance, information systems, office support and new loan acquisitions. Kathy has 15 years experience with WSLC.

North Dakota . . .

Taken from the NDASFAA listserve (message from Holly Schirado):
“For Sharon Albrecht’s retirement, we gave her a gift certificate for Pier One. Sharon has asked that I share the following message with NDASFAA members.”

“Please thank all of the terrific members of NDASFAA for me. I am excited to go to Pier One Imports and shop! I love that store and usually just go in and look – this time I can BUY. Thank you so much for thinking of me. I will miss you guys and the fun and creativity as well as the hard work NDASFAA is known for. I enjoyed working with all of you. God Bless, Sharon
P.S. I am loving retirement and the freedom I feel. I haven’t had a loss for things to do yet.”

Robin Holden’s father, Sidney Holden, died November 18, as the result of injuries sustained in a car accident. Robin is Director of Financial Aid at University of North Dakota.

Utah . . .

The Utah Higher Education Assistance Authority (UHEAA) is pleased to welcome Kent Larson today (11-18-04) as Associate Executive Director for Policy and Development. Kent brings a wealth of experience to UHEAA which will benefit the schools and borrowers UHEAA serves. Besides the knowledge gained from serving as the director of financial aid at the University of Utah for the past six years, Kent also brings the added value of many years’ experience in both corporate and governmental accounting along with volunteer service in the financial aid community to his new position.

Mike McKendrick has moved to Citibank and has been promoted to a regional position.

Jon Hazelgren is now working in student loan marketing for Citibank.

Brad Ewell has been working at U.S. Bank since July. Brad was previously employed at UHEAA.

South Dakota . . .

Clark Wold’s wife, Mary, passed away quietly in her sleep the night of December 5, surrounded by her family. This follows a nearly year-long battle with cancer.