As part of the Association News Committee for RMASFAA, we are highlighting our current committee chairs and state presidents. In each “RMASFAA Exchange” we will invite four or five of them to be “In the Spotlight” and give you the opportunity to better know these dedicated and hard-working volunteers.

My career in financial aid started like almost everyone else’s – who would have thought this is what I would be doing for a living??? I graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN, in May 1980 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. I took a job in the business office at Northern State University beginning in June of that same year. I figured I would stay there for the summer and then look for something else. It’s now been 25 years and I’ve never left! Opportunities presented themselves at the right time for advancement within the institution. I went from accounting assistant to Perkins Loan Officer to Assistant Financial Aid Director to Director of Financial Aid. About five years ago, Coordinator of Enrollment Services was added to my title.

In a time when people switch jobs a half-dozen times or more during their career, why have I stayed here for so long? Good question. A simple answer is just that I love my job. I enjoy the challenges it presents every day. I’ve gone through five university presidents and three computer system conversions. I’ve seen my job go from manual packaging to setting up and maintaining a complex integrated student information system. Who knows what next year will bring???

I’ve been very active in both SDASFAA and RMASFAA. I’ve held just about every office and been on every committee at the state level. For RMASFAA, I have been a board member, treasurer, 1992 annual conference co-chair, Summer Institute Intervanced chair, and my current role as vice-president. For those of you who have not become involved, it is a fantastic experience getting to know so many of your fun, hard-working colleagues across the region. I urge you to volunteer your time and talents – you will find it a rewarding experience.

In my other life outside of the financial aid world, I’m married to Bob and we have two sons. Tyler, 23, graduated last May from Gustavus as a third generation Gustie. He’s living and working in Minneapolis and enjoying starting his life out on his own. Spencer, 16, is a sophomore in high school. He’s very active in sports, which provides for the majority of our entertainment. Besides watching his games, I also enjoy traveling and reading. Once Spencer’s in college, I’ll start on all those projects I’ve been thinking about doing for the last 25 years. Or not…!