Wyoming (Carle Williams)

From Mona Pearl: If you haven't heard yet, the fabulous Beverly Bell, who has worked with WSLC for the past many years, has gone back to her heart's passion and will be the financial aid director at Northwest Community College in Powell, Wyoming.

We are heartbroken to lose this friend and stellar employee from our staff; but elated for her good fortune and for the wisdom of NWCC in choosing her.

Her last day at WSLC was, December 14. Please join me in congratulating Bev...

South Dakota (Grant Uecker)

Happenings at Black Hills State University:

Cody McMichael, former Assistant Director of Financial Aid,has taken another position within the University. Kim Nida is now the Assistant Director Financial Aid, with Erin Richards as the Financial Aid Program Assistant. We at Black Hills State University wish Cody well in his new position and welcome Kim and Erin in their new roles. (Both Kim and Erin were in other positions within the office prior to their current positions).

David Martin, SDASFAA President Elect, and Laura Olson, SDASFAA Treasurer, will be attending the NASFAA Leadership Conference in Washington, DC, March 6 8, 2005.

SDASFAA will be holding its Spring conference at the Spearfish Lodge in the beautiful Black Hills, April 4 6, 2005. Skiing and gambling at Deadwood are optional events depending on snow and your cash flow.

Nebraska (Renee Besse)

Congratulations to Rhonda Pickerel who was promoted from Financial Aid Technician to Associate Director of Financial Aid at Southeast Community College, Lincoln Campus. Rhonda replaces Amy Armstrong who moved to Laramie WY in order for her husband to pursue his education.

Best wishes to Louise Driver who resigned from Dana College. Louise is returning home to be nearer her grandchildren in Alaska. Dana College had not yet found a replacement for Louise. At this time, Bob Schmoll, Vice President and CFO, is assuming the financial aid responsibilities until Louise’s replacement is found.

Tammi Preston, has been promoted from Outreach Manager to Director of Outreach Services for the EducationQuest Foundation.

The Lincoln College Planning office welcomes Delmer Esters to their staff. Delmer previously worked in Admissions at UNL. He replaces David Duzek. David transferred to the Omaha College Planning Office replacing Sara Sell.

Sara Sell was hired in September 2004 as Assistant Director of Financial Aid at Creighton.

Grace University has many changes to report…

After 10 years at Grace University, Lydia Thompson retired in December. Lydia has decided to slow down a little bit and enjoy life. However, she has indicated that she is available for consulting! Enjoy yourself, Lydia! Dale Brown was promoted from Associate Director to Director of Financial Aid. Dinah Grove started as a Financial Aid Counselor with Grace on December 15, 2004. She replaces Maria Zellmer who took a position with the Omaha Police Department.

Best Wishes and Congratulations to Angie Miller. Angie resigned her position at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in January. She has decided to stay home with her two children. She will be greatly missed!

Congratulations to Jenni Burke who has been promoted to Manager of the ITS team at Nelnet! Way to go, Jenni!

Changes at Bahner… Bahner College of Hairstyling has been recently acquired by La’James International College. La’James is a large leader in the Cosmetology industry. Bahner will become their 7th campus.

Claire Fredstrom will be retiring from Nebraska Wesleyan in June 2005. Thank you to Claire to his many contributions to NeASFAA over the years. Enjoy Retirement!! Welcome to Tom Oschner and Robyn Hohensee to Financial Aid at Wesleyan. Tom will be the new Director of Financial Aid at Wesleyan upon Claire’s retirement. Tom has previously worked at Nebraska Wesleyan in the Business Office. Robyn has also worked in the Business Office at NWU. She is currently working with the Wesleyan Advantage students.

NeASFAA recently held elections for 2005/2006. Here are the results:

The 4-year Private representative will be elected at the Spring Conference in April.

Congratulations!

Montana (Jeannie Burland)

Brandi Payne of MSU Bozeman has agreed to complete the MASFAA Board position, Member At Large, term vacated by Char Sorg who recently joined the staff of MGSLP.

Kevin Smith has been hired as the new Financial Aid Specialist at the UM Helena College of Technology. He was previously a Financial Aid Assistant and Admissions Counselor, at UMH, and most recently an Education Specialist and Loan Counselor at the Student Assistance Foundation. He holds an A.S. degree from the UM Helena.

From Bruce Marks, MGSLP: “It's my pleasure to announce three recent changes at MGSLP.”

Karen Wing has been promoted to Deputy Director and Chief Financial Officer. In her new role, Karen will oversee all operational and financial areas of the agency.

Ron Muffick has agreed to move into the newly created Director of Business Relations position. Along with Karen and Bruce, Ron will serve as the third member of the senior management team.

Taking over as new Client Services Manager will be Sandy Bauman. Sandy's management experience and her commitment to outstanding service make her a perfect fit for this extremely important position.

Char Sorg from MSU Northern's financial aid office will be joining MGSLP in Business Relations and Programs. With five years experience working in financial aid at Northern, Char brings an excellent overall knowledge of financial aid as well as the use of MGSLP products.

Staci Peterson from the Department of Agriculture will also be joining our Business Relations and Programs team. Staci brings her experience in marketing business to business products at the Department of Agriculture as well as in the private sector.

Kris Dramstad, DFA at MSU Northern writes: “It is with mixed emotions that I share with you all that I have decided to retire from the world of Financial Aid as of March 31. I am going to
spread my wings and try something different in an attempt to prove that one can teach an old dog new tricks. I have accepted a position at Havre Optometric Clinic beginning April 4 and am very excited about that. It is 8 to 5, no weekends, no travel, and I get one afternoon a week off! Good pay and great people.”

“I feel as though I have "grown up" here on this campus and with all of you Finaid Folks. I will miss you all very much. Thirty four years (24 in financial aid) is a long time, and I have seen many folks come and go. I often wondered when it would be my turn. Spring time is the season for everything new so.....off I go.”

Colorado (Anna Jaquez)

Sunny Staninger left Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology in the Fall of 2004 to join TCF Bank’s Education Finance Center as the new Colorado Education Loan Marketing Coordinator. She loves her new job.