Summer is usually a time for vacations and relaxation. I don’t know about you, but this summer has been far from routine for me. Along with some exciting personal things, like getting married at 50!, I’ve had the opportunity to be involved in NASFAA and all the changes coming in that area. And my school has been jumping this summer.

As you may have heard, NASFAA’s long-time president (and RMASFAA home town boy), Dallas Martin, will be retiring in December of this year. This is a big change and something that was not unexpected. Even so, knowing that it is happening just reiterates the changing nature of our business. Along with Sally Schuman, our Past President, and President-Elect Curt Martin, I was able to be involved in a day-long meeting to talk about what we want in a new RMASFAA president. The discussions were great and I think we had a very successful meeting. The search will begin soon and it will be up to the NASFAA Executive Committee, one NASFAA staff member and an invited member from each region to narrow down the list of candidates. I am happy to report that Curt Martin will serve on that committee, along with Dave Gruen and a former board member from RMASFAA. I am confident that they will select the best two candidates for the NASFAA Board to choose from. If you have any suggestions or concerns about this, please let Curt or Dave know.

As this summer draws to a close and we gear up for the Fall, please remember why we do this job. Remember that we are here for the students. Try to get through the request from your legal counsel or your state’s AG for information on your lending practices, knowing that you have always had the best interests of the students foremost in your policies. Although there are some members of our profession who may have conducted business in an unethical manner, I am confident in the integrity of the professionals in our region. We may joke and ask why we never got the trip to Bermuda or the new boat, but none of us stay in this profession to get rich. We stay because we feel we make a difference.

I look forward to seeing all of you in Breckenridge at our Fall Conference. Rob Drybread and his committees have been working hard and have a great conference planned. So, I hope your summer was eventful and you were able to spend quality time with family and friends. Enjoy your last few days of summer and be ready for the Fall rush!