Summer Institute 2001

June 8 was an exciting day for the 173 graduates of the 20th Annual RMASFAA Summer Institute. Here's how it stacked up:

"Financial Aid and All that Jazz" was conducted with the help of:

Experiences throughout the week were shared with peers from nineteen states: the eight states in the RMASFAA region, plus Arizona, Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Oregon, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Virginia, and Washington state.

Professional Development and Leadership students graduated as emerging leaders of RMASFAA and their state associations. Not only did they participate in some fun adventure-based, team building exercises, these graduates are now prepared to lead team-building activities. They know how to influence the biggest of shots with their business etiquette and presentation skills. PD & L Drum Major Mike Johnson, Utah Higher Education Assistance Authority, and Drum Majorette Julie Cooper, Johnson County Community College - KS presented batons with the graduation certificates to these new "leaders of the band".

The Intervanced Track took on a new focus this year. Creation of the "ultimate financial aid office" was the project taken on by the seasoned group of financial aid administrators. Four workgroups representing one-year vocational schools, two-year public schools, four-year public schools, and four-year private schools were challenged to develop the ultimate financial aid office for their particular sector.

The final group presentations were a great hit for all involved as the knowledge learned throughout the week was centralized into a PowerPoint presentation. Drum Major Jeff Gregory, Aims Community College - CO and Drum Majorette Julie Cooper, Johnson County Community College - KS challenged their experienced peers to broaden their administrative knowledge base.

Based on previous enrollment demand, a fifth team of Neophyte instructors were added this year. The five classes of 18-22 students each diligently worked through an arduous curriculum with the expert guidance of ten of RMASFAA's finest trainers. In addition to digesting the many facts involved in student financial assistance, they were challenged to develop an understanding of the sea of "gray areas" often encountered.

Not only are these Neophyte students new to the field of student financial assistance, they are true individuals, as the instructors learned. Under the topic of "you can't tell it by looking at me", it was discovered that:

• A student had a baby in a car outside of the hospital doors.
• Two students in the same class were born in Japan.
• One student is from the Ukraine.
• One student is really 7 feet tall.
• A male student admitted to liking bubble baths.

Under the topic of "special awards" given, Neophyte competition was strong for:

• The Golden Mr. Potato Head award.
• A handful of bananas for being the top deceivers in the Two Truths and One Lie ice breaker.
• In packaging competition, one group would have gotten the student to enroll at their university had they not been sent to jail for their awarding practices. (just kidding)

Being a Neophtye instructor is not an easy task. However, this year's outstanding Drum Majors and Majorettes included:

Robert Gamez, Kansas State University

Cristi Easton, Salt Lake Community College

Sally Schuman, University of Wyoming

Dean Obenauer, Creighton University - NE

Teri Dorchuck, Dixie State College of Utah

Randy Sell, University of Nebraska at Omaha

Penny James, Wichita State University - KS

David Vikander, Southeast Technical Institute - SD

Mick Hanson, The University of Montana - Missoula

Annita Huff, Washburn University - KS

Student Loan Professionals encountered an information-rich three days. The PLUS MPN, e-signatures, business and electronic etiquette, intricacies of private credit, blanket guarantee process, legislative updates, technology updates, and 2003 interest rate issues were all presented by industry experts from across the nation. The Loan Pros joined forces with the Intervanced Class for joint sessions on packaging aid; an update on the Graham, Leach, Bliley Privacy Act; and other legal and regulatory issues. Drum Majorette, Daphne Hall from NHELP joined Drum Major Robb Cummings from Sallie Mae in writing the music for thisexciting masterpiece.

Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Summer Institute was an important part of the activities for the week. Complete with all the trimmings, the birthday party included a special appearance from RMASFAA President, Wilma Kasnic. For the first time, a tour of the U.S. Air Force Academy including a visit to the distinctive Cadet Chapel and an excellent Italian buffet at the Officer's Club energized the students mid-week. A repeat trip to the Flying W Ranch and the return of the comedy group, Plastered In Paris, kept us from taking our studies too seriously, and provided the opportunity for informal networking and building of new friendships.

Learning did not end on Thursday. Following classroom graduations, the attendees gathered Friday a.m. to hear Dr. Joanne Owens Nausler, Director of Professional Development for the American School Health Association. "Securing Your Own Mask First" reminded us all to take care of ourselves as we work with students, staff, and family. Ninety minutes zipped by without her losing one minute of our attention.

Behind the scene Drum Majors and Drum Majorettes included:

Cheryl Bellinger, Bank of America

Keith Carparelli, Student Assistance Foundation of Montana

Julie Esau, NSLP

Melina Hawkins, Montana State University - Billings

Joy Jeffers, Westwood College of Technology

Bob Neas, North Dakota State University

Cheri Polenske, Wayne State College - NE

Brenda Sebastian, Montana State University

Jim Swanson, Colorado College

Darry Voigt, Casper College - WY

Bernie Warwood, Student Assistance Foundation of Montana

Carol Wirthman, Firstar Bank

Would we all do it again! You bet. It has truly been my pleasure to be the chair of the SI 2001 Committee, and I look forward to future SI opportunities.

Jeanne Mott, Baker University - KS