Arizona State Update
by AASFAA President Philip R. Schroeder,
Cochise College
www.aasfaa.org

As my first "official" state update as the President of AASFAA, I must admit, so far so good! However, the year has just begun.

Our association Board of Directors met on June 15 and 16 in Prescott, AZ, to transfer the gavel from Howard Fischer to my-self. I want to take this opportunity to thank Howard, the Board and all of the hard working committee members that made 1999-2000 a great year for AASFAA. From myself, the new board and all the members of AASFAA, we thank you.

As for my new Board of Directors and the newly appointed committees, I see the same enthusiasm and dedication emerging already. We are focusing on our joint fall conference with our neighbors from the Nevada association. So far everything is coming together as planned. Conference dates are November 15, 16, 17 and will be at the Hilton in Laughlin, NV. We are still working on our spring joint conference with New Mexico.

As I return from the WASFAA Executive Council meeting that was held last week in San Diego, I again realize how much work goes into making things happen within our associations. The countless volunteer hours put forth by individuals that collectively come together to produce the functions, trainings and conferences still amazes me. We belong to a profession of truly caring individuals.

I must report on my observations made during our visit to the Summer Institute class of 2000 banquet. I was impressed with the camaraderie and energy displayed by both the students and instructors of the WASFAA Summer Institute 2000. Besides being well-tuned financial aid professionals, they sure know how to enjoy themselves. Who ever said these things were boring?