Ethnic Diversity Action Committee
by Marsha Dupree

It's hard to believe that this is my last newsletter article as WASFAA EDAC chair. Now it's time to use the white glove treatment to see if EDAC accomplished our goals this year, or did we leave any unfinished business. It's time to mop up and complete our final tasks for the 1999-00 academic year. It's also time to take the broom and sweep tips and advice over to the new EDAC chair, to help make the transition a smooth one. The process is just like a form of spring cleaning.

Let's go over the list of chores to see if they were completed:

1. If by reading one of EDAC's articles during the year has made you more aware or caused you to think about how you relate to others who may be of a different ethnic background, then our work has not been in vain.
2. If EDAC has provided opportunities for more people of color to be able to attend a WASFAA conference or summer institute so they can grow professionally, to get involved in WASFAA and bring diversity to our organization, then our existence has been worthwhile.
3. If any of the EDAC workshops conducted at the WASFAA or state association conferences have caused someone to do a self-examination regarding ones views and actions as they relate to diversity issues, then we would have accomplished something very positive.

Based on the feedback we have received via e-mail, the EDAC survey and word of mouth, I believe we have done well. Therefore, thank you committee members for your time and hard work. WASFAA EDAC has continued to make a positive impact throughout the year.

Things to do:
To the new EDAC Chair, Christina Castorena -- May you take EDAC to a higher level. Even small contributions are significant steps in the right direction.

To WASFAA Members -- Please remember that EDAC is still accepting scholarship applications for the Basic Summer Institute to be held in San Diego, California and the Advanced Track Summer Institute that will be held in Honolulu, Hawaii. The deadline is May 1.

Finally, on a more personal note, I want to say thank you to Youlonda Copeland-Morgan for encouraging me to get involve on a WASFAA committee. Thank you, Leonard Walker, for asking me to serve on EDAC. Thank you WASFAA members for your support that allowed me to take on a leadership role. It has been a great learning experience.

Whew! So much has happened. It's been a rewarding year, but there is always room for improvement in the area of diversity. Let's all keep that in mind as we work towards becoming better financial aid administrators.