Welcome to the Summer issue of the VASFAA Voice. This issue focuses on the transition of leadership on the VASFAA Board. Elections were held at the annual conference to begin the transition on VASFAA’s board of directors. Brad Barnett, incoming President, has announced his new committee chairs (see list in this issue) and I am beginning this edition from the VASFAA board retreat which is being held at Graves Mountain Resort. Now is the time for each of you to help VASFAA make a difference in Virginia.

As stated in the spring issue, each VASFAA member represents potential in the leadership continuum for the association. It is time for you to participate in the leadership development process in a very specific way. Volunteering to serve on a committee is your call to leadership at this time. It only takes a little effort every once in a while throughout the year to have a significant impact on the lives of others. VASFAA committee chairs have made a major commitment of time and energy so that each of you only needs to make a minor commitment to assist with selected tasks of your choice. It’s the easiest way to network with your colleagues, meet new people and broaden your resume for future considerations. Best of all, it is a lot of fun and a break from the daily office routine.

I am happy to announce two new members of the Newsletter Committee for 0506. Stephanie Clements, of Radford University, has accepted the challenge and will be writing our Graduate and Professional Perspectives articles. Tina Bergstrom of Old Dominion University has likewise accepted the challenge and will be working on topics to be named in the next issue. In addition, Tanya White, a member of our award-winning committee for the past three years, moved on to a new career at Norfolk State University (See People and Places in the News). I am pleased to announce that she has agreed to continue on the committee for 0506 and will contribute articles from her new perspective in Student Affairs. The Newsletter Committee is planning to create a new section on Private Career School topics and we are seeking a willing participant to join our committee from the Private Career Sector. If you are interested, please contact me directly at 301-942-9525 or via my email address below.

As Brad Barnett takes over the reins as President from Tom Morehouse, there is a new theme for 0506. Brad’s theme is “Communication, Continuity, and Commitment To Be A Financial Aid Survivor”. Take a guess at which TV show he watches in the little spare time that he has. In the newsletter, you will begin to see article headers to reflect Brad’s theme. If you have Financial Aid Survival Knowledge tips or just thoughts, write to the newsletter and we’ll publish them. Until then, the newsletter committee wishes you a wonderful Summer. The best Survival suggestion for the Summer is to spend some time with family and away from the office.

The next issue of the newsletter is scheduled for publication on October 1st. Please send your input by September 10th to me at gary.a.spoales@bankofamerica.com.

Advertising is now a part of the Sponsorship program. Our advertisers for the Fall issue were Citizen's Bank and USA Funds. The advertisers for the Winter issue were Bank of America, M&T Bank and Bank One. VASFAA is the Spring and Summer advertiser. Thank you once again to everyone who provided material for this newsletter. The entire association appreciates your efforts. As always, this issue contributors are listed at the end of the newsletter.

Article Guidelines
The Editorial staff will review all articles submitted for publication. Submissions should be of a professional interest to the association and not include marketing and/or advertising of products, services, websites or personnel.

Full articles should be no longer than two typed pages single spaced. It is requested that all submissions be provided in 10 pt size with Arial font type to save our publishing editor time and energy.

AD and Picture Guidelines
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