THEN AND NOW: REFLECTIONS ON THE PAST
&
PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

From the VASFAA Archives:  1974-75 (30 Years Ago)

In the fall 1974 edition of the VASFAA Newsletter, the editor, Sue Ross, reported the importance of the VASFAA Fall Meeting.  It was being held on October 2 and 3 in Charlottesville.  Duke Eldridge, UVA’s financial aid director, arranged for the hotel (Howard Johnson’s Motor Lodge) with a rate of $13 a night for a single and $16 a night for a double. Wouldn’t you like to have those rates at our present day conferences?

Our president for the 1974-75 year was Gary Groneweg.  Gary was the director of financial aid at Longwood College.  He received his A.A. degree from Chaffey College in Social Science, a B. A. degree from California State University at Humboldt in Business Administration, and a Master’s degree in Education from Longwood College. He became the director of financial aid in 1970.

The September 1974 newsletter stated that there were 61 active and 37 associate members in VASFAA.  It also reported that the association’s checking account balance was $2,171.56.

SASFAA held its Twelfth Annual Meeting at The John Marshall Hotel in Richmond, VA on February 16-19, 1975.  SASFAA’s president was Virginia’s own Priscilla Light of RMWC!

Of main concern for financial aid administrators was the Department of Labor’s proposal to remove the sub-minimum wage for college work-study students.  The removal of this ability would restrict the number of students who could benefit from this program. The aid administrators were also concerned about the timing of the implementation of this proposal.

The spring conference was held at the Sheraton Motor Inn in Fredericksburg on May 8 and 9, 1075.  Registration fee for the conference was $15 for members and $20 for non-members.  This included the luncheon.

The spring newsletter reported that 258 people attended the ‘74-‘75 VASFAA sponsored financial aid workshops for high school counselors. Bob MacDonald, Director of Financial Aid at Madison College was the committee chairman who coordinated these workshops.

Thanks to all previous VASFAA members for their hard work and dedication to VASFAA.  Because of this, we are a much stronger and viable association today!

Submitted by Holly Rison, VASFAA Archivist, Randolph Macon College

Professional Opportunities

Hagerstown Community College                                            
Student Financial Aid Counselor Req#04-058
Position assists in processing student financial aid awards using the DataTel/Colleague system.

SALARY RANGE: Grade 10 – hiring range $31,671 - $36,422 per fiscal year

DATE OPEN:  April 12, 2004

QUALIFICATIONS:  Education and Experience – Bachelor’s Degree required; two (2) years experience in higher education preferably in a financial aid office; intense training on financial aid regulations and procedures can be substituted for the higher education experience requirement; experience with DataTel Colleague and PC-based financial aid application software helpful; prior personal income tax preparation experience helpful.

Skills and Abilities - excellent customer service skills; ability to perform detail-work and ability to remain task oriented in a busy office environment with many interruptions; ability to communicate effectively with people of varied socio-economic backgrounds.

DUTIES:  Download in doc format.  http://www.hagerstowncc.edu/uploads/intranet/humanresources/2032.doc

APPLICATION INFORMATION:  Title of position must be referenced in application materials. Submit application/resume with clear delineation of full-time and part-time employment (length of service, places, job titles, duties) to: Human Resources Office, Hagerstown Community College, 11400 Robinwood Drive, Hagerstown, Maryland 21742-6590, 301-790-2800, Extension 243.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  April 2, 2004

SunTrust Bank Student Loan Operations Specialist

A Student Loan Operations Specialist will be responsible for the day to day operations and management of the Education Loan out-sourced vendors and partners.  The position will manage specialized operation functions of great complexity.  This position is also responsible for fostering relationships and maintaining communication channels with assigned key clients and regional sales.  The specialist must demonstrate accuracy and attention to detail while working in a fast paced environment as well as being a team player.  This position will also require analytical research, customer service, judgment calls and decision making.   This position will also assist  in resolving issues for the Education Loans accounting area.  The specialist will work independently and manage individual goals.

Responsibilities include:  Monthly vendor management conference calls, School set-up processing requests, Review of marketing materials, Management of loan transfers, Support sales efforts by providing reactive and proactive assistance in resolving issues as they arise;  Development and management of relationships with assigned schools in order to safeguard and increase volume; Respond to Requests for Proposals, Review of vendor monthly reports for follow up and additional reporting.

Job Skills:  Qualified candidates must have: College degree; Minimum 2 years of student loan experience is preferred; project management experience; strong verbal and written communication skills; analytical skills; attention to detail; proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Access; Working  of Power Point presentation; ability to travel; ability to work independently and prioritize work flow is a must; 2 years operations experience and exceptional problem solving skills.

If you are interested in this  employment opportunity, please contact Tom Eggleston, SunTrust Human Resources Department.  The e-mail address is:  Tom.Eggleston@SunTrust.com