President's Update

Index of Updates

November 2009
Brad Hardison
2009 CCCSFAAA President

We Made It!

What a challenging year we have had! We should be proud of all we have accomplished. The work we do each and every day helps students reach their goals by assisting them financially. I realize that doing our work becomes more difficult with rising applications and no additional resources. I feel proud of our commitment to students in these economic times.

That commitment to students carries forward into the work that CCCSFAAA accomplished this year. Our advocacy efforts have been sustained and constant. Our team of CCCCSFAAA volunteers (yes we do this above and beyond our regular jobs), wrote letters and testified at legislative hearings all in order to stave off cuts to our operational funding or the funding of our students in the form of Cal Grants. I look forward to sharing my contacts and strategies with Jacque Bradley as your incoming CCCSFAAA President and Sherrie Padilla, your incoming President Elect and State Issues Chair. I know they will both carry forward the high standards of CCCSFAAA leadership we have seen in the past.

I have made a concerted effort to try to encourage members to get involved in the volunteer opportunities of CCCSFAAA. I am happy to report that we have brought in many new members to assist us with activities such as our annual conference. Even our board has seen some new faces join. Three of our regional representatives are new – Yvonne Glashan, Sierra College, Region 2, Janeen Beard, Ventura College, Region 6 and Gregory Sanchez, San Diego City College, Region 10. Our other regional representatives are either finishing out the second year of their two year term or have decided to join us for another term on the board.

If you are still looking to get involved, we have committees you can serve on that require a few hours or less per month on a conference call at the convenience of your desk. You can simply sign up at the CCCSFAAAA website under Member Services and Volunteer Form. We can certainly use your help.

Our premier training opportunity is just around the corner in San Jose from December 10th to December 12th. I am excited that many of you can join us. I know that some of you may not be able to attend for various reasons. I encourage you to talk with your colleagues who attended so you stay informed. You will also be able to download the financial aid presentations from the CCCSFAAA website soon after the conference. We will send out a notice when the majority are posted.

I would like to end this message with something I got from one of our members. It resonated with me. It said

"This is a time of year when we all can slow down our fast paced lives and reflect on all the things for which we are thankful.I have so much for which I am grateful...I hope you all have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving. Hug your loved ones, enjoy your time away from the job, and take time to reflect on for those things that make your own lives special."

It has been a delight and pleasure serving as your CCCSFAAA President. Be sure to take extra time for yourself and the loved ones in your lives in the coming weeks. You deserve it!