Index of Updates
December 2009
Brad Hardison
2009 CCCSFAAA President
All Hands on Deck
Last year when I spoke at the CCCSFAAA Conference, I spoke of how the
"calling to volunteer" had been a part of my life growing up
and how my parents had been a big part of that. They are here today
with me as they were last year to complete the circle. One of the many
activities I shared with my parents as a kid was sailing. I remember
how much work it was but how rewarding as well. I also recall what a
team effort is involved by all the crew on a boat.
Today, I would like to reflect on my 2009 year as CCCSFAAA President
and how a group of volunteers (crew) - your CCCSFAAA Board made so much
happen for our community college students and financial aid
administrators. When I say that I received so much more out of my
involvement with CCCSFAAA than I put in, I truly believe that. I think
the same could be said of many of my colleagues up here on the stage
with me. The relationships and friendships I have created are memorable
and meaningful to me. When you work closely with others on issues you
are passionate about, I believe you create strong bonds.
I also gained first hand information and was invited to be at the
table when issues of financial aid policy or regulations were being
discussed. As a CCCSFAAA officer and President, my role was to steer
the organization and make sure we were in the room when issues of
importance to community college financial aid were being discussed. It
definitely took a team of dedicated and humble board members to do
that on our ship. Our organization is fortunate to have individuals
willing to give freely of their time above and beyond their
responsibilities within their offices.
When I began the year, our board had developed several goals we wanted
to pursue. Goals of this nature are sometimes not completed but rather
progress is made toward them over several years. When steering a ship,
you must make course corrections to account for hazards in your path
or opportunities that are nearby. CCCSFAAA members and financial aid
administrators are good at being adaptable to such changes and always
looking for how challenges can be turned into benefits for students.
My work in financial aid is always guided by how we can serve students
better. I spoke of that several times in my President's Messages. I
would ask each of you to consider using that same compass - in your
life as it relates to our profession. My compass has served me well in
decisions I make in my office or directions or positions CCCSFAAA may
take. Much of the time spent in CCCSFAAA Board Meetings is consumed
with talking about issues and what is best for students. I am proud to
work with a group of colleagues that believe in putting service and
access to students first.
The work of CCCSFAAA in the past, now and in the future is done by
volunteers. I am inspired when I see others willing to offer their
expertise and assistance to future the mission of our organization. I
want to mention a few of my mentors and individuals who have inspired
me in this way. Beth Asmus - College of the Canyons, Toni Dubois,
formerly of Long Beach City College and now Fullerton College and
Craig Yamamoto, formerly of Sierra College and now Sacramento State
University. This is but of few of my mentors and guides in life.
As I said earlier, the relationships and friendships I have gained are
immeasurable. Beth, Toni and Craig are but a few examples of this. The
most important person in my life is my husband, Nicolas. Many of you
know him as he is always by my side both physically and emotionally to
support me. He too volunteers for CCCSFAAA and is always willingly to
help me in tasks needing attention.
As our CCCSFAAA ship comes into port and my time as captain comes to an
end, I know that the journey embarked on by your 2010 CCCSFAAA Board
will be both rewarding and vital. We need your help as CCCSFAAA members
so when Jacque calls - "All hands on deck", please respond. You will be
blessed like I with relationships and inner rewards you could not imagine.
Thank you for allowing me to serve as your 2009 CCCSFAAA President.
