2005 CCCSFAAA AWARD
NOMINATIONS
OUTSTANDING SERVICE - Nominee – RICK RAMS
Not only has Rick revived “The
CCCSFAAA Report” newsletter, he went much, much further. He set the bar at a much higher level for the
future. He hounded executive board and members
for news! (That makes him eligible for
the outstanding service award just by itself!!!) He delivered on his promise of four issues - a full-color beautiful publication featuring12
to 16 pages in each issue of informative news, articles, announcements, and
photos. He insisted on specific
information in each issue of “The News” including federal issues, web features,
leadership, outreach, committee reports, Chancellor’s Office updates and event
coverage. Rick has left his personal
legacy and thumbprint on this publication.
“The CCCSFAAA Report” newsletter represented
each of the 109 California Community Colleges within our segment (the largest system of higher educational in
the world) and the entire CCCSFAAA organization as financial aid professionals.
I applaud his hard work and dedication to excellence with a standing ovation!!!!
LEADERSHIP AWARD – Nominee –
SUSAN JONES
Although Susan’s dynasty
(year as CCCSFAAA President) is about to come to a close – there is no way the
legacy she has left us will be soon forgotten.
Susan’s brainchild “May is Financial Aid Awareness Month” is testament
to her dedication as a financial aid professional. Her leadership has built bridges with many of
our financial aid partners at the state level.
And, her journey hasn’t always been smooth sailing, but her personal and
professional integrity has tenaciously led us onward and upward at every turn
in the road. It’s been a political and
trying year with budget shortfalls, federal reauthorization, reorganization, and
Capitol Hill politics on the both the state and federal level, and Susan has
been relentless in her desire to stay “plugged in” to keep her board and
membership informed and involved in shaping the outcomes as an outspoken
advocate for community college students and community college financial aid
staff. We don’t call her the “Susan-nator” for nothing!
HALL OF FAME – Nominee –
CRAIG YAMAMOTO
Ah! What to say about the infamous “Flaming
Yamamoto”. He is a man of many, many
quiet talents. In Craig’s caring and
soft spoken way, he has been leading the charge and carrying the flag for a
number of years now for CCCSFAAA. I did
a bit of research on Craig in preparation of this Hall of Fame nomination. Allow me to extract Craig’s own words from
his “President’s Message” in the April 2004 edition of “The CCCSFAAA
News”. And I quote,
“These are some of the
ambitious goals we set for this coming year.
– Strengthen our partnership with CASFAA, CSAC, Chancellor’s Office,
Craig speaks, writes,
represents, reads, dreams and mentors on behalf of our association
everyday! He gives credit where credit
is due. He embodies all the
characteristics and qualities of a great leader. Craig Yamamoto is a mentor to each and every
one of us! He works tirelessly on behalf
of our association! He believes in us.
He is a shining example for us of the importance our work to the students on
our campuses. Nothing sidetracks him
from his work – his passion – student financial aid.
I have always made my
decisions for “Hall of Fame” nominations by asking myself two questions. Do we need to clone him or her? And, would
our professional lives been different without his or her personal legacy left
behind? I really cannot think of one
person who has had such a positive impact on CCCSFAAA…and thankfully, he’s
still around! Like Craig says, our
association is only as strong as its volunteers. Thank heavens Craig still volunteers and
gives us strength!
B. Asmus
9/23/2005