President's Message
By Guy Gibbs, President 2005-2006

I prefaced the September 2005 newsletter with “Remember Our Colleagues” and that still remains the primary topic for the Winter issue of the newsletter as well. We will certainly remember this fall as the “Season of Hurricanes,” and continue to remember and to pray for the recovery of victims in our SASFAA region—Florida, Alabama and Mississippi—as well as our colleagues in Louisiana and Texas.

When we look back at the destruction from the hurricanes, we are reminded of the kindness and generosity of our colleagues and others around the country. I recently reported to the NASFAA Board of Directors our region’s thanks for support shown.

* American Red Cross Chapters identified by MASFAA President

In addition to the monetary contribution given directly to the state associations, funds have been contributed to the national service providers such as the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. National lenders, guarantee agencies and others also contributed generously to the recovery efforts of affected states in SASFAA and SWASFAA.

Greensboro or Bust
Have you marked your calendars for the 2006 Conference? “Financial Aid Unmasked” is the theme for SASFAA’s 43rd annual conference and you’re invited to help remove the masks. The conference will be held at the Sheraton Four Seasons in Greensboro, North Carolina from February 12-15, 2006. We will be joined at the conference by Jeff Baker, US Department of Education; Dr. Dallas Martin, President of NASFAA; Dave Gelinas, NASFAA National Chair and SASFAA Past President; Dan Mann, President of MASFAA; and Michael Rodriguez, NASFAA Representative-at-Large from New Mexico. Won’t you join me and the SASFAA Board in extending a hearty SASFAA welcome to our guests? Let’s shown then what true southern hospitality is all about. You will find additional conference information at www.sasfaa.org.

Elections
Elsewhere in the newsletter you will find information about the upcoming SASFAA elections. Please exercise your right and vote for the candidates that you feel can best lead SASFAA forward in the coming years. Congratulations to Freida Jones and Lisanne Masterson, candidates for President-elect; Sandy Neel and Barry Simmons, candidates for Vice President; and Deborah Byrd and Jeanie Holmes, candidates for Secretary. Thanks to Past President Janet Sain and the committee for working to identify candidates.

NASFAA Board Meeting
Susan Little, Brent Tener and I attended the NASFAA board meeting in Austin, Texas, November 12-15, 2005. Susan is filling the term of Janet Sain as a voting member to the SASFAA board and Brent joins the board as an observer this year. While conducting business of the national association, I also had time to meet with and to share interests and ideas with the regional presidents from EASFAA, MASFAA, SWASFAA, RMASFAA and WASFAA.

SASFAA Leadership and Strategic Planning Summit
The SASFAA Leadership and Strategic Planning Summit was held in Charlotte, North Carolina, November 11-12, 2005, and can only be described as a success. You will find additional information about the summit elsewhere in the newsletter. Thanks to the active participation of your colleagues from each of our member states, much was accomplished in moving the association forward. The planning for the summit was extensive and a special thank you is extended to the Long Range Planning Committee for their dedication and hard work in identifying the facilitator and for ensuring a well-planned agenda.

I would like to extend my wishes to each of you and your families for a safe and memorable holiday season. Merry Christmas everyone!