History of our
Association
On May 18, 1973, a group of Financial Aid directors from various Universities met in order to organize and create what our Association is today. The Rudder Committee was presented, which was entrusted with organizing and drafting the Draft Constitution. The work plan was established and the first committees were assigned. The first Directive was also elected. It was made up of the following people:
President - Mr. PĆo Maldonado ā U.P.R.
Vice President ā Mr. RamĆ³n GandĆa ā Regional College of BayamĆ³n (Today UPRB).
Secretary-Treasurer ā Mr. Wilfredo Torres ā University. Interamerican.
On October 2, 1973, it was incorporated and given the name āAssociation of Financial Aid Administrators for University Students, INC.ā Then they officially meet again a year later, on May 23, 1974. That year the name is amended and it is known as the āAssociation of Financial Aid Administrators of Puerto Rico for University Students, INC.ā Already in its third meeting, on December 13, 1974, the board of directors agreed to meet every month, on the last working day of the first week of the month, beginning in February 1975. In 1975, following the resignation of the president and Vice President, the Association was inactive for almost three years (1976-1978).
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In 1979 she resurfaced with new vigor, being elected president on October 19 of that year, in the Meeting Room of the Administration of Regional Colleges, Mrs. MarĆa I. De JesĆŗs, Dean of Economic Assistance of the Inter-American University. In that year, many committees were created and the Association's coat of arms was created (November 29, 1979) designed by Mr. Alfredo GarcĆa, an illustrator and Puerto Rican. The first newsletter entitled FOCUS is also created, with a first print run of 100 copies.
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In 1979-80 the Association joins the national associations of EASFAA and NASFAA.
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It is in the year 1983, which is proclaimed on December 1, as the Day of the Financial Aid Administrator.
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In 1985, an "Ethics" committee was established to study and report situations that could affect the professional morality of the Association and its "status in the university community".
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In 1987, the translation from English to Spanish of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, better known as "FAFSA" was achieved.
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In 1989, the Puerto Rico income tax return is included as an option on the parent or student forms on the FAFSA.
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In 1995, the first Audited Financial Statement of the Association's funds was prepared.
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In 1997 the History Committee was created. It was inactive for several years and resurfaced in 2018.
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Between the years 2000 to 2002 the Professional Workshops of spring and autumn begin. Training workshops are also started to develop leaders within the Association. The page www.prasfaa.org is created. In addition, the "Caribbean Training Center" was inaugurated in Puerto Rico, thanks to the efforts of our Association. Collaborated with the Council of Higher Education of Puerto Rico (now the Board of Post-Secondary Institutions, (JIP)) in the drafting of the Regulations for the Administration of State Financial Aid Programs. In 2001, our first Convention was held at the Embassy Suites- Dorado del Mar Hotel on December 6 and 7.
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As a commitment to our Puerto Rican society, we established our community service program through the sponsorships we do every year at the Convention. We have brought food, clothing, basic necessities, and toys to different institutions and non-profit foundations that offer services to children, youth, or adults with economic and social needs. From 1979 to today there have been changes and innovations, but PRASFAA has continued to work tirelessly. And as we approach the celebration of our 50th anniversary, with everyone's help, we will continue to reap victories. Reaching new goals and challenges to keep our partners and students up to date with everything new in this exciting and changing world of administration of federal and state student Financial Aid programs.
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Working, projected into the future