Nelnet is pleased to introduce the second-quarterly Nelnet Full Circle Award under our quarterly recognition program designed to highlight the professional excellence of Financial Aid Officers. The second 2003 award recipient is Glendi Gaddis, Director of Student Financial Services for Lewis & Clark College.

"Glendi is honored to be nominated, let alone given such an award. She is a kind and value- oriented director, mentor, and friend," said Tami Trover, Vice President of ASAP Union Bank and Trust who on the recommendation of Anastacia Dillon, Associate Director of Student Financial Services for Lewis & Clark College, nominated Ms. Gaddis for the Full Circle Award.

Ms. Gaddis has been at the forefront of financial aid change for 13 years, 11 of those years as a Director of Financial Aid. She has worked at three colleges (Whitworth College, Pacific University, and Lewis & Clark College) providing services to students in all areas that surround the financial aid process. "I have a firm belief that financial aid is a critical support service in the same vein as residence life and advising services. My vision is to deliver financial aid information and resources to students and their families in ways that are relevant and clear," stated Ms. Gaddis.

Ms. Gaddis credits her many mentors that have provided direction and support over the years for helping shape her vision and success as a Financial Aid Director. "I am blessed to work with a terrific staff who are capable and committed to the financial aid arena. My success as a Financial Aid Director is completely related to the good work they do. Much of my management style is attributed to John Reed and Bart Howard, two men that gave me opportunities and encouragement to develop skills and abilities in my chosen field. They are both dedicated higher education professionals who don't realize the impact that they have had on my career and my life."

"Financial Aid Directors such as Glendi Gaddis play a significant role in highlighting the importance of making educational dreams possible. Nelnet is please and honored to award Ms. Gaddis for her outstanding dedication and commitment to students and parents," said Scott Spethman, Managing Director of Nelnet Campus Solutions.

Nelnet presents the Full Circle Award quarterly. Recipients receive a crystal desk trophy with their name, date, and award description, and will also be featured in Nelnet's national school newsletter, "the Nelnet Update." Recipients will also be recognized on the Nelnet Web site, www.nelnet.net. To nominate a Financial Aid Officer, Nelnet school representatives, coworkers, or other college offices can write a one paragraph nomination letter outlining how the nominee demonstrates excellence, and e-mail it to nelnetcommunications@nelnet.net, or mail it to Nelnet Communications, 121 South 13th Street, Suite 400, Lincoln, NE 68508.