The new Dallas Martin Endowment (DME) for Public Policy and Student Aid is an ambitious and fitting project for our profession to support. Named after NASFAA’s beloved leader for over three decades, the DME will honor Dallas’s legacy of embracing the goal of increased access to higher education. It will also increase NASFAA’s financial aid public policy efforts by cultivating the next generation of financial aid leaders through internships to upper-division undergraduate and graduate students to conduct financial aid research and policy analysis. In addition, the endowment will establish an Information Resource Center and Library on Public Policy and Student Aid.

Your tax deductible contributions are needed to raise the $300,000 necessary to establish the endowment. You can make your donation now. Donations of $100 or more will be listed in the Student Aid Transcript, while donations of $500 or more will be recognized on a commemorative plaque that will hang in the new Resource Center and Library at NASFAA’s headquarters.

As a result of his leadership, Dallas Martin did more for this nation’s students than any person I know. He tirelessly advocated on students’ behalf to enact legislation and policies that support equity in student financial aid. I know that many of you have a favorite story concerning Dallas. Please share your stories in response to this blog and join us all to rejoice in his legacy and to donate to a good cause.