[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 149 (Tuesday, November 16, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1915-E1916]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING ALLAN W. PURDY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BLAINE LUETKEMEYER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 16, 2010

  Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Allan W. Purdy, 
the founding president of the National Association of Student Financial 
Aid Administrators (NASFAA). On October 13, 2010, this strong advocate 
for higher education passed away at 96. He dedicated his life to 
removing financial barriers to education and helping students access 
awards, scholarships, and financial aid.
  Purdy's life experiences strongly influenced his passion for 
financial aid and serving students. He graduated from high school in 
the middle of the Great Depression and worked his way through college 
with the help of the National Youth Administration, a newly created 
national work program for students. He earned a mere $15 a month, which 
paid for his graduate degree from the College of Agriculture at the 
University of Missouri.
  After graduation, Purdy served his country in the U.S. Navy as a PT 
boat captain during World War II. After the war, he returned to the 
University of Missouri to work as an extension horticulturist. In this 
position, he toured the state helping farmers resolve problems with 
their crops. Here, he saw firsthand the number of qualified students 
who lacked the financial resources to attend college and vowed to 
advocate on their behalf for more grants and work aid. The University 
of Missouri's president promoted him to assistant to the dean of the 
College of Agriculture, which led to his role in creating a department 
in the president's office to coordinate scholarships, jobs, and loans 
for all the students on campus.
  Under the direction of the University of Missouri's president, Purdy 
began meeting with other aid administrators in the Midwest and helped 
form the Midwest Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators in 
1962. During this time, Congress was working on student aid issues and 
looked to the six regional, financial associations for suggestions. In 
hope of creating a more unified voice, Purdy strongly advocated for a 
national structure. In 1966, the regional representatives created the 
National Student Financial Aid Council, and Allan

[[Page E1916]]

Purdy served as its chair for three years. It became NASFAA in 1969 and 
has always stressed the importance and needs of students.
  A large part of the organization's success is attributed to Purdy's 
tireless efforts and ability to build strong relationships with key 
policymakers and higher education advocates. He developed a reputation 
for being an excellent witness at congressional hearings and 
established NASFAA as a trusted resource for financial aid information.
  In 1975, Purdy received the first Lifetime Membership Award, the 
highest award that NASFAA can bestow. He retired in 1979 and was 
appointed to the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority's (MOHELA's) 
Board of Directors in 1981.
  We have lost an irreplaceable advocate for college access and 
success. I believe educating our youth is one of the most important 
aspects in equipping our children with the necessary tools to succeed. 
Madam Speaker, I ask all my colleagues to join me in acknowledging 
Allan Purdy and his efforts to reduce barriers to higher education.

                          ____________________