[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 8]
[Senate]
[Page 11033]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO R. PRESTON WOODRUFF, JR.

 Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
Arkansan who has committed over a quarter of a century of his life 
creating programs that enhance access to higher education for 
Arkansans.
  During his tenure as chairman of the board of directors and then as 
executive director for the Arkansas Student Loan Authority, ASLA, Mr. 
R. Preston Woodruff, Jr., has unselfishly shared his knowledge and 
talents to ensure that students are equipped with the financial 
resources needed to become future leaders in our State and our Nation.
  Programs established under Preston's leadership include: EdLoan--a 
special loan for Arkansas teachers which offers incredibly low interest 
rates for those who choose to remain in Arkansas to teach in grades K 
through 12. Student Outreach Services--a program available to all 
Arkansas schools which provides materials and seminars to high school 
counselors and their students in order to promote the benefits of 
higher education and the means to achieve a higher education. Student 
Advantage Scholarships--25 scholarships awarded annually by ASLA. This 
program was formed as a means to create interest in the financial aid 
process and to provide funds to assist in gaining access to higher 
education. Honor Roll Student Loan Borrower Benefit Program--a program 
that offers the lowest student loan interest rates available to 
Arkansas students.
  Preston was also instrumental in establishing the Education Finance 
Council, EFC, an association of not-for-profit State student loan 
secondary markets that played an important role in influencing 
legislation regarding the Federal Family Education Loan Program.
  On June 30, 2004, Preston will officially retire from his position as 
executive director for ASLA. He is a living example of the many 
outstanding Americans who were born and educated in Arkansas, and I am 
privileged to recognize his tireless commitment to Arkansas students 
and outstanding leadership as executive director of the Arkansas 
Student Loan Authority.

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