Receiving financial aid is a must for many students to even begin a college education, but for Lone Star College–CyFair’s Irma Chapa, providing financial aid assistance is a lifelong love.
For three decades and at three community college districts, Chapa has worked in financial aid. And last month, she was one of three advisors to receive a 30-year pin service award at the Texas Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (TASFAA) conference.
“It was a great surprise and very emotional for me to receive the service pin and with a standing ovation from all the conference attendees,” said Chapa, student support specialist IV, veterans liaison. “Two weeks after graduating from high school I began my journey in the financial aid area as a work-study student. Now, it was 30 years in June 2007, and it’s hard to believe I am still in love with financial aid.”
She has helped students throughout Texas begin their own educational journey. Her career began at Texas State Technical College - Harlingen in South Texas. Then she began working for community college districts including Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD) in North Texas; Collin County Community College District (CCCCD), and now in Lone Star College–CyFair under Lone Star College System in East Texas.
“Many students do not have the luxury of attending school without financial help and if I can assist at least one student, this is my reward,” she said. “Many students don’t even realize behind-the-scenes work it takes to be able to award their funds and very few return and say thanks, but I know I have made a difference in someone’s life.”
Lone Star College–CyFair participates in numerous programs that provide financial aid. Contacting the financial aid department well in advance of registering for classes is recommended. Priority is given to students’ financial aid applications if they have completed the process prior to April 1. After the priority date, financial awards are made as long as funds are available. Funds are usually awarded for the following fall and spring semesters.
For information, call 281-290-3200 or 832-782-5000 or go online to cyfair.lonestar.edu.