Earning a college degree takes intelligence, commitment, and significant effort. But before a student can even enroll, he or she must have the money to pay for it. For much of his life, this alumnus has helped find ways for qualified students to fund their higher education-an investment that provides innumerable dividends throughout a lifetime.

While at Grinnell, this alumnus kept busy with the student newspaper, yearbook, and radio station. He served on the student council, played in the band and orchestra, and was a member of the track team.

He began working at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1958, and he became director of the Office of Student Financial Services in 1964. It was a title he held for 30 years. During his career, he held posts at numerous financial aid and educational organizations. He founded the Wisconsin Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators and served as its president twice. He was president of the Midwest Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, and he was a member of the Commission on Collegiate Athletics for the American Council on Education.

He served as a trainer and presenter at state, regional, and national conferences and has consulted for the U.S. Department of Education, the Big Ten Athletic Conference, and the College Entrance Examination Board. He has been honored for his distinguished service by a half-dozen organizations, including the U.S. Department of Education, the Great Lakes Higher Education Corporation, and the Midwest Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. Since his retirement, he has used his financial knowledge for Oakwood Village, a retirement community whose foundation provides funding for nursing assistants to obtain their nursing degree.

For helping talented students of all incomes pursue their dreams and goals through higher education, Grinnell is pleased to honor Wallace H. Douma '51.