NASFAA Mourns the Passing of 2002-2003 National Chair Charles Bruce
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of longtime financial aid advocate and friend Charles Bruce. Charlie retired in 2014 after serving for 33 years as the director of scholarships and financial aid at Oklahoma State University (OSU). Charlie was a stalwart supporter of financial aid and the students he served. During his tenure at OSU, he succeeded in implementing programs to aid low-income first-generation middle school and high school students in pursuing a college education, first by procuring a grant to launch an OSU Upward Bound program and later through the introduction of OSU's Educational Talent Search Program.
He was passionate about ensuring all qualified students had the means to attend a postsecondary institution and dedicated his time to numerous NASFAA initiatives, committees, and task forces, including the Task Force on Professional Excellence, the Training Committee, the Research Committee, the Committee on Access and Choice, the editorial boards for both the Student Aid Transcript and the Journal of Student Aid, the Finance Committee, the Association Governance and Membership Committee, the Diversity Multicultural Round Table Group, and the Federal Issues Committee. Charlie served from 2002-2003 as the NASFAA National Chair, providing sound leadership and guidance for the organization.
In addition to his involvement with NASFAA, he was actively involved at the state and regional levels, where he received accolades for his dedication. In 1993-94, Charlie was honored with the Southwest Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators' (SWASFAA) Leo Hatten Distinguished Service Award for his outstanding achievements to the financial aid profession and to SWASFAA’s goals, and in 1999 the NASFAA Leadership Award was bestowed upon him.
Our sincerest condolences and best wishes go out to Charlie's family and friends and to SWASFAA. He will remain in our thoughts.
Publication Date: 11/13/2018
James S | 11/15/2018 3:57:29 PM
Charlie hired me as a grad assistant in 1991. He hired me again in 2012 as an associate director. I learned an incalculable amount from him over the years. He was always in my corner, and certainly miss him and his counsel.
Kevin B | 11/13/2018 5:46:05 PM
Charlie introduced me to the financial aid profession – hiring me first as a work-study student at DePauw University, and later as a graduate assistant at Oklahoma State. Charlie taught me the nuts and bolts of financial aid and so much more, including the importance of kindness and having a good sense of humor. I’m thankful to have known him and for his impact on my professional life.
Vicki H | 11/13/2018 10:10:49 AM
Charlie Bruce was compassionate about students and financial aid. I always enjoyed my interactions with Charlie, he was such a respected administrator in our state, region, and the nation. The students of Oklahoma were blessed to have him administering financial aid. My prayers are with his family, his love for his family was evident. Charlie we will miss you.
Mark B | 11/13/2018 8:56:11 AM
Charlie made a tremendous difference in my professional life teaching about the merits of one grant/one loan/one work - a philosophy for which I continue to advocate at every possible opportunity. It was a joy being his colleague on many committees. Here's to a life well lived! I'll miss you, Charlie!
Cheryl L | 11/13/2018 8:52:01 AM
Charlie was the epitome of a compassionate, caring, collegial financial aid administrator. He was a role model to many of us in Oklahoma and throughout the country and didn't hesitate to lend a helping hand when needed. He will be missed.
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