Keyimani Alford
Keyimani Alford took a work study job to help pay for his university education, and it turned into a career.
“I enjoy the interaction with the students and their families, helping them with the logistics of getting financial aid,” says Alford, who is now an assistant director in the Department of Financial Aid, Student Employment and Military Education Benefits at the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee.
Maria Solis received financial aid for college that turned her life in a totally different direction.
“I was from a low-income, first generation immigrant family, headed by a single parent and I didn’t have a stellar high school grade point average,” says Solis, assistant director of UWM’s scholarship program.
A social worker helped her find a way to go to college. “College was an experience that changed my life. Because of that I wanted to help others see the value of post-secondary education.”
As the first in their own families to attend college, both Alford and Solis are deeply committed to helping students find the financial means to attend UWM.
“The financial aid process is not as difficult as it may seem,” says Alford.
“Being the first in your family to go to college can be a bigger barrier than finances,” adds Solis.
Alford, born in California and raised in Milwaukee by his aunt, graduated from UWM with a criminal justice degree in 2002.
He earned part of the money for his education through a three-year work-study job as a peer advisor in the Department of Financial Aid, Student Employment, and Military Education Benefits.
He liked the work and the office so much that when he was offered a position as a full-time advisor after graduation, he was quick to accept. Counting his student years, he’s been with UWM’s Department of Financial Aid, Student Employment, and Military Education Benefits for nearly 15 years.
Solis grew up in Waukesha, started college at UW-Whitewater, and graduated from Ottawa University.
She worked in precollege programs before coming to UWM for a position in multicultural recruitment.
She joined the scholarship office because it was such a good fit with her passion to help students succeed.
“It was a great opportunity to help students understand the college enrollment process and take advantage of the opportunities that exist for scholarships,” she says.
Alford and Solis have a number of suggestions for students and parents planning for university finances.
Since 80 percent of UWM students work, Alford advises students to look for an on-campus job first.
“The schools and departments here know academics come first and they can be more flexible with the schedule than other employers.”
Military education benefits can also help some students.
UWM has the largest population of student veterans in Wisconsin, and the Military Education Benefits Office can help students apply those benefits to further their education.
Incoming students are rightfully concerned about loan debt, says Alford. If student loans are necessary, he advises them: “Don’t borrow money that you don’t have to, and budget your money.”
UWM offers a Financial Literacy 101 course to help make students smart borrowers.
“I’d encourage all students to attend that,” says Alford, “because it will help them with their life overall.”
Students shouldn’t overlook scholarships, says Solis.
In 2012-13, the university awarded $3.7 million worth of scholarships.
UWM has numerous scholarships available through the university and individual departments.
“That’s a lot of money,” says Solis.
Her advice to high school students looking to earn some of it: “Do well academically and be involved at your school and in the community.”
It’s normal for first-generation students to worry about how they’ll afford college, or if they’ll have enough academic support, says Alford.
“But we have great structures in place on the UWM campus to help students succeed.
If they really want a university degree, it’s achievable.”
And for those students who graduate and are successful, Solis reminds them to do as she does and encourage other students, students who were like them, with words of support and donations to scholarship funds when possible.
“There’s no better gift you can give than the gift of education.”
For more information: Visit http://www4.uwm.edu/financialaid/ Email schlrshp@uwm. edu or finaid@uwm.edu
Follow UWM on facebook.com/UWMscholarships or twitter.com/uwmfinaid. Veterans and their dependents can email vets@uwm.edu or visit uwm.edu/mebo.