History

A Rich History of Creating Access to Postsecondary Education

Helios Education Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals in Arizona and Florida by creating opportunities for success in postsecondary education. The Foundation strategically invests in programs and initiatives which address some of the most critical issues affecting education today.

Helios Education Foundation is an outgrowth of the conversion and reorganization of Southwest Student Services Corporation, a non-profit organization and its affiliates Arizona Educational Loan Marketing Corporation (AELMAC) and Florida Educational Loan Marketing Corporation (FELMAC). Southwest was a full-service provider of student loan products and services. At the time of the reorganization, it was the eighth largest holder of federally insured student loans in the country.

On February 27, 2004, Southwest Student Services Corporation was sold to SLM Corporation for just over $500 million. The net proceeds of the sale funded the endowment of the Foundation. Today, Helios is a burgeoning organization focused in three impact areas: Early Childhood Education; Transition Years (Grades 5 -12); and Postsecondary scholarships. Since its inception, Helios has invested millions of dollars across Arizona and Florida to improve student success and their long-term quality of life.

Helios is governed by an eight member Board of Directors comprised of individuals with strong ties to Arizona and Florida. Vince Roig, Chairman of Helios Education Foundation; Paul J. Luna, President and CEO of Helios Education Foundation; Dr. Don Aripoli, VP for University Advancement of Missouri State University; Mark Fernandez, Sr. VP and Chief Sales Officer, Tampa Bay Rays; Tom Herndon, retired Executive Director of the Florida State Board of Administration; Dr. Ioanna Morfessis of IO.INC, President and CEO of Women's Fresh Start Foundation, Barbara J. Ralston and President of Tri-R Consulting Group, LLC, Jane Roig.