On the recordApril 28, 2025
Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate Noel Simpson, senior director of the Rhode Island Student Loan Authority (RISLA), on his upcoming retirement and thank him for his more than three decades of service dedicated to Rhode Island students, families, and educators. Noel joined RISLA as a consultant in 1993. At the time, Noel was one of just the handful of employees managing the duties of the organization. Over the next several years, Noel led the rapid expansion of RISLA, developing a full team of professional staff and allowing the organization to become a leading voice on student loans and financial services in Rhode Island. As RISLA grew, Noel's career did as well, with Noel rising through the ranks and being named chief financial officer, deputy director, and eventually senior director. For the last 25 years, I have been proud to team up with Noel and RISLA to host our annual ``Financial Aid Nights.'' These workshops are dedicated to giving college-bound students and families a chance to learn firsthand from student aid experts about how to access financial aid opportunities for college. Students learn about financial aid eligibility criteria and the application process, such as completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The goal of this workshop is to educate students who need help paying for college, helping students navigate complicated and unfamiliar financial decisions.…





