Each year MASFAA recognizes the service and achievements of its members. Sometimes this recognition may be for a single event or accomplishment, or can reflect a long period, even a lifetime, of sustained effort. Those selected are nominated by their peers who make the awards that much more special.
All but one of the MASFAA Awards is presented at the annual Conference. The Volunteer of the Year Award (established in 2003) is presented at the end-of-year event. This year was a special year in that it was the first presentation of the Edward M. Kennedy Public Service Award. The Charles E. Jones Achievement Award, the MASFAA Presidential Award and the Charles “Jack” Sheehan Distinguished Service Award have been awarded annually since 1988.
Charles E. Jones Achievement Award
The Charles E. Jones Achievement Award is named in memory of Chuck Jones, who dedicated his career to helping students. A member of the financial aid staff at The College of the Holy Cross, Chuck was concerned about the access and delivery of aid to ALL students. Chuck was a wonderful person who had an extremely promising career that, unfortunately, was cut short by a terminal illness. This award recognizes the achievements and development of a "new" financial aid administrator.
Kate Lang, Assistant Director in Student Financial Services at Mount Holyoke College, entered the financial aid world during 2008. She quickly became a leader in her office and through liaison work has grasped the breadth of many financial aid issues and is very focused on policy development to help the most students. Kate has an exceptional attention to detail that has been extraordinarily helpful in the processing of aid applications, institutional loan processing, as well as broader issues regarding the financial aid community. Kate was described with several key qualities including service to students and parents, decision making and follow through. The nomination cited examples such as “educational phone calls using excellent communication skills, taking time where needed, a proactive approach and encouraging efforts of others in the office for proactive outreach and sensitivity in our communications.” Her decision making is guided by discovering the relevant information needed before applying appropriate professional judgment, then exploring options that are helpful to the student and consistent with policies and college needs. She knows her responsibilities and is always thinking ahead, ready for the next phase of the financial aid cycle. The nomination further stated: “she has only been in financial aid for two years, but I feel that she is able to handle anything that comes her way with intelligence, attention to detail, broad perspective, humor, and consideration.” The award was presented to Kate by Chuck Jones’ widow, Ms. Heidi Gillmore.
MASFAA Presidential Award
MASFAA’s Presidential Award recognizes outstanding service and time dedicated to MASFAA during the past years. This award recognizes important contribution to MASFAA either by a single achievement or achievements accomplished over a period of time. The recipient can be counted on to complete tasks for the Association often with little fanfare.
Cathy Kedski, Director of Financial Aid at Massachusetts Maritime Academy, has always done whatever was asked of her for MASFAA. She gave MASFAA many years in leadership and she has presented at countless trainings---even some of the less “sexy” trainings. Her career in financial aid began as a work-study student and she has served a lucky handful of financial aid offices over the years. She is a role model for many and is characterized by a quiet confidence and a boisterous laugh. Her willingness to do anything for MASFAA even extends to television interviews on behalf of College Goal Sunday. Last year she enthusiastically returned to the leadership table after a well deserved break to chair the Archives committee and organize and write the latest 10 year history.
Charles “Jack” Sheehan Distinguished Service Award
The Charles Jack Sheehan Distinguished Service Award was named in honor of ‘Jack’ Sheehan, one of the most respected and talented financial aid administrators in our nation. Jack was called upon by Federal officials for advice; he was influential in helping shape Federal legislation and regulation. Most of all, Jack was an affectionate advocate for students and it shone clearly through in every detail of his work. One example of his caring for students was that he drove all over New Mexico to encourage disadvantaged students to enroll at the University of New Mexico and made visits to Hispanic parents to persuade them to let their daughters go away to college. It was a fortunate day for Massachusetts when Jack came from Texas to be the Director of Financial Aid at Boston University. Jack was strongly committed to helping other aid professionals, especially those less experienced. He was always willing to answer questions and he never made anyone think that their question wasn't a good one. His management style was to walk around the office with his cup of coffee and drop into the offices of staff to chat and see how things were going.
Jack served as President of this Association in 1983-84, and it was a tribute to Jack that he was also elected President of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA). Unfortunately, a terminal illness prevented him from assuming that office. This award was created in Jack’s memory to recognize distinguished service to the financial aid profession.
Iris Godes, Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Management at Quinsigamond Community College, is a tireless advocate herself. Iris has worked across the country in every type of institution from proprietary, to private, to public. Those who nominated her cite “her tireless work for both the financial aid community and the student population we serve and has bettered both.” She is committed to open dialogue and bringing colleagues together to discuss issues of importance. She advocates for her staff and ensures their continued professional development by making sure they have access to professional trainings and memberships. Her commitment to College Goal Sunday dates back to year one. She visits a local high school weekly to offer counseling to students and parents throughout the financial aid season. She is commonly known to fight against needless regulation and for better service to our population. Jack Sheehan’s widow and MASFAA lifetime member Ms. Barbara Tornow presented the award to Iris.
Edward M. Kennedy Public Service Award
Following the passing of Senator Edward Kennedy, MASFAA established a new award to honor the Senator. The award speaks to his tireless public service, his unfailing drive to champion the rights of the disadvantaged and his efforts to ensure every American has access to high-quality education. The Edward M. Kennedy Public Service Award was established to recognize sustained service as a champion for the needs and rights of underserved and disadvantaged groups and to promote student advocacy within the financial aid profession.
Dr. Dallas Martin was awarded the first Edward M. Kennedy award. Dallas Martin retired after 32 years as NASFAA president in 2008, having spent his career in dedicated service to helping students. Dr. Martin was a pioneer in leading the fight to improve access and choice and in making educational opportunities a reality for any student who wants a postsecondary education. Under Dr. Martin's leadership, NASFAA grew to be a powerhouse in higher education advocacy and the main point of contact on all things financial aid related. He helped lead NASFAA in providing training and professional development opportunities for generations of financial aid administrators, helping to raise the entire profession.
The Kennedy award recognizes outstanding service in the areas of student advocacy, government policy, and efforts to be an educator on issues related to student aid policy. Its purpose is to inspire involvement in policy development and public service within the financial aid profession. Dallas Martin took an association in its infancy and built it to the vibrant and impactful profession it is today. Not by guiding us to serve ourselves, but by inspiring us to serve others…to serve students…to serve our country, and to make a difference in the future of another. The legacy of Senator Kennedy was celebrated by honoring our mentor and friend, Dr. Dallas Martin. Dr. Martin’s comments as he accepted the award were moving.
Please join me in congratulating this fine group of 2010 award recipients. Job well done! |
