It is the brain-child of EASFAA President Neville Brown. As a nation we celebrate Mothers and Fathers and Grandparents for their hard-work and special dedication throughout the year. So why not have a day set aside to celebrate the exceptional passion and devotion of financial aid professionals? For whom could kudos be more deserving? Thus, the third Wednesday in October has now been christened Financial Aid Day in the eastern region. From Maryland to Maine, Vermont to New York, EASFAA rolled out the celebration. Offices were invited to celebrate the hard work and teamwork of their offices.

MASFAA has a multitude of engaged Financial Aid Professionals that were happy to celebrate this new holiday in their offices. MASFAA Executive Council also sweetened the pot by offering one free 2011 Conference registration to the office with the most creativity and spirit for Financial Aid Day. My own office at Mount Holyoke College collected reflections from the staff about why they enjoy the profession and published an Ad with an office picture in the student newspaper. Boston University wrote thank you notes to area colleagues and Quinsigamond Community College popped popcorn and handed out medals to staff as a token of their first-class work. Other offices celebrated outside the office in a more relaxing way such as Northeastern staff playing pool and Wheelock staff paying a visit to Jerry Remy’s Sports Bar, which opened last March. The office that was selected by Executive Council as best embodying the spirit of the day in creativity and fostering shared morale was Boston College.

The BC staff had a combined event with all of Student Services and found their inner creativity in the stress relief of decorating pumpkins. The Boston College team generously donated the Conference registration they won to the charity next year. Way to go BC!

It may be uncertain exactly how much momentum Financial Aid Day will gather and whether or not we will ever see a Hallmark card calling you to “Hug your Financial Aid Counselor” on Financial Aid Day. Regardless, we should continue to celebrate the talents and spirit that we share with our colleagues at least once a year. So mark your calendars now for October 19, 2011 and join with me in celebrating the 2nd annual Financial Aid Day.