Dear MASFAA members,

The MASFAA annual conference is already fading in our memories, but I trust the event was energizing and informative for you. I was very pleased in the many ways the work of our members was recognized and celebrated. It was wonderful to have an opportunity to celebrate the legacy of the past presidents of MASFAA along with honoring the past president of NASFAA, Dallas Martin. It was a thrill to have the opportunity to thank Dallas for his more than 30 years of service in defining our profession, and for inspiring thousands of aid professionals to dedicate themselves in service to students.

The work of MASFAA has continued in the late Fall with several association activities since the conference. I want to highlight some of them.

MASFAA sponsored a Carnival of Learning event on November 13 at the Mildred Avenue Middle School in Boston. The event was very well led by our committee chairs Tanya Tanaro and Bonnie Quinn. The impact for the students was obvious as the energy in the room was contagious. Thank you to all of the committee members who helped to make the carnival a great success.

The latest class of “Just the Facts” new aid officer training graduated in November. The five day course was well attended by association members from across the state. I want to thank the tri-chairs Meredith Stover, Martha Savery and Sally Donahue along with the entire committee and all of the trainers who tirelessly volunteer their time to help the new members of our profession.

The Professional Development and Training committee held two half day workshop on Federal Methodology and Professional Judgment at Northeastern University and at Westfield State University on December 7 and 8. I appreciate all of the efforts of the co-chairs, Jennifer English and Kerry Davis-Jacob, as well as the trainers for the event, Julie Shields Rutyna, Joanne Dashiell, Dan Forster and Jennifer Keenan-Jolie.

Lots of pizza and fun was had on December 2 while raising money for FAFSA Day Massachusetts at Pizzeria UNO locations across the state. The total collection is not in yet, but thank you to all who participated. FAFSA Day Massachusetts is the new name for College Goal Sunday. Volunteers are still needed for the upcoming event on Sunday, January 30, 2011. Please volunteer for the event on the FAFSA Day website, http://www.fafsaday.org/volunteer.php. If you have any questions, please contact one of the committee chairs, Beth Feinberg Keenan, Julie Shields-Rutyna or Susan Sullivan.

With the holiday season upon us, I hope you will have the opportunity for time away from work to enjoy family and friends. Please visit the MASFAA website for additional updates about Association activities and be in touch with me or any member of the Executive Council if you have any questions.

Best wishes for a happy and healthy new year.