MASFAA's Year-End Event was held recently and it was a great day to close out the year and start a new one. Please click here for event photos.

If you weren't able to attend, here is a recap:

We celebrated the many accomplishments of MASFAA's 40th year and passed the gavel to incoming President, Christine McGuire.

I am pleased to announce that the Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Jill D'Amico from the Early Awareness and Outreach Committee.

Jill celebrated her tenth year on the Early Awareness and Outreach Committee this year. She was a Co-Chair during the 2005-2006 and 2007-2008 years. She is described by the EAC Co-Chair as a “tremendous asset to the committee.” "She is the member who attends every meeting, takes minutes and assures that committee members receive them. She participated in all of the NT4CM offerings as well as attended the MASCA statehouse day. She can always be counted on to give her time and efforts when asked. Her commitment to the EAOC is commendable."

We also thanked outgoing Executive Council members who are finishing their
term in office:
Kathy Osmond, Past President
Susan Sullivan, Secretary
Susan Beard, Executive Council Member At-Large
Michael Silvernail, Executive Council Member At-Large

We also recognized the significant commitment and tireless work of more than 150 committee volunteers of MASFAA. Thank you again!! 

In addition, we heard about research conducted by Dr. Bridget Terry Long, Professor of Education and Economics at the Harvard University Graduate School of Education.  There are many new initiatives and pilot projects on the horizon due to her work in the area of FAFSA simplification and the benefits using personal assistance to reduce complexity and misinformation and increase submissions and enrollment. Further pilots are being developed through funding from the Gates Foundation and even our own Boston Public Schools were recently chosen to be among one of 20 invited school systems.

Membership renewal information will be coming out shortly. Renew your membership and take your opportunity to volunteer to be part of next year's accomplishments!

I thank you for all your support this past year. It has been a true pleasure and humbling experience to serve as your President. I am proud of all the great work that was accomplished and look forward to working with Christine as she begins a new year with MASFAA. I hope you too will consider continuing your involvement or getting back involved with this great organization.

Sincerely,
Gail Holt