What a year it has been! Outstanding training opportunities, advocacy for students, and professional networking have again been the corner stones of the activities of the Association this year. At the Year-end Event on June 23 I passed the Presidential gavel to Bernie Pekala of Boston College. I did so with mixed emotions, as it has truly been my privilege to work with the incredible group of dedicated volunteers that are MASFAA.
Here is a sampling of the accomplishments in 2010-2011 of MASFAA’s thirteen committees:
- FAFSA Day Massachusetts at 30 locations
- Two Carnival of Learning events
- Just the Facts program
- Emerging leaders program
- Tax workshop
- FM/PJ workshop
- Support staff workshop
- FISAP workshop
- Extraordinary annual conference in Framingham
- Student Financial Aid Day at the State House
- Updated advocacy resources
- Graduate concerns symposium on financial literacy
- New committee for communications
- and a new event planning micro-site for the MASFAA website.
These accomplishments are the result of more than 100 volunteers, all of whom were recognized with a certificate at the end of the year event. The participation of members on MASFAA committees represents approximately 15% of our almost 800 members. Thank you to all of the committee chairs and volunteers who served the Association in 2010-2011! You are what make MASFAA great!
All of our volunteers contribute so much, but two volunteers were recognized as the Volunteers of the Year for going above and beyond normal expectations during the 2010-2011 year.
- Joanne Dashiell from MEFA was recognized for her service running the Emerging Leaders program.
- Alex Gonzalez from Northeastern University was recognized for his service on the Early Awareness and Outreach Committee.
Please join me in thanking Joanne and Alex for their outstanding service this past year!
Several members of the Executive Council completed their service in June and were recognized at the year-end event. Five colleagues were recognized for service as Representatives-at-large: Cheryl Constantine, Jennifer English, Karen Grant, Raymond O’Rourke and Jeff Bentley. Jill Desjean was acknowledged for her term as Treasurer/Past-Treasurer and Catherine Ryan for her term as Secretary.
Special recognition was given to Gail Holt as she ends her 3 years of Presidential service as President-elect, President and Past President. Gail is passionate in her commitment to MASFAA and the financial aid profession and she was a tremendous President. She is a great leader, mentor and friend, and I thank her for her outstanding service to the Association. MASFAA is fortunate that Gail will remain on Executive Council for another year as she has agreed to continue as the EASFAA representative for 2011-2012.
I want to thank every member of the 2010-2011 Executive Council who worked as a team and with a spirit of collaboration as the EC reorganized the meeting structure, reporting and some of the committees. The support and strength of the group led the EC to make an important decision to retain an independent firm to assist MASFAA in updating our strategic plan. Beginning this summer the Association will work with Cambridge Hill Partners in examining the future direction of MASFAA, including a vision for membership, services and finances. The process will include opportunities for the entire membership to provide input on our future, and I ask for everyone’s help and support with the Strategic Planning initiative.
Looking toward 2011-2012
As I look forward, I am pleased to have Iris Godes from Quinnsigamond Community College joining Executive Council as the President-elect. Unfortunately, both Kathy Anderson and Ray O’Rourke asked to step down from their elected positions on Executive Council for the 2011-2012 year because of family and work commitments. I am pleased to announce that Lori Moore from Access Group and Amy Stewart from Salem State College have been elected by Executive Council to assume Kathy and Ray’s responsibilities. Please join me in congratulating Lori and Amy on their appointments.
I want to thank the many MASFAA members who volunteered to help with at the NASFAA conference. From stuffing tote bags, to working registration, to shepherding colleagues on the T and Freedom Trail, the MASFAA membership was outstanding and together we were an important part of what was one of the best NASFAA conferences of recent memory. Thanks to all who helped out!
I hope everyone will have the opportunity for rest and relaxation this summer, and will close by reminding you to mark your calendars for the MASFAA 2011 Conference, November 2 and 3, Showcase Live at Patriot Place. I hope to see you there! |
