Our MASFAA family has expanded by at least one! Happy news from Jan Marie Combs, from Citizens Bank as their family welcomed beautiful Lily Mei in March. Lily joins big brothers Luke and Ben who are thrilled to have a little sister in the mix.

Congratulations to Yvonne Gittens, Financial Aid Consultant, recipient of EASFAA's Life Membership (Honorary Life Membership) Award, and Gail Holt of Mount Holyoke College, recipient of EASFAA's Outstanding State Representative Award. Their commitment, dedication and years of unwavering service to their colleagues in the financial aid industry and students are examples of what makes MASFAA a great association.

Wedding bells are ringing! Best wishes to Aaron Clark-Melcher from Northeastern University who was married on September 25th.

Melissa Shaak of Babson College wanted to offer a special announcement: “I am very pleased to announce that Meredith Stover has been named Babson College’s Director of Financial Aid. Meredith has worked at Babson since 1996 and received her MBA in 2003.  Meredith’s new title reflects the scope of her work and her many outstanding contributions to Babson and to the financial aid community.  Meredith is active in MASFAA, most recently serving as co-chair of Just the Facts.  We are indeed fortunate to work with someone so talented and dedicated.”     

The staff at Northeastern University have been celebrating more than weddings. Congratulations go out to Alex Gonzalez who is now the Assistant Director for Athletic Aid, Sarah Yoffe who is now the Assistant Director of Endowed, External & Special Scholarships and Anya Morozkina promoted to Assistant Director for Administration and Communication.

Congrats to Michelle Smith, who, after 13 years at Emerson College, can now be found at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell as the Senior Associate Director of Financial Aid.

Congratulations also go out to Julie Lawton who started at First Marblehead on March 7th and Kathleen Roebuck who replaced Julie at Financial Aid TV as client manager.

Lots of happenings going on at Tufts University. Director of Financial Aid, Tara Olsen, just received the Tufts Distinguished Service Award, which honors alumni and members of the Tufts community whose distinguished accomplishments bring credit upon themselves, their communities, their professions, and Tufts University.

Tufts also welcomed two new staff members to their team: Jesse Allen started as the Assistant Director in September and Claire Weiss began her role as Financial Aid Coordinator in February.

Lastly, Kimberly Gregg of Tufts would like to introduce Jack William Gregg (above), born August 18, 2010! Welcome, Jack William!

News from former Director of Financial Aid at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Daniel Barkowitz who says hello and best wishes to all his friends in aid from his new post as the Executive Director of Temple Beth Shalom in Needham, MA. It's a new position for both Daniel and the Temple, and Daniel is applying his skills to bring creative ideas and approaches in running the organization to the congregation.   Most recently the Dean of Financial Aid at Columbia University, he says he isn't missing the commute!  Those wishing to keep in touch may contact him at dbarkowitz@tbsneedham.org.

As many of our members are celebrating promotions and growth within the industry, MASFAA must also bid farewell to some of our most cherished seasoned professionals. Kathy Osmond, a well-known face at Wellesley College and President of MASFAA during the 2008-2009 year has retired. Joining Kathy in retirement at the end of July is Donna Wood-Lozier, a member of Springfield College’s financial aid team for many years. MASFAA wishes both ladies plenty of rest and relaxation as they leave the world of financial aid regulations behind and thanks them for their many years of support and involvement with MASFAA over the years.