PASFAA Awards

The highest award PASFAA has to bestow upon an individual is that of Life Membership.   The award is given to individuals who have made an outstanding and sustained contribution to student financial aid.  No one may receive the award more than once.  Nominations may be made by any member of the Association. Nominations are reviewed by PASFAA Executive Council (Honorary applies to individuals who are not eligible to be active members of the Association).  Life Membership is awarded upon approval by a majority of the PASFAA Executive Council, given at the annual conference and recognized with a plaque.

• Linda Anderson
  Director of Financial Aid
  Carnegie Mellon University
• Bonnie Lee Behm
  Director, Financial Assistance
  Villanova University
• Marian V. Bonney
  Director of Financial Aid
  University of Pittsburgh
• William Burke
  Director of Financial Aid
  The University of Scranton
• Representative Charlie Dent (Honorary)
  U. S. House of Representatives
• Cheryl DePaolis
  Director of Financial Aid
  Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
• Gregory L. Gearhart
  Director of Financial Aid
  Messiah College
• Representative William Goodling (Honorary)
  U. S. House of Representatives
• Dr. Kenneth Grugel
  Director of Financial Aid
  Clarion University of Pennsylvania
• Patty Hladio
  Director of Financial Aid
  Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
• Lucretia (Lucky) Hill, former Director of Financial Aid at Keystone Junior College & Lackawanna Junior College
  Owner of Hill Associates
• William A. Irwin
  Director of Financial Aid Emeritus
  Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania
• Samuel Johnson (Honorary)
  Deputy Director for Federal & Public Relations
  The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
• Mary Beth Kelly (Honorary)
  Special Assistant to the Executive VP, State and Federal Programs
  The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
• Rachael L. Lohman, former Director of Financial Aid at Wilkes University
  Past PASFAA, EASFAA, and NASFAA President
  Retired from The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
• Gary Means
  Director of Financial Aid
  Westmoreland County Community College
• Dallas Martin (Honorary)
  President, National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA)
• Mary Miller, former Director of Financial Aid at Indiana University of PA & Slippery Rock University of PA
  Senior Vice President, Education Services Group
  The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
• Scott Miller (Honorary)
  Director of Federal Relations
  The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
• George Murdoch
  Director of Financial Aid
  Indiana University of Pennsylvania
  PASFAA’s First President
• James Preston (Honorary)
  President and CEO
  The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
• P. Vincent “Vince” Racculia (Honorary)
  Executive Vice President
  The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
• Donald V. Raley 
  Director of Financial Aid
  Dickinson College
• Kenneth R. Reeher (Honorary)
  Executive Director
  The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
• Renee Saleh
  Director of Financial Aid
  Northampton Community College
• Gary Smith (Honorary)
  Senior Vice President
  The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
• Sally Stroup (Honorary)
  Minority Chief of Staff
  House Education & Labor Committee
• Dan Wray, former Assistant Director of Student Financial Aid at The Pennsylvania State University
  Account Executive, The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
• Christine A. Zuzack, former Director of Financial Aid at Indiana University of Pennsylvania
  Vice President, State Grant and Special Programs
  The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)

The Distinguished Service Award was created to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to PASFAA through their leadership, activities, and/or research in financial aid. The award recognizes service to the Association over an extended period of professional involvement, not a single event or activity, and is presented to an individual at the annual conference.  No one may receive the award more than once.   Awarded only at such times as a suitable recipient is identified.  The Immediate Past President solicits nominations for this award from four immediate past award recipients and submits nominations to Executive Council for review/approval.  Approval by a majority of the Executive Council is necessary.  This award is not intended as recognition for PASFAA officers for their service in office.  It is given at the annual conference and recognized with a plaque.

• Keri Neidig – 2020
  Director of Business Development
  Sallie Mae
• Cheryl DePaolis – 2019
  Director of Financial Aid
  Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
• Marykay Klara – 2018
  Senior Associate Director of Financial Assistance
  Villanova University
• Melissa Ibanez – 2017
  Director of Financial Aid
  University of Pittsburgh – Bradford
• Linda Anderson – 2016
  Retired/Director of Financial Aid
  Carnegie Mellon University
• Carolyn A. Julian – 2015
  Student Aid Adviser
  The Pennsylvania State University – Harrisburg
• Dr. David Pearlman – 2014
  Director of Student Aid
  The Pennsylvania State University – Altoona
• Dan Wray – 2013
  Higher Education Access Partner – South Central Region
  The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
• Tonya R. (Anthony) Hsiung – 2012
  Assistant Director of Financial Aid
  Franklin & Marshall College
• Greg Gearhart – 2011
  Director of Financial Aid
  Messiah College
• Patty Hladio – 2010
  Director of Financial Aid
  Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
• Julie Salem – 2009
  Western Regional Manager
  The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
• Joan Holleran – 2008
  Associate Director of Financial Aid
  Kutztown University
• Gary A. Means – 2007
  Director of Financial Aid
  Westmoreland County Community College
• Kenneth E. Grugel – 2006
  Director of Financial Aid
  Clarion University of Pennsylvania
• Sheila E. Checkoway – 2005
  Vice President
  Key Education Resources
• William R. Burke – 2004
  Director of Financial Aid
  University of Scranton
• Bonnie Lee Behm – 2003
  Director of Financial Aid
  Villanova University
• P. Vincent Racculia – 2002
  Executive Vice President, State Grant & Federal Programs
  The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
• Georgia K. Prell – 2001
  Director of Financial Aid
  East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
• Betty Davis – 2000
  Assistant Dean of Financial Aid
  Community College of Allegheny County
• John Pergolin – 1999
  Director of Financial Aid
  St. Joseph’s University
• Christine A. Zuzack – 1998
  Associate Director of Financial Aid
  Indiana University of Pennsylvania
• Gary D. Smith – 1997
  Senior Vice President for State and Federal Programs
  The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
• Mary Andrews Miller – 1996
  Director of Financial Aid
  Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
• Rachael L. Lohman – 1995
  Director of Financial Aid
  Wilkes University
• Donald V. Raley – 1994
  Director of Financial Aid
  Dickinson College
• William A. Irwin – 1993
  Director of Financial Aid
  Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania
• Barry McCarty – 1992
  Director of Financial Aid
  Lafayette College
• J. Patrick Hayes – 1991
  Assistant Vice President
  PNC Education Loan Center
• Renee Saleh – 1990
  Director of Financial Aid
  Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
• Catherine Kratzer – 1989
  Director of Financial Aid
  Northampton Area Community College
• Vincent Femia – 1988
  Director of Financial Aid
  Villanova University

The Leadership Award was created to recognize an individual who has provided outstanding leadership to the Association.  This award may be received more than once.  Nominations may be made by any member of the Association.  Nominees are reviewed by the PASFAA Executive Council.  Recipient(s) must be approved by a majority vote of the Executive Council.  (This award is not intended to recognize the President of the Association for her/his year in office.). Given at the annual conference and recognized with a plaque.

• Technology Committee – 2020
  Chair, David Eber, Carnegie Mellon University-Heinz College
  Joe Alaimo, Rosemont College
  Jamie Kosh, The Pennsylvania State University
  Dan Weigle, PHEAA – PA Forward Student Loans
  Dan Wray, PHEAA – PA Forward Student Loans
• David Eber – 2019
  Executive Director of Admissions and Financial Aid
  Carnegie Mellon University – Heinz College
• Linda W. Ebel – 2018
  Financial Aid Director
  Citizens School of Nursing
• Kelly Liocano – 2018
  Senior Associate Director
  Ashland University
• Dan Wray – 2017
  Higher Education Access Partner – South Central Region
  The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
• Laura Papcunik – 2016
  Associate Director of Financial Aid
  Saint Francis University
• Betty A. Casale – 2015
  Director of Financial Aid
  Carnegie Mellon University – Tepper School of Business
• Amy L. Dullinger – 2015
  Financial Aid Manager
  Lancaster County Career & Technology Center
• Amanda Scheler – 2014
  AVP/Campus Relations Manager
  PNC Bank
• Patty Zink – 2014
  Financial Aid & Admissions Officer
  The Washington Hospital School Of Nursing
• Stacy Schenk – 2013
  Director of Financial Aid
  Mount Aloysius College
• Carolyn Julian – 2012
  Student Aid Adviser, VA Coordinator
  The Pennsylvania State University – Harrisburg
• Colleen W. Coudriet – 2011
  Financial Aid Advisor
  DuBois Business College
• Ragan Griffin – 2010
  Associate Director of Financial Aid
  Clarion University of Pennsylvania
• 2009 – No Award Given
• Brandi Darr – 2008
  Director of Financial Aid
  University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg
• Tonya R. Anthony – 2007
  Federal Grants Coordinator
  Millersville University of Pennsylvania
• Sheryle A. Proper – 2006
  Director of Financial Aid
  Allegheny College
• MaryKay Klara – 2005
  Associate Director of Financial Assistance
  Villanova University
• Mary C. Kosin – 2004
  Director of Financial Aid
  Luzerne County Community College
• Scott E. Miller – 2004
  Federal Relations Director
  The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
• Barbara L. Schmitt – 2003
  Director of Financial Aid
  Johnson College
• Kenneth E. Grugel – 2002
  Director of Financial Aid
  Clarion University of PA
• Julie A. Salem – 2001
  Director, Student Financial Aid
  University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
• Sally Ann McCrea – 1999
  Counselor, Financial Aid
  Harrisburg Area Community College

The Emerging Leader Award will be made to an individual(s) who, within approximately five years of entering the profession, has demonstrated consistent service to and involvement in PASFAA and its projects.  Examples of service and involvement include: committee membership, assistance with the PASFAA post, presenter or moderator at conference or training programs, presenter or registrar at Counselor Workshops, etc.  No one may receive this award more than once.  Nominees for the award must be current Active or Associate PASFAA members. Nominations may be made by any member of the Association. Recipient(s) must be approved by a majority vote of the Executive Council. Award given at the annual conference and recognized with a plaque.

• Stephanie Schrift – 2020
  Assistant Director of Financial Aid
  Saint Francis University
• Arianna Mears – 2019
  Assistant Director & Campus Employment Coordinator
  Delaware Valley University
• Regina M. Brinza – 2018
  Financial Aid & Admissions Administrator
  University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
• Rebecca Schreiber-Reis – 2018
  Director of Admissions and Financial Aid
  Pennsylvania State University (The) – Dickinson School of Law
• Michelle Jackson – 2017
  Associate Director of Financial Aid for Operations and Compliance
  University of Pittsburgh
• Kelly Liocano – 2016
  Assistant Director of SFS
  Mercyhurst University
• Shelby M. Smith – 2015
  Assistant Director of Financial Aid
  Lafayette College
• Henry Crawford – 2014
  Financial Aid Counselor
  Robert Morris University
• Meghan Petsko – 2014
  Associate Director
  Villanova University
• Alyssa Dobson – 2013
  Interim Director of Financial Aid
  Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
• Steven Miller – 2013
  Financial Aid Administrator
  Conemaugh School of Nursing & Allied Heath
• Kim Uphold – 2013
  Financial Aid and Records Assistant
  Reading Area Community College
• Sue Bloom – 2012
  Director of Financial Aid
  University of Pittsburgh – Titusville
• Joni L. Trovato – 2011
  Assistant Director of Financial Aid
  University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
• Cathy Poiesz – 2010
  Senior Financial Aid Counselor/Coordinator of Loan Processing
  Messiah College
• Denise Nuccio – 2010
  Financial Aid and Enrollment Generalist
  Montgomery County Community College
• Mysti Dinger – 2009
  Student Services Coordinator
  Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Academy of Culinary Arts
• Michael DeGroft – 2008
  Director of Financial Aid
  Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
• Jonathan D. Kirby – 2007
  Assistant Director of Financial Aid
  The University of Scranton
• Jamie S. Kosh – 2006
  Associate Director of Financial Aid
  Saint Francis University
• Patty Cegelka – 2005
  Assistant Director of Financial Aid
  University of Scranton (The)
• Sheryle A. Proper – 2004
  Associate Director of Financial Aid
  Allegheny College
• Donna Cerza – 2003
  Assistant Director of Financial Aid
  College Misericordia
• Brian K. Blackburn – 2002
  Financial Aid Counselor
  Widener University
• Jennifer S. Liedtka – 2001
  Associate Director of Financial Aid
  Lebanon Valley College
• Elizabeth McCloud – 2000
  Associate Director of Financial Aid
  Elizabethtown College

The President’s Award is given to an individual or individuals who worked to provide leadership and/or service to the association over the last year and whose actions have helped to advance the goals and objectives of the association for that period of time.   This award may be received more than once.  The recipient(s) of the award will be selected by the President and the recipient(s) will be presented with a plaque at the annual conference.

• Katrina DelGrosso – 2020
  Head of Mid-Atlantic Campus and Event Development
  College Ave Student Loans
• Melony Ohalek – 2019
  Director of Relationship Management
  Sallie Mae

• Historian Committee – 2018
  Joseph Alaimo
  Linda M. Anderson
  Regina M. Brinza
  William R. Burke
  Gregory L. Gearhart
  Joan L. Holleran
  Margaret F. Hynosky
  Gary A. Means
  Arianna E. Mears
  Mary E. Miller
  Clarke M. Paine
  Rebecca Schreiber-Reis
  Heidi Sisson
  Dan Wray
  Sherry A. Youtz
  Christine A. Zuzack
• Stacy Schenk – 2017
  Director of Financial Aid
  Mount Aloysius College
• Dan Wray – 2017
  Higher Education Access Partner – South Central Region
  Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
• Joe Alaimo – 2016
  Director Of Financial Aid
  LaSalle University
• Tonya Hsiung – 2016
  Assistant Director of Financial Aid
  Franklin & Marshall College
• Melissa J. Ibanez – 2015
  Director of Financial Aid
  University of Pittsburg – Bradford
• Alyssa Dobson – 2014
  Director of Financial Aid
  Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
• Richard Esposito – 2013
  Director of Financial Aid
  Duquesne University
• George Santucci – 2013
  Director of Financial Aid
  Saint Vincent College
• Linda Anderson – 2012
  University Director of Student Financial Aid
  Carnegie Mellon University
• David P. Pearlman – 2011
  Director of Student Aid
  Penn State at Altoona
• Mary Kosin – 2010
  Director of Financial Aid
  Luzerne County Community College
• Keri Neidig – 2009
  Senior Account Executive
  SallieMae
• Kathryn Griffith – 2008
  Former Training Manager at AES
• Mary Ellen Duffy – 2007
  Director of Financial Aid
  Albright College
• Scott E. Miller – 2007
  Federal Relations Director
  AES
• Dan Wray – 2006
  Director of School Relations
  College Loan Corporation
• Marijo Elias – 2005
  Coordinator Freshmen Financial Aid
  King’s College
• Julianne E. Louttit – 2004
  Associate Director of Financial Aid
  Butler County Community College
• Gary A. Means – 2004
  Director of Financial Aid
  Westmoreland County Community College
• Sheree Fetcho – 2003
  Assistant Director of Financial Aid
  California University of PA
• Jean M. Walker – 2002
  Director of Financial Aid
  Butler County Community College
• George M. Gerhart – 2001
  Aid Representative
  Penn State University – Shenango Campus
• M. Clarke Paine – 2000
  Director of Financial Aid
  Elizabethtown College
• Ronald Dawson – 2000
  Associate Director of Financial Aid
  Philadelphia University
• Joan Holleran – 1999
  Assistant Director
  Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
• George Walter – 1998
  Director of Financial Aid
  Villanova University
• Ruth Cramer – 1998
  Director of Financial Aid
  Wilson College
• Christine A. Zuzack – 1997
  Associate Director of Financial Aid
  Indiana University of Pennsylvania

• Conference Committee – 2020
  Stephanie Schrift — Chair — Saint Francis UniversityJoni Trovato, University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
  Dan Wray, PHEAA – PA Forward Student Loans
  Crystal Ondrick, University of Scranton
  Laura Helmich – First United Bank & Trust
  Margaret Barton – Point Park University
  Keri Neidig – Sallie Mae
• Technology Committee – 2019
  David Eber – Chair
  Dan Weigle
  Dan Wray
  Jamie Kosh
  Elizabeth Rihl Lewinsky
  Michael Ulicny
  Thomas Pinkl
• Government Relations Committee – 2018
  Alyssa A. Dobson – Chair
  Regina M. Brinza
  Linda W. Ebel
  John J. Falleroni
  Dr. Kimberly J. McCurdy
  Scott E. Miller
  Donna M. Wilkoski
  Shelby M. Smith

The Hero Award is given to a PASFAA member who has often worked behind the scenes in their service to PASFAA during the past year, yet their contributions have been significant.  In other words, they are an “unsung hero”.  This award may be received more than once.  Nominations may be made by any member of the Association. Recipient(s) must be approved by a majority vote of the Executive Council.  Award given at the annual conference and recognized with a plaque.

• Dan Wray – 2020
  Account Executive
  The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
• Joan Holleran – 2019
  Associate Director of Financial Aid Services
  Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
• Brandi Darr – 2019
  Director of Financial Aid
  University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg
• Linda A Gaston – 2018
  Associate Director
  Mount Aloysius College

Retirement Recognition is provided to Active or Associate members who have provided approximately 25 years of service to students and families, colleagues and their institutions in the area of financial assistance or the financing of post secondary education.  No one may receive this award more than once.  Persons to be recognized must be current members of PASFAA who are retiring within the year.

• Brandi Darr – 2020
  Director of Financial Aid
  University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg
• Dennis Correll – 2018
  Associate Dean for Enrollment Management/Financial Aid Director
  Pennsylvania College of Technology
• Ethel Desmarais – 2018
  Director of Financial Aid
  Bryn Mawr College
• Anna Griswold – 2018
  Assistant Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education and Executive Director for Student Aid
  The Pennsylvania State University
• Richard Heckman – 2018
  Director of Financial Aid
  Dickinson College
• James Preston – 2018
  Chief Executive Officer
  Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
• Patty Zink – 2018
  Director of Financial Aid
  Washington Hospital School of Nursing
• William Brown – 2014
  Dean of Administration & FA
  Leebanon Valley College
• Cindy Davis – 2014
  Legal & Compliance Service
  PHEAA
• Maryann Dudas – 2014
  Director of Financial Aid
  Seton Hill University
• Patricia Hladio – 2014
  Director of Financial Aid
  Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
• Edward Harmon – 2014
  Special Programs Administrator – Financial Aid
  Robert Morris University
• Helen Nunn – 2014
  Director of Financial Aid
  Susquehanna University
• Elizabeth “Liz” Stuyvesant – 2014
  Student Loan Specialist
  Thiel College
• Dan Johnston – 2011
  Regional Director
  AES/PHEAA
• Mary Miller – 2011
  AES/PHEAA
• Rachel Lohman – 2011
  AES/PHEAA
• Jim Cardinale – 2011
  Regional Director
  AES/PHEAA
• Mike Nolan – 2011
  Assistant Vice President
  AES/PHEAA
• Vee Blaine – 2011
  Director PHEAA Regional Offices
  AES/PHEAA
• Bruce Diefenderfer – 2011
  Regional Director
  AES/PHEAA
• Judy Viveralli – 2011
  Associate Director of Financial Aid
  Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
• Annette Kelly – 2011
  Financial Aid Advisor
  Delaware County Community College
• William Srsic – 2011
  Associate Director of Financial Aid
  Indiana University of Pennsylvania
• Marcy Boyd – 2009
  California University of Pennsylvania
• Jan Kuzio – 2009
  Assistant Director
  Pennsylvania College of Technology
• Vincent Racculia – 2007
  Executive Vice President, State and Federal Programs
  AES/PHEAA
• Richard B. Irvin – 2007
  Vice President, Development and Regional Services
  AES/PHEAA
• Lucretia K. Hill – 2007
  Owner
  Hill Associates
• Vali Heist – 2006
  Alvernia College
• Robert Latta – 2006
  Director of Financial Aid
  Westminster College
• William A. Irwin – 2005
  Director of Financial Aid, Retired
  Lock Haven University of PA
• Joyce E. Spencer – 2005
  Associate Director of Financial Aid
  California University of PA
• Lucille Bavaria-Kozsey – 2005
  Assistant Director of Financial Aid
  Lehigh Carbon Community College
• Frank M. Dutkovich, Jr. – 2004
  Director of Financial Aid
  Duquesne University
• Joyce Lattig – 2004 
  Manager
  AES/PHEAA
• James A. Treiber – 2004
  Director of Financial Aid
  Gannon University
• John Southwood – 2002
  Senior Regional Account Executive
  Educaid
• Frederick A. Joseph – 2001
  Director of Financial Aid
  Indiana University of Pennsylvania
• William E. Stanford – 2001
  Director of Financial Aid
  Lehigh University
• Renee Saleh – 2000
  Director of Financial Aid
  Northampton Community College
• John McKeown – 2000
  Associate Director of Financial Aid
  Kutztown University of Pennsylvania