PASFAA Awards

For summary information regarding PASFAA’s awards, please click here.

Life Membership

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 regular 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, Past Vice President of PASFAA
Director of Financial Aid
Carnegie Mellon University
Bonnie Lee Behm, Past President of PASFAA
Director, Financial Assistance
Villanova University
Marian V. Bonney
Director of Financial Aid
University of Pittsburgh
William Burke, Past President of PASFAA
Director of Financial Aid
The University of Scranton
Representative Charlie Dent (Honorary)
U. S. House of Representatives
Cheryl DePaolis, Past President of PASFAA
Director of Financial Aid
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
Gregory L. Gearhart, Past President of PASFAA
Director of Financial Aid
Messiah College
Representative William Goodling (Honorary)
U. S. House of Representatives
Dr. Kenneth Grugel, Past President of PASFAA
Director of Financial Aid
Clarion University of Pennsylvania
Patty Hladio, Past President of PASFAA
Director of Financial Aid
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Joan Holleran, PASFAA Newsletter Editor 1997-2008, PASFAA volunteer for more than 25 years
Associate Director of State Grant Programs
Kutztown 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, Past President of PASFAA
Past President of EASFAA and NASFAA
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, Past President of PASFAA (Honorary)
Past President of EASFAA and NASFAA
Retired from The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
Gary Means, Past President of PASFAA
Director of Financial Aid
Westmoreland County Community College
Dallas Martin (Honorary)
President, National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA)
Mary Miller, Past President of PASFAA (Honorary)
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, First President of PASFAA
Director of Financial Aid
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
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, Past President of PASFAA
Director of Financial Aid
Dickinson College
Kenneth R. Reeher (Honorary)
Executive Director
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
Renee Saleh, Past President of PASFAA
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
Daniel M. Wray (Honorary), PASFAA volunteer for more than 30 years
Account Executive, PA Forward Private Student Loan Program
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
Christine A. Zuzack, Past President of PASFAA (Honorary)
Vice President, State Grant and Special Programs
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)

Distinguished Service Award

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
Daniel M. 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

Leadership Award

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.

Linda Anderson – 2021
Retired – Director of Financial Aid
Carnegie Mellon University
Melony Ohalek – 2021
Director, Relationship Management
Sallie Mae
Daniel M. Wray – 2021
Account Executive, PA Forward Private Student Loan Program
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
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
Daniel M. 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
Daniel M. 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

Emerging Leader Award

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.

Jared Menghini – 2021
Executive Director of Student Financial Services
Wilkes University
Morgan Boddorf – 2021
Assistant Director of Student Financial Aid
Carnegie Mellon University
Michelle Pretopapa – 2021
Senior Assistant Director of Financial Aid
Lafayette College
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

PASFAA President's Award

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.

- Matt Stokan – 2021
  Director of Financial Aid
  Waynesburg University
- Linda Ebel – 2021
  Director of Financial Aid
  Citizens School of Nursing
- 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
  Daniel M. Wray
  Sherry A. Youtz
  Christine A. Zuzack
- Stacy Schenk – 2017
  Director of Financial Aid
  Mount Aloysius College
- Daniel M. 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
- Daniel M. 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

Team Award

The Team Award is given to a PASFAA committee, task force, special project group or other group that has gone above and beyond in their service to PASFAA during the past year. 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.

Website Coordinator Subcommittee – 2021
Daniel M. Wray – Chair, PHEAA’s PA Forward Student Loan Program
Jamie Kosh, Penn State – University Park
Joe Alaimo, Gwynedd Mercy University
Cheri Lindsay, Temple University
Cassie Drogose, Temple University
Beck Gusler, University of the Arts
Brian Beighley, University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg
Sonya Mann-McFarlane, PHEAA
Mary Miller, Retired
Jared Menghini, Wilkes University
Conference Committee – 2020
Stephanie Schrift — Chair — Saint Francis UniversityJoni Trovato, University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
Daniel M. 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
Daniel M. 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

Hero Award

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.

Melissa Ibanez – 2021
Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management and Director of Financial Aid
University of Pittsburgh at Bradford
Robin Walker – 2021
Higher Education Access Partner
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
Daniel M. 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 Program

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.

Bill Burke – 2021
Director of Financial Aid
The University of Scranton
Rich Esposito – 2021
Assistant Vice President, Financial Aid
Duquesne University
Linda Ebel – 2021
Director of Financial Aid
Citizens School of Nursing
Jim Zuzack – 2021
Assistant Director of Financial Aid
Duquesne University
Christine Knouse – 2021
Assistant Director of Financial Aid
Wilson College
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

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