PASFAA Awards

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

Life Membership

One of the highest awards 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.  Life Membership is awarded upon approval by a majority of the PASFAA Executive Council, given at the annual conference and recognized with a plaque.  The “Honorary” designation applies to individuals who are not eligible to be Regular members of the Association at the time of the award.  In accordance with Article III of PASFAA’s Constitution, Regular membership shall be limited to persons employed by institutions of post-secondary education located within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania who are responsible for the administration of student financial aid and/or having the authority to award aid.
  • 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
  • Colleen Coudriet, Past President of PASFAA
    Director of Financial Aid
    The Pennsylvania State University, World Campus
  • 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)
  • Robert Quinn
    The Pennsylvania State University
    Creator of FINAID-L
  • 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 designation converted to Regular by Executive Council in 2022)
    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)

The Daniel M. Wray Epic Lifetime Achievement Award

Along with Life Membership, one of the highest awards PASFAA has to bestow upon an individual is the Daniel M. Wray Epic Lifetime Achievement Award.  Intended for members with at least 15 years of documented accomplishments and sustained high-impact engagement within the association.  Individuals may demonstrate eligibility in the following ways:  (1) By developing influential tools, events, or frameworks used to advance or sustain the organization; (2) By making meaningful contributions intended to spark volunteerism and engagement; (3) By contributing countless hours and expertise to build or increase sustainability of the association by mentoring others, researching options & opportunities, and/or leading high-return programs.  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.

Inaugural award, given at PASFAA’s Annual Conference 2022:

  • Daniel M. Wray
    Account Executive, PA Forward Private Student Loan Program
    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.
  • Julianne Louttit – 2024
    Director of Financial Aid
    Butler County Community College
  • Dr. Kimberly McCurdy – 2023
    Director, Bureau of Postsecondary and Adult Education
    PA Department of Education
  • Alyssa Dobson – 2022
    Director of Financial Aid
    Slippery Rock University of PA
  • 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.
  • Julianne Louttit – 2024
    Director of Financial Aid
    Butler County Community College
  • Robin Hall – 2023
    Director of Financial Aid and Budget
    Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences
  • Michelle Pretopapa – 2022
    Senior Assistant Director of Financial Aid
    Larafyette College
  • 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.
  • Hannah Brown – 2024
    Director of Financial Aid, Marywood University
    Private Sector Representative
  • Christopher J. Curtis – 2023
    PASFAA Events Coordinator Chair, 2022-2023
    Incoming PASFAA Technology Committee Chair for 2023-2024
  • Katrina Kelly – 2023
    Assistant Director of Financial Aid
    West Chester University of PA
  • Jesse Randall – 2022
    Enrollment Systems Analyst
    Ursinus College
  • 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.
    • William “Bill” Burke – 2024
      Retired Director of Financial Aid
      The University of Scranton
    • Colleen Coudriet – 2023
      Director of Financial Aid
      The Pennsylvania State University – World Campus
    • Amy Terkowski – 2022
      Assistant Director of Student Financial Services
      Wilkes University
    • 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.

  • Government Relations Committee – 2024
    Ryan Jensema — PASFAA Vice President and Chair — Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
    Alycia DiNardo: Villanova University
    Ashling O’Connor: Ursinus College
    Alyssa Dobson:  Slippery Rock University
    Emiyaril Alvarez: Millersville University
    Hillary Saylor Schulze: Alvernia University
    Kenyon Cattell:  The Pennsylvania State University
    Nick Hinkle:  Carnegie Mellon University
    Stella Smith: Butler County Community College
    Cheri Lindsay:  Temple University
  • Government Relations Committee – 2023
    Ryan Jensema — PASFAA Vice President and Chair — Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
    Alycia DiNardo: Villanova University
    Ashling O’Connor Ursinus College
    Alyssa Dobson:  Slippery Rock University
    Emiyaril Alvarez: Millersville University
    Kenyan Cattell: Penn State University
    Regina Brinza:  University of Pittsburgh Medical School
    Jonathan Kirby:  University of Scranton-member.
    Shelby Maguire:  Lafyette College
    Stella Smith: Butler County Community College
    Cheri Lindsay:  Temple University
  • Spring Training Subcommittee – 2022
    Daniel Weigle — Chair — PHEAA’s PA Forward Student Loan Program
    Fiona Davenport, Cairn University
    Evelyn Disla-Hernandez, DeSales University
    Katrina Delgrosso, CollegeAve Student Loans
    Cheri Lindsay, Temple University
    LeRoy Spicer, South Hills School of Business and Technology
    Melissa Walsh, Delaware Valley University
    Heather Ledezma, PNC Student Loans
    Erin Dixon, Penn State
    Linda Pacewicz, PHEAA’s PA Forward Private Student Loan Program
    Daniel M. Wray, PHEAA’s PA Forward Private Student Loan Program
  • 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
    Katrina Delgrosso, CollegeAve Student Loans
    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 — Carnegie Mellon University
    Dan Weigle, PHEAA’s PA Forward Private Student Loan Program
    Daniel M. Wray, PHEAA’s PA Forward Private Student Loan Program
    Jamie Kosh, Penn State University
    Elizabeth Rihl Lewinsky, St. Joseph’s University
    Michael Ulicny, Carnegie Mellon University
    Thomas Pinkl, LaSalle University
  • Government Relations Committee – 2018
    Alyssa A. Dobson — Chair — Slippery Rock University of PA
    Regina M. Brinza, University of Pittsburgh
    Linda W. Ebel, Citizens School of Nursing
    John J. Falleroni, Duquesne University
    Dr. Kimberly J. McCurdy, PHEAA
    Scott E. Miller, PHEAA
    Donna M. Wilkoski, Bucks County Community College
    Shelby M. Smith, Lafayette College

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.

  • Stephanie Schrift – 2024
    Associate Director of Financial Aid
    Saint Francis University
  • Daniel M. Wray – 2023
    Account Executive, PA Forward Private Student Loan Program
    The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
  • Katrina Delgrosso – 2022
    Head of Mid-Atlantic Campus & Event Development
    CollegeAve Student Loans
  • 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, PA Forward Private Student Loan Program
    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.
  • Joan Hock – 2022
    Director of Financial Aid
    Delaware Valley University
  • Jon Falleroni – 2022
    Director of Financial Aid
    Duquesne University
  • 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