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Minnesota Association of Financial Aid Administrators 

MAFAA Awards

MAFAA is grateful for the contributions made by it's members and constituents. As such, MAFAA recognizes significant achievements each year at the spring conference.

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MAFAA Presidents

2023-2024  Amand Cantú 2004-2005  Pam Engebretson 1985-1986  Michael White
2022-2023  Michael Crider   2003-2004  Jeff Olson   1984-1985  R. Blake Crosby
2021-2022  Scott Roelke   2002-2003  Jayne Dinse   1983-1984  Paul G. Aasen
2020-2021  Carolyn Chesebrough   2001-2002  Herald Johnson   1982-1983  Frank E. Loncorich
2019-2020  Brittany Tweed   2000-2001  Susan Neppl   1981-1982  Gordon J. Trisko
2018-2019  Anne Dahlen   1999-2000  Patty Holycross   1980-1981  Orlo Austin
2017-2018  Gayle Yamry   1998-1999  David Dahlen   1979-1980  Richard D. Battig
2016-2017  Gayle Yamry   1997-1998  Cathy Lund-Ziebarth   1978-1979  Sister Anne Elise Tshida
2015-2016  Barb Charboneau   1996-1997  Patricia Berktold   1977-1978  Jon A. Griepentrog
2014-2015  M.E.G. Calabrese   1995-1996  Jim Schmidt   1976-1977  Donald L. Johnson
2013-2014  David Vikander   1994-1995  Karen Knighton   1975-1976  John Schullo
2012-2013  Doug Minter   1993-1994  Christopher Halling   1974-1975  Thomas Levig
2011-2012  Jeffery Aalbers   1992-1993  Daniel C. Nelson   1973-1974  James Hausman
2010-2011  Lois Larson   1991-1992  Ronald V. Kraft   1972-1973  Robert E. Frazey
2009-2010  Lois Larson   1990-1991  Herald Johnson   1971-1972  David H. Anderson
2008-2009  Katharine Ruby   1989-1990  Ronald O. Wiger   1970-1971  Robert Matuska
2007-2008  Scott Roelke   1988-1989  Dale Thornton   1969-1970  Robert Matuska
2006-2007  John Pogue   1987-1988  Robert I. Misenko   1968-1969  Bruce Gray
2005-2006  John Pogue   1986-1987  Gary Ness  

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President's Award

The President's Award is presented to the MAFAA member who enabled the president to effectively perform the duties of the association president. Support provided could include clerical activities, special projects, or special committee assignments that benefit the association. The MAFAA president selects the winner.


Distinguished Service Award 

The Distinguished Service Award is presented to a MAFAA member whose years of service and distinguished contributions to MAFAA over time furthered the mission of MAFAA and warrant recognition by the Association. Nominations are sought from MAFAA members. A committee, comprised of the past five Distinguished Service Award recipients and chaired by the most recent recipient, reviews the contributions of nominees and selects the recipient.

2023 Lindsay Adams Kagol   2007 John Pogue   1997 Diane Borchardt
2022 Katie Hendrickson   2006 David Dahlen   1996 Kay Grabarkewitz
2021 Lois Larson   2005 Susan Brady   1991 Dianne Danov
2020 Gayle Yamry   2004 JoAnn Haynes   1990 Michael White
2019 Sandra Goman   2003 Kay Rindal   1989 Frank Loncorich
2018 Pam Engebretson   2002 Karen Kraft   1988 Gary Ness
2017 Doug Minter   2001 Robert Krueger   1987 Patty Holycross
2016 Valerie Knopp   2000 Jane Williams   1986 Paul G. Aasen
2015 Mike Uran   1999 Karen Knighton   1985 Allen Rasmussen
2013 David Vikander   1998 Cal Johnson   1984 Donald L. Johnson
2012 Jeff Olson   1997 Diane Borchardt   1983 Jon A. Griepentrog
2011 Jayne Dinse   1996 Kay Grabarkewitz   1982 Sister Anne Elise Tshida
2010 Bill Silva-Breen   1999 Karen Knighton   1981 Richard D. Battig
2009 Anne Dahlen   1998 Cal Johnson   1980 Robert Matuska
2008 Carol Dockendorf  

  1979 Robert Frazey

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Executive Council Award

The Executive Council Award is presented to a MAFAA committee whose exemplary performance served MAFAA in good stead the past year. Contributions benefiting the association, the financial aid community and constituents are evaluated. The MAFAA Executive Council selects the winner.

2023 Professional Development committee, chaired by Monica Ehalt and Nichole Andersen
2022 Conference Planning committee, chaired by Kris Parker
2021 Outreach & Early Awareness committee, chaired by Michael Crider
2020 Professional Development committee, chaired by Anita Ostercamp & Monica Ehalt
2019 Legislative Task Force committee, chaired by Mike Barnaby & Mike Uran
2018 50th Anniversary Task Force committee, chaired by Lindsay Adams & Jacquelynn Mol Sletten
2017 Outreach & Early Awareness committee, chaired by Oana Zayic & Borr Vang
2016 Newsletter, Carol Swenson
2015 Conference Planning committee, chaired by Lindsay Adams & Bailey Staben
2014 Professional Development committee, chaired by Rachel Lykken & Jacquelynn Mol
2013 Web Development committee, chaired by Jesus Hernandez-Mejia & Bailey Staben
2012 Policy & Procedures Review Task Force committee, chaired by Jeff Olson
2011 Financial Planning Review work group, chaired by Stuart Perry
2010 Leadership committee, chaired by Jayne Dinse
2009 Review of the Financial Aid Profession Task Force committee, chaired by Jeff Olson
2008 Conference Planning committee, chaired by Michelle Ahrendt & Nichole Lien
2007  Diversity task force, chaired by Debbie Velasco
Leadership 
committee, chaired by David Vikander
2006  Corporate Support committee, chaired by David Dahlen
Professional Development 
committee, chaired by Scott Roelke
2005  Early Awareness committee, chaired by Susan Prater
2004  Corporate Support committee, chaired by David Dahlen
2003 Government Issues committee, chaired by Pam Engebretson
2002 Development committee, chaired by Richard Blatchley
2001 Professional Development committee, chaired by JoAnn Haynes
2000 Public Relations committee, chaired by Chad Nosbusch
1999 Government Issues committee, chaired by Paul Aasen & Susan Brady
1997 Professional Development committee, chaired by David Dahlen
1996 Public Relations committee, chaired by Carol Swenson
1995 Professional Development committee, chaired by Jeannette Maynard
1994 Association Services committee, chaired by Kay Grabarkewitz
1993 Government Issues committee, chaired by Jim Schmidt
1992 Conference Planning committee, chaired by Barbara Kowal
1991 Newsletter committee, chaired by Kay Rindal
1990 Budget and Finance committee, chaired by Michael White
1989 Federal Legislative committee, chaired by Larry Sonnek
1988 Archives committee, chaired by Herald Johnson
1987 Professional Development committee, chaired by Jane Williams
1986 Public Relations committee, chaired by Robert Misenko

Special Recognition Award

The Special Recognition Award is presented to a person affiliated with the financial aid community other than a practicing financial aid administrator, who has consistently provided outstanding service to MAFAA in recent years. The fact that this award is not presented annually underscores it significance. The MAFAA Executive Council selects the recipient.

2023 Carol Swenson, Ascendium Education
2019 Jacquelynn Mol Sletten, Minnesota Office of Higher Education
2018 Diane Borchardt, Great Lakes Educational Loan Services, Inc.
2016 Jana Vanderah, Wells Fargo
2015 Sara Edwards, Inceptia
2014 Marilyn Kosir, Minnesota Office of Higher Education
2013 Baker Tilly Virchow & Krause LLP
2011 Cheryl Maplethrope, Globe University
Brad Riebel, U.S. Bank
2010 Diane Borchardt, Great Lakes Educational Loan Services, Inc.
2009 Jessica Sidla, CitiBank
2008 LuGail Hamel, TCF Bank
2007  Ken Wallace, Education Assistance Corporation
2006  Ann Scott, Great Lakes Educational Loan Services, Inc.
2005  Carol Swenson, Great Lakes Educational Loan Services, Inc.
2004  Richard Battig, Academic Funding Group
2003 Joe Aitken, Minnesota Indian Scholarship Programs
2002 Clark Wold, Education Assistance Corporation
2001 Ginny Dodds, MHESO
2000 Jamie Malone, U.S. Department of Education, Region V
1999 Tom Hansen, Great Lakes Higher Education Guaranty Corporation
1997 State Representative Lyndon Carlson
1996 Jan Borra, MAFAA List Serv Developer
State Representative 
Gene Pelowski
1995 Congressman Tim Penny
State Senator Steve Murphy
1994 Kurtis Kindschi, American College Testing
1991 Richard Leighninger, MHECB
1989 Dan Reyelts, TCF Bank
1988 William Howie, Higher Education Assistance Foundation
1984 Milt Hilary, American College Testing
1983 Martin Jagodensky, Higher Education Assistance Foundation
1994 Association Services committee, chaired by Kay Grabarkewitz
1993 Government Issues committee, chaired by Jim Schmidt
1992 Conference Planning committee, chaired by Barbara Kowal
1991 Newsletter committee, chaired by Kay Rindal
1990 Budget and Finance committee, chaired by Michael White
1989 Federal Legislative committee, chaired by Larry Sonnek
1988 Archives committee, chaired by Herald Johnson
1987 Professional Development committee, chaired by Jane Williams
1986 Public Relations committee, chaired by Robert Misenko
Special Achievement Award

The Special Achievement Award is presented to a person, committee, task force or other entity that has made a significant contribution to the financial aid profession in Minnesota. The fact that this award is not presented annually underscores its significance. The MAFAA Executive Council selects the recipient.

2023 Dave Sutherland, Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College
2021 Conference Planning Committee, chaired by Brynn Juranek
2020 Brittany Tweed, Anoka-Ramsey Community College
2019 Bridgette Johnson, Anoka-Ramsey Community College
2018 Web Redesign Task Force, chaired by Ben Flikeid, Andy Levesque & Jesus Hernandez-Mejia
2017 Carolyn Zehren, Minnesota State University of Moorhead
2016 PPY Task Force, chaired by Richard Blatchley, University of Northwestern
2015 Ginny Dodds, Minnesota Office of Higher Education
2013 Shannon O'Brien, Minneapolis Community & Technical College
Jeff Olson
, Bethel University
2012 Jane Williams, Concordia College
Katherine Ruby
, St. Olaf College
2011 Cappy Breuer, Normandale Community College
2010 John Pogue, Inver Hills Community College
2009 David Vikander, Southwest Minnesota State University
2008 Corporate Support Committee, chaired by Jayne Dinse, South Central College
2007 Frank Loncorich, St. Cloud State
Patty Holycross
, Itasca Community College
2006 College Goal Sunday Task Force, Judy Swanson, Chair
2005 John Gust, St. Cloud State
2004 Fin Aid / Admissions Relations Task Force, Lu Gail Hamel, Chair
2003 Financial Structure Task Force, John Pogue, Chair
2002 Futures Committee, Patty Holycross, Chair
2001 Early Awareness Task Force, Brad Riebel & Sandy Sundstrom, Co-Chairs
Technology Task Force
, Tim Lehmann, Chair
2000 Barb Fahnhorst, Membership Coordinator
1998 Technology Task Force, Nate Emerson, Chair
Distance Learning Task Force
, Fran VanSlyke-Zeslofsky, Chair
1995 Leadership Symposium Development Team, Jim Schmidt, Chair
1994 Shared Responsibility Task Force, Daniel C. Nelson & Chris Halling, Co-Chairs
1992 Kennon Rothchild, Northstar Guarantee Inc
1991 Student Loan Task Force, Dianne Danov, Chair
1988 William Howie, Higher Education Assistance Foundation
1984 Milt Hilary, American College Testing
1983 Martin Jagodensky, Higher Education Assistance Foundation
1994 Association Services committee, chaired by Kay Grabarkewitz
1993 Government Issues committee, chaired by Jim Schmidt
1992 Conference Planning committee, chaired by Barbara Kowal
1991 Newsletter committee, chaired by Kay Rindal
1990 Budget and Finance committee, chaired by Michael White
1989 Federal Legislative committee, chaired by Larry Sonnek
1988 Archives committee, chaired by Herald Johnson
1987 Professional Development committee, chaired by Jane Williams
1986 Public Relations committee, chaired by Robert Misenko

Outstanding New Professional Award

The recipient of this award must have made outstanding contributions to his/her institution, the financial aid profession, and the Minnesota Association of Financial Aid Administrators. The criteria are based on significant contributions over a period of time and are not typically given for a single contribution. The recipient must hold regular membership in MAFAA and have been in the financial aid profession for less than 5 years. The MAFAA Executive Council selects the recipient.

2023 Molly Flesher-Sanderson   2016 Soledad Kern   2009 Katie Hendrickson
2022 Rebecca Walz   2015 Jacquelynn Mol   2008 Kerry Lurken
2021 Anna Smith de Yoma   2014 Jana Koehler   2007 Jarod Paulson
2020 Gina Altobelli   2013 Rachel Lykken   2006 Nichole Lien
2019 Bao Yang-Moua   2012 Jesus Hernandez-Mejia   2005 Dan Vega
2018 Maribeth Mueller   2011 Jayne Deis   2004 Jessica Sidla
2017 Thomas Lorendo   2010 Kerri Schmidt  

Ginny Dodds Lifetime Achievement Award

The Ginny Dodds Lifetime achievement award is MAFAA’s most prestigious awards. It is presented to a MAFAA member whose has a lifetime of continuous contributions and support of financial aid for the students of Minnesota through advocacy, the ethical administration of financial aid programs, and for service to the Minnesota Association of Financial Aid Administrators association.

2023 Brad Riebel, Sallie Mae
2022 Dick Battig, Model College of Hair Design
2021 David Vikander, Southwest Minnesota State University
2020 Dick Battig, Model College of Hair Design
2019 David Dahlen, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
 2016 Ginny Dodds, Minnesota Office of Higher Education

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Midwest Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (MASFAA) Awards

National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) Awards


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