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

President's Award

Distinguished Service Award

Executive Council Award

Special Recognition Award

Special Achievement Award

Outstanding New Professional Award

Ginny Dodds Lifetime Achievement Award

MASFAA and NASFAA Awards

MAFAA Presidents

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

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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.

2022	Membership - Amanda Cantú, Jana Koehler	2008	Lois Larson	1995	Carolyn Zehren
2021	Ben Flikeid	2007	Emily Dowdle, Lynn Mens, Ellen McCullough	1994	Patty Holycross, Karen Knighton, Daniel C. Nelson
2020	Katie Hendrickson	2006	Marcia Hubner, Jessica Sidla, Tom Hansen	1993	Kay Grabarkewitz
2019	Carly Eichhorst	2005	Dick Battig	1992	Linda Lindseth
2018	Lois Larson	2004	Carol Dockendorf	1991	Christine Heiting
2017	Bridget Johnson	2003	Chad Nosbusch	1990	Christopher Halling
2016	Jacquelynn Mol Sletten	2002	Karen Kraft	1989	Daniel C. Nelson
2015	Rachel Lykken	2001	Lynette Wahl	1988	Reed Carpenter
2014	Katie Hendrickson	2000	Jim Stiner	1987	Sharon Harris
2013	LuGail Hamel	1999	Jane Williams	1986	Shirley Buerkle
2012	Paul Haugen	1998	Patricia Klicka	1985	Paul G. Aasen
2011	Metropolitan State University Financial Aid Staff: Scott Glime, Gayle Yamry, Laura Jensen, Jennifer Havisto, Brittany Johnson, Aaron Berktold, Krystal Gallegos	1997	Patricia Fischer	1984	Patty Holycross
2010	Nichole Lien	1996	Cal Johnson	1983	Mary L. Hershberger
2009	Tina Kukowski

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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.

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	1997	Diane Borchardt	1979	Robert Frazey
2007	John Pogue

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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
2016	Soledad Kern	2009	Katie Hendrickson

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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.

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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