NeASFAA History
The Nebraska Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators had its beginning at Kearney State College (now University of Nebraska-Kearney) in the spring of 1967. Dr. Jean Harvey, Financial Aid Administrator at Creighton University, foresaw the need to have an organized professional association of financial aid officers in the state, and personally contacted all of the higher Education schools which were administering financial aid programs. Dr. Harvey invited them to an organizational discussion meeting in Kearney. This meeting was hosted by Donald Tewell who was, at the time, Director of Financial Aid at Kearney State.
At this meeting, it was decided that an organization was needed to accomplish the following:
- develop professionalism among aid officers of Nebraska
- provide a means to bring together aid officers for the discussion of common problems
- influence federal and state legislation dealing with student financial aid programs and to provide an avenue for dissemination of ideas and concerns of students and administrators to financial aid problems
- provide training for newly appointed aid officers
- assist secondary school counselors in their work with students in planning their future by providing timely and updated information concerning financial aid
- provide a means of affiliation with the Midwest Regional Student Financial Aid Organization.
With these goals and objectives in mind, an organizational and constitutional committee was selected, with G. Heinicke of Concordia College as Chairman. The first organizational association meeting was held in September of 1967. The association requested and received acceptance for affiliation with the Midwest Regional Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.
At the Spring Meeting in 1978, the Association voted to sever affiliation with the Midwest Region and join the Rocky Mountain Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Nebraska Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NeASFAA) exists primarily to promote the professional preparation, effectiveness and mutual support of persons involved in student financial aid administration. In addition, NeASFAA exists to bring about the implementation of programs that will have a positive impact on students' ability to pay for programs of higher education.
In order to effectively serve the needs of its members, NeASFAA shall strive to serve in a leadership role within the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA).
The Association shall serve as a forum for its members and act as a focus for the expression of views on matters relating to the development, funding and administration of student financial aid.
While the Association's primary goal is to provide an avenue for preparation to those members who are directly responsible for the administration of student aid programs, NeASFAA shall strive to expand its training services to include other individuals who play a major role in assisting students in completing and paying for programs of higher education.
In order to effectively meet the goals of its mission and the diverse and changing needs of the post-secondary education community, NeASFAA seeks to maintain a spirit of cooperation and an approach which is flexible, equitable and innovative.
PURPOSE
NeASFAA exists to:
- develop professionalism among aid officers of Nebraska
- provide a means to bring together aid officers for the discussion of common problems
- influence federal and state legislation dealing with student financial aid programs and to provide an avenue for dissemination of ideas and concerns of students and administrators in financial aid problems
- provide training for newly appointed aid officers
- assist secondary school counselors in their work with students in planning their future by providing timely and updated information concerning financial aid
- provide a means of affiliation with the Rocky Mountain Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (RMASFAA) and the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA).
PAST PRESIDENT
2020-2021 Renee Besse, University of Nebraska - Kearney
2019-2020 Sheila Johns, Western Nebraska Community College 2018-19 Marty Habrock, University of Nebraska - Omaha
2017-18 Stacy Dieckman, Northeast Community College
2016-17 Beth Sisk, College of Saint Mary
2015-16 Kay Dinkelman, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
2014-15 Matt Johnson, University of Nebraska - Kearney
2013-14 Tom Ochsner, Nebraska Wesleyan University
2012-13 Tom Ochsner, Nebraska Wesleyan Univeristy
2011-12 Peggy Tvrdy, Doane College
2010-11 Terri Graham, Hastings College
2009-10 Dale Brown, Mid Plains Community College - McCook
2008-09 Lisa Gdowski, Central Community College - Columbus
2007-08 Mary Sommers, University of Nebraska - Kearney
2006-07 Shareen Thewke,University of Nebraska - Omaha
2005-06 Janet Dodson, Doane College
2004-05 Shirley Huttenmaier, Southeast Community College-Beatrice
2003-04 Deana Unger, Universtiy of Nebraska-Lincoln
2002-03 Vicki Kucera, Central Community College - Hastings
2001-02 Paula Kohles, Creighton University
2000-01 Caroline Routh, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
1999-00 Mary Sommers, University of Nebraska at Kearney
1998-99 Randy Sell, University of Nebraska at Omaha
1997-98 Tom Ramaeker, Creighton University
1996-97 Steve Millnitz, Central Community College - Grand Island
1995-96 Judith Walker, University of Nebraska Medical Center
1994-95 Mark Anderson, Dana College
1993-94 Doug Watson, Midland Lutheran College
1992-93 Joan Zanders, Wayne State College
1991-92 Wanda Halvorson, NE Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health
1990-91 Jan Going, Southeast Community College - Lincoln
1989-90 Cheri Clark, College of Saint Mary
1988-89 Cheri Clark, College of Saint Mary
1987-88 Pat McTee, Kearney State College
1986-87 Bob Walker, Creighton University
1985-86 Diane Girard, Southeast Community College - Lincoln
1984-85 Don Aripoli, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
1983-84 Danni Warrick, Metropolitan Technical Community College
1982-83 Dan Davenport, Western Nebraska Community College
1981-82 Keith Ninemire, University of Nebraska at Omaha
1980-81 Larry Viterna, University of Nebraska School of Technical Agriculture
1979-80 Leo Munson, Creighton University
1978-79 Robert Pike, University of Nebraska at Omaha
1977-78 Del Smith, Western Nebraska Community College
1977-78 Tom Schnitker, Creighton University
1976-77 Del Hussey, Chadron State College
1975-76 Jack Ritchie, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
1974-75 Claire Fredstrom, Nebraska Wesleyan University
1973-74 Don Roddy, University of Nebraska at Omaha
1972-73 Harold Knott, Midland Lutheran College
1971-72 Gary Heinicke, Concordia Teachers College, Deceased
HONOR ROLL
Bob Minturn Special Recognition Award
The Nebraska Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NeASFAA) established the Robert Minturn Service Award in 1973 in memory of Mr. Robert Minturn who served as Director of Financial Aid at Creighton University from January 1971 to August 1972. This award is given annually to an outstanding financial aid officer who is a NeASFAA member in recognition of their leadership activities within the financial aid profession.
The NeASFAA Executive Committee selects the recipient and the presentation is made at the spring meeting.
On January 19, 1981 the award name was changed to the "Bob Minturn Special Recognition Award" by a vote of the Executive Council.
Recipients:
3/26/21 Linda Butcher, Southeast Community College (posthumously)
3/27/20 Marty Habrock, Univeristy of Nebraska at Omaha 3/28/19 Kent Wolfe, Inceptia
4/5/18 Daphne Hall, EducationQuest Foundation
3/31/17 Jodi Vanden Berge, EducationQuest Foundation
3/23/16 Les Monore, EducationQuest Foundation
4/16/15 Ritchie Morrow, Coordinating Comm. For Postsecondary Education
4/10/14 Laura Schultz, Wells Fargo
4/25/13 Renee Besse, University of Nebraska - Kearney
4/19/12 Terri Graham, Hastings College
4/4/11 Deana Unger, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
4/15/10 Kay Dinkelman, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
4/2/09 Mark Schilmoeller, Nelnet
4/10/08 Steve Millnitz, Central Community College - Grand Island
4/12/07 Doug Watson, Midland Lutheran College
4/20/06 Caroline Routh, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
4/19/05 Vicki Kucera, Central Community College, Hastings
4/20/04 Claire Fredstrom, Nebraska, Wesleyan University
4/09/03 Mary Sommers, University of Nebraska at Kearney
4/25/02 Paula Kohles, Creighton University
5/10/01 Randy Sell, University of Nebraska at Omaha
4/27/00 Tom Melecki, NSLP
4/14/99 Janet Dodson, Doane College
4/16/98 Joan Zanders, Northeast Community College
4/24/97 Judith Walker, University of Nebraska Medical Center
4/25/96 Kathryn McConnell, Union Bank & Trust
4/07/95 Pat McTee, University of Nebraska at Kearney
4/29/94 Tom Ramaeker, Creighton University
4/16/93 Karen Morris, Doane College
4/19/91 Sue Walsh, Wayne State College
4/19/91 Doug Watson, Midland Lutheran College
4/20/90 Wanda Halvorson, NE Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health
4/15/88 Bob Walker, Creighton University
4/15/87 Danni Warrick, Metropolitan Technical Community College
4/15/87 Michael Abdouch, Universal Technical Institute
4/10/86 Dr. Don Aripoli, University of Nebraska at Lincoln
4/10/85 Cheri Clark, College of St. Mary
4/11/84 Larry O'Meara, Higher Education Assistance Foundation
4/11/84 Larry Viterna, University of Nebraska School of Technical Agriculture
4/22/82 Del Hussey, Chadron State College
4/23/81 Dan Duff, Union College
4/23/80 Harold "Gene" Knott, Midland Lutheran College
4/23/80 Robert Pike, University of Nebraska at Omaha
4/26/79 Ron Fritz, University of Nebraska at Lincoln
4/25/78 Dennis (Mic) Martin, Metropolitan Technical Community College
9/28/77 Robert Fredlund, University of Nebraska Medical Center
4/27/76 Rose Vyhnalek, Doane College
4/30/75 Don Miller, Peru State College
4/26/74 Don Roddy, University of Nebraska-Omaha
Distinguished Service Award
Recipients of this award are recognized for their outstanding achievements to the financial aid profession. Individuals must have demonstrated outstanding service in the pursuit of NeASFAA's mission over the past year. Awards are presented during NeASFAA's Spring Conference.
Recipients:
3/26/21 Ritchie Morrow, Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education
3/27/20 Vicki Kucera, Central Community College 3/28/19 Janice Volker, University of Nebraska - Omaha
4/5/18 Beth Sisk, College of Saint Mary
3/31/17 Becca Dobry, University of Nebraska Kearney
3/23/16 Peggy Tvrdy, Doane University
4/16/15 Stacy Dieckman, Northeast Community College
4/10/14 Don Buehrer, Nelnet
4/25/13 Cindy Delaney, Nebraska Wesleyan University
4/25/13 Marty Habrock, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
4/19/12 Jodi Vanden Berge, EducationQuest Foundation – Kearney
4/4/11 Ritchie Morrow, Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education
4/4/11 Caroline Routh, University of Nebraska – Lincoln
4/15/10 Laura Schultz, Wells Fargo
4/15/10 Robb Cummings, Sallie Mae
4/15/10 Mark Schilmoeller, Nelnet
4/15/10 Mary Jo Smith, US Bank
4/2/09 Matt Johnson, University of Nebraska - Kearney
4/10/08 Shareen Thewke, University of Nebraska - Omaha
4/12/07 Ted Fellers, Mid-Planes Community College - McCook
4/20/06 Janet Dodson, Doane College
4/20/04 Stacey Musil, FES
4/09/03 Terri Graham, Hastings College & Tom Melecki, NSLP
4/25/02 Daphne Hall, Nelnet
5/10/01 Shirley Huttenmaier, Southeast Community College-Beatrice
4/27/00 Liz Fieselman, FEF
4/15/99 Kelly Muthersbaugh, NSLP
4/16/98 Carla Grafelman, NSLP
4/25/96 Paula Kohles, Creighton University
Rookie of the Year
Special recognition is given to a NeASFAA member for their first major contribution to NeASFAA; not just their first year in the financial aid profession. Individuals are recognized at NeASFAA's Spring Conference.
Recipients:
3/26/21 Susan Collins, Capitol School of Hairstyling and Esthetics
3/27/20 Kimberly Vanosdall, Northeast Community College 3/28/19 Sarah Standley, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
4/5/18 Hylee Asche, Central Community College
3/31/17 Janice Volker, University of Nebraska - Omaha
3/23/16 Gina DeJong, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
4/16/15 Becca Dobry, University of Nebraska - Kearney
4/10/14 Lani Swanson, Nebraska Wesleyan University
4/25/13 Ray Miller, Grace University
4/19/12 Brien Alley, York College
4/4/11 Marty Habrock, University of Nebraska – Lincoln
4/15/10 Bailey Nelsen, Clarkson College
4/2/09 LeAnn Hoffman, Wayne State College
4/10/08 Randy Lovins, NSLP
4/12/07 Kim Grubb, Bellevue University
4/20/06 Matthew Johnson, University of Nebraska - Kearney
4/20/05 Sara Smith, EducationQuest
4/20/04 Amanda Blue, NELNET
4/09/03 Wendy Olson, NSLP
4/25/02 Angie Miller, UNMC
4/25/02 Michelle Reeson, Midland Lutheran College
5/10/01 Shareen Cundall, Doane College
4/27/00 Dianne Fick, Omaha EPC
4/15/99 Mark Krings, NSLP
4/16/98 Kelly Muthersbaugh, NSLP
1997 Ritchie Morrow, University of Nebraska at Kearney
4/25/96 Randy Sell, University of Nebraska at Omaha
4/25/96 Jodi Vanden Berge, EPC-Kearney
Feel the Excitement Award
This award is presented to a NeASFAA member whose has demonstrated outstanding service to their community. NeASFAA honors members who volunteer, lead a special project, or work tirelessly to educate or promote awareness about an important issue. Recipients are honored at NeASFAA's Spring Conference.
Recipients:
3/31/17 Joan Jurek, EducationQuest Foundation
4/25/13 Craig Munier, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
4/19/12 Matt Johnson, University of Nebraska - Kearney
4/4/11 Ritchie Morrow, Coordinating Comm. For Postsecondary Education
4/15/10 Kent Wolfe, NSLP
4/10/08 Kyle Rose, Wayne State College
4/11/07 Mark Araujo, Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing
4/20/04 Steve Millnitz, Central Community College - Grand Island
4/09/03 Dale Brown, Grace University
4/25/02 Stacey Musil, FES
5/10/01 Mark Schilmoeller , Nelnet
4/27/00 Joan Zanders, Northeast Community College
4/14/99 Phyllis Doughman, Metro Community College
top
Committee of the Year
This award is presented to a NeASFAA committee whose leadership and work made a significant contribution, which benefited the association. The chair and committee members are recognized at NeASFAA's Spring conference.
Recipients:
3/23/16 Membership Connections Committee - Lani Swanson, Nebraska Wesleyan University and Renee Besse, University of Nebraska - Kearney
4/16/15 Professional Development Committee - Mary Sommers, University of Nebraska - Kearney
4/10/14 Professional Developmente Committee - Laura Schultz, Wells Fargo and Ritchie Morrow, Coordinating Commission for Post-Secondary Education
4/25/13 Corporate Development Committee - Don Bueher, Nelnet and Stacy Seim, EducationQuest
4/19/12 Professional Development Committee – Beth Sisk, College of Saint Mary and Jodi Vanden Berge, EducationQuest Foundation – Kearney
4/4/11 Finanace and Audit
4/15/10 Communications - Bailey Nelsen, Chair
4/2/09 Professional Development Committee - Vicki Kucera, Chair
4/10/08 Communications, Les Monroe
4/11/07 Professional Development Committee - Mary Sommers
4/20/06 Professional Development Committee - Mary Sommers
4/20/05 Communications, Peggy Trvdy
4/20/04 Membership
4/09/03 Finance and Audit
4/25/02 Professional Development Committee - Daphne Hall, Chair
5/10/01 Association Governance - Mary Sommers, Chair
4/27/00 Communications - Dianne Fick, Chair
4/15/99 Awards - C.J. Thoma, Chair
4/16/98 Communications - Kelly Muthersbaugh, Chair
4/24/97 Communications - Renee Besse, Chair
4/25/96 Early Awareness - Paula Kohles, Chair