MASFAA Annual Awards – Call for Nominations

🌟MASFAA Awards – Call for Nominations

Presented at the MASFAA Annual Conference – November 19-20, 2026, Hyannis, MA (Margaritaville Resort Cape Cod)
Nomination Deadline: October 16th, 2026

📬How to Submit a Nomination

Please submit nominations electronically at https://masfaa.org/about/masfaa-awards-and-recognition/nominations/.

You must have a current MASFAA membership and be logged in to your account to access the nomination form.

The nomination form asks for the following information:

• Nominee’s name, contact information, and institution
• Which award you are nominating them for
• A statement describing how the nominee meets the award criteria

Descriptions of each award can be found below. Additional information about the awards, including past recipients can be found here.

🥇Charles E. Jones Achievement Award

Named in memory of Chuck Jones of The College of the Holy Cross, this award honors his legacy of compassion and commitment to access for all students.

Purpose:
To recognize the achievements and development of a new financial aid administrator.

Eligibility:

• Must have held an administrative position in financial aid for three years or less
• Current MASFAA Officers and Executive Council Members are not eligible

Criteria:
Outstanding achievement in one or more of the following areas:

• Leadership ability
• Communication skills
• Professional development
• Decision-making
• Service to students
• Service to institution

🏆MASFAA Presidential Award

 Purpose:
To recognize outstanding service and time dedicated to MASFAA during the past year(s).

 Eligibility:

• Individual or organization
• Current MASFAA Officers and Executive Council Members are not eligible

Criteria:

• Significant contribution to MASFAA through a single achievement or sustained effort
• Dependable and dedicated service, often behind the scenes

🥇Charles “Jack” Sheehan Distinguished Service Award

Named in honor of Jack Sheehan, a national leader and tireless advocate for students and professionals alike.

 Purpose:
To recognize distinguished service to the financial aid profession.

 Eligibility:

• Individual who demonstrates intelligence, integrity, fairness, creativity, humor, and patience
• Current MASFAA Officers and Executive Council Members are not eligible

 Criteria:

• Important contributions to the financial aid profession
• Commitment to advancing the goals of financial aid administrators

🎇Edward M. Kennedy Public Service Award

Named in honor of Senator Edward M. Kennedy, a lifelong advocate for education and equity.

 Purpose:
To recognize sustained service as a champion for underserved and disadvantaged groups and to promote student advocacy.

 Eligibility:

• Individual or organization
• Current MASFAA Officers and Executive Council Members are not eligible

 Criteria:

• Significant contributions in public service, student advocacy, government policy, or education on student aid issues

🎆Meritorious Service Award

 Purpose:
To recognize an exceptional contribution to the financial aid profession or higher education, with demonstrated commitment to MASFAA.

 Eligibility:

• Financial aid administrators or professionals from related fields
• This award is optional and may not be presented every year

 Criteria:

• Regional or national impact
• Leadership or special projects with far-reaching influence
• Strong commitment to MASFAA and its members