Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award (formerly known as the Lifetime Membership Award) is the highest award that NASFAA can bestow on one of its members or an individual who is affiliated with a member organization. To be eligible to receive this award, the individual must first be employed or have been employed by a member institution, be an associate member, or be employed by an associate member organization.
This award is the highest that NASFAA can bestow on a member; therefore, the achievements and contributions of the individual must truly be outstanding and significant. Normally, the individual will have made these contributions and achievements over a sustained period of time. This award is not typically made for a one-time achievement or effort, but for work over a sustained period of time for the Association and the profession in important capacities, and contributing significantly to NASFAA's success in meeting its goals.
The NASFAA Awards Nomination process is now open for member nominations until February 9, 2024. Winners will be announced this summer at the NASFAA National Conference.
2023 Lifetime Achievement Award Winners
Lisa Hopper, Dean of Student Financial Services, National Park College in Hot Springs, AR
For over 30 years, Lisa has been helping students and financial aid peers. To Lisa it’s been a calling that took her from CPA work, to roles within university finance, and finally to the financial aid community. As she leads the financial aid office at National Park College, Lisa has also been committed to the professional development of financial aid staff. She is a mentor and friend to many in her region and nationally. Even as president of SWASFAA, and her many leadership roles in the state, regional, and national levels, she makes everyone feel heard and needed at all levels. She has served in many capacities, including as AASFAA’s Treasurer and President. Lisa has also been very involved at the national level, serving on the NASFAA Board of Directors, as well as several task forces.
Lori Vedder, Interim Vice-Provost of Enrollment Management & Director of Financial Aid, University of Michigan-Flint
Lori has dedicated her career to helping students through financial aid and enrollment. She has always been a champion for the financial aid profession, and has continuously served at the state, regional and national level. Lori has been especially active in advocating for foster youth throughout her career. She has served as president for her state and regional associations, and also as 2018-19 national chair for NASFAA. She most recently represented her state by serving on the MASFAA 60th Anniversary conference committee. She has a long career in our profession and is a recognized leader across the country. Lori is respected by her colleagues and is loved by many for her encouragement and mentorship of young professionals joining the financial aid field.
Karen Krause, Executive Director, Office of Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Veteran’s Benefits Processing, University of Texas at Arlington
Karen Krause truly personifies the ideal of service to the financial aid profession. For the past 30 years she has been a tireless volunteer for NASFAA, as well as for the Texas and SWASFAA associations. Karen served as a NASFAA board member from 1999-2004. She has served on the NASFAA nominations and elections committee, conference committee, awards committee, as a commission director for NASFAA, and on NASFAA task forces. In addition, Karen taught thousands of Texas financial aid administrators some of the toughest subject matter in our industry curriculum for an incredible 17 years straight as faculty at the TASFAA new aid officers workshop. She is viewed with such admiration and respect that she has served on the President’s advisory council for every TASFAA President since 2006. This sustained record of service and leadership illustrates Karen’s commitment to the goals of NASFAA, and the most strict and consistent adherence to the ethics of the financial aid profession.
Publication Date: 10/30/2023
