This award is presented to an individual who has made an important contribution to the Association or to the profession. To receive a Meritorious Achievement Award the individual should have made either an important single contribution to the Association or the profession; or significant multiple contributions to the Association or the profession.

The NASFAA Awards Nomination process is now closed. Winners will be announced this summer at the NASFAA National Conference.

2017 Meritorious Achievement Award Winners

Judith Lewis Logue, director of financial aid at the University of San Diego.

During Logue’s 53-year career in financial aid, it has been her mission and highest priority to ensure every student has equal access and is given the opportunity to attain a postsecondary education, especially low-income, underrepresented and underserved students. She has been very active in her service to both NASFAA and the financial aid community.

Brett Lief, former president of the National Council of Higher Education Loan Programs and former assistant vice president for student aid and policy for the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.

Lief’s commitment to college access and success dates back to his early years as a financial aid administrator, including roles as assistant director of financial aid at Monmouth University and director of financial aid at Brookdale Community College, both in New Jersey. Lief also worked on behalf of students for 14 years at the NJ Department of Higher Education. He has actively served both NASFAA and the financial aid community, presenting at many state, regional, and national conferences, and providing federal updates using his expertise in interpreting policy and legislative issues. He currently serves as the chief strategic advisor for Windham Professionals.

Past winners list (PDF)