The Allan W. Purdy Distinguished Service Award is one of the highest awards that NASFAA bestows. It may be awarded either for significant contributions in the furtherance of NASFAA's goals over a sustained period of time, or for a single contribution of such momentous importance as to deserve the award. An award recipient may come from the financial aid, political, educational, business, or other community.

Members may nominate individuals for this award online annually.

Recipients

• 2022 - Brent Tener and Joan Zanders
• 2021 - Brenda Hicks
• 2020 - David Sheridan and Paula Luff
• 2019 - Lori Vedder
• 2018 - Billie Jo Hamilton
• 2017 - Dr. Lisa Blazer
• 2016 - Dan Mann and Paul Combe
• 2015 - Dr. Patricia Hurley and Eileen O'Leary
• 2014 - Senator Lamar Alexander, Dr. Martha Kanter, Congressman George Miller, Dr. David Mohning and Craig Munier
• 2013 - Thomas Butts and Ron Day
• 2012 - Dan Madzelan and Pam Fowler
• 2011 - Laurie Wolf
• 2010 - Joan Crissman and Barry Simmons, Sr.
• 2009 - David L. Gruen
• 2008 - Sarah Ann Candon and Michael Bennett
• 2007 - Janet Dodson
• 2006 - David Gelinas
• 2005 - Sen. Jim Jeffords, George Chin
• 2004 - Jerry S. Davis, Rep. Dale E. Kildee, David B. Myette
• 2003 - Charles W. Bruce
• 2002 - Sen. Tom Harkin, and Cruzita "Crusie" Lucero, Rep. Howard P. "Buck" McKeon
• 2001 - Stanley O. Ikenberry, Rachael L. Lohman, Arnold L. Mitchem, The Honorable David R. Obey
• 2000 - Irvin W. Bodofsky, Rep. William "Bill", Clay, Rep. William F. Goodling, Rep. John Edward Porter
• 1999 - Silas Purnell, Judy Schneider, Donald M. Stewart
• 1998 - John Parker, Dr. Irving Fradkin
• 1997 - Marvin G. Carmichael
• 1996 - Robert H. Atwell, William A. Irwin
• 1995 - Vernetta P. Fairley
• 1994 - D. Bruce Johnstone, Claire M. Roemer
• 1993 - Paul G. Aasen, Tally Hart, Bill Moran
• 1992 - Harvey P. Grotrian
• 1991 - Donald R. Ryan, Eleanor S. Morris
• 1990 - Kathleen Hogan McCullough
• 1989 - Marc L. Brenner, Daniel R Lau, G. Kay Jacks
• 1988 - Dr. Jimmy L. Ross, Joseph Sciame
• 1987 - Robert W. Evans, Robin E. Jenkins
• 1986 - The Honorable Augustus F. Hawkins, George H. Hanford, Gerald T. Bird
• 1985 - William R. Bennett
• 1984 - Mary Haldane
• 1983 - Lola J. Finch
• 1982 - Hubert S. Shaw, Donald E. Holec
• 1981 - Gene S. Miller, Joyce D. Dunagan, James W. Moore
• 1980 - Robert P. Huff
• 1979 - Neil E. Bolyard, The Honorable William D. Ford, The Honorable Claiborne D. Pell
• 1978 - Robert P. Huff, Robert B. Clark, Joe L. McCormick
• 1976 - Robert B. Clark
• 1975 - Edson W. Sample, Richard L. Tombaugh
• 1972 - Grant E. Curtis
• 1971 - Edward Sanders, H. Carroll Parish
• 1970 - Allan W. Purdy, Kenneth L. Wooten