NASFAA Remembers Larry Zaglaniczny, Past NASFAA Vice President for Governmental Relations
By Erin Timmons, Communications Staff
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of steadfast financial aid advocate and friend Larry Zaglaniczny. Known for his no-nonsense attitude, compassionate nature, and fierce advocacy for students and schools, Larry served from 1989–2008 as NASFAA’s vice president for governmental relations where he was a friend and mentor to many.
Before coming to NASFAA, he served from 1971–1975 as the administrative assistant to the State University of New York’s (SUNY) deputy to the chancellor. In his role, he testified more than a dozen times on authorization, appropriations, and tax legislation; reported to the deputy on administrative matters such as budget control, research, correspondence, and campus liaison; performed office services and coordinated functions with the system’s president and faculty senate; worked with SUNY’s legislative office dealing with state legislators; and headed the chancellor’s student communication and consultation efforts.
Following his position with SUNY, he served from 1976–1978 as the national director of the Coalition Of Independent College and University Students in Washington, DC, where he directed national student lobbying and research organization, and from 1978–1987 as the American Council on Education’s assistant director for congressional liaison, where he maintained liaison with the presidential administration and federal agencies and represented the views of the higher education community through daily personal contact, testimony, and written communications.
From 1987–1989 Larry held a position as the senior legislative associate for the U.S. Congress Committee on Education and Labor where he worked closely with NASFAA’s Reauthorization of the Higher Education Act (HEA) Task Force to develop over 118 proposed amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965—more than two-thirds of which were included in legislation.
Among his many accomplishments, Larry was elected president of the Committee for Education Funding, a coalition of over 90 educational organizations. During his tenure he provided leadership which increased the appropriation for education by $2.5 billion over the prior year.
While with NASFAA, Larry helped develop and plan NASFAA’s legislative and regulatory goals in collaboration with NASFAA’s president, Board of Directors, membership, and staff.
His constant communication with key congressional and executive department officials and other decision-makers was instrumental in implementing NASFAA’s policy agenda and the association’s legislative and regulatory goals. In 2011, NASFAA bestowed upon him its Meritorious Achievement Award for his significant multiple contributions to the association and the profession. Accepting the award, Larry thanked NASFAA’s national chair and members and recognized all his friends and colleagues on the staff and in the higher education community. He urged financial aid administrators to protest proposed cuts to key federal student aid programs.
NASFAA President Justin Draeger issued the following statement:
“Larry was a teacher and friend to me, showing me the ropes of the higher education advocacy world through practical, usually colorful, hands-on instruction. He called ‘em like he saw ‘em and never wavered in his commitment to stand by financial aid administrators or the principles our community upholds on college access and success.”
“Larry’s legacy will live on in our hearts and minds. We are grateful for the impact his work has had, and continues to have, on our profession and on the lives of countless students who unknowingly benefit from his labors.”
Funeral services will be held Friday, September 2 at the Church of the Transfiguration, 112 Ridge Street, Rome, NY at 11:00 am. Calling hours will precede the service at 10:00 am.
Per Larry's family's wishes, memorial donations may be made to the Dallas Martin Endowment for Public Policy and Student Aid at:
NASFAA c/o Dallas Martin Endowment
1101 Connecticut Ave. NW
Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20036
Please indicate on your donation check that it was given in memory of Larry Z.
or to the New York Student Financial Aid Administrator's Association (NYSFAAA) Student Scholarship at:
NYSFAAA c/o Treasurer Kerry Lubold
Financial Aid Office- SUNY Plattsburgh
101 Broad Street
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
Publication Date: 8/30/2016
Jeffrey S | 8/31/2016 10:48:13 AM
Walter and I send our condolences to NASFAA members and staff, and especially to Holly, on Larry's passing. He and I had many spirited arguments on policy issues, yet the conversation always remained civilized. Thanks for your contributions, Z.
David G | 8/30/2016 11:24:39 AM
"[Larry] never wavered in his commitment to stand by financial aid administrators or the principles our community upholds on college access and success.”
Truer words were never spoken. My condolences to Holly.
David S | 8/30/2016 10:50:24 AM
Very sad day. When I was asked to serve NASFAA some years back as chair of the Federal Issues Committee, I was a little intimidated, but working side by side with Larry gave me the opportunity to make it one of the most educational experiences I've had within any association committee. His in-depth knowledge of the intersection of financial aid and Washington politics was as strong as his relentless advocacy for everything financial aid is about. Erin very accurately describes his attitude as "no-nonsense," and Larry wore that description like a badge of honor. He served our profession so well, RIP my friend.
You must be logged in to comment on this page.