Sessions & Speakers

Joseph (Joe) Donlay serves Executive Director of Financial Aid at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. Originally from Kansas, Joe has held previous financial aid positions at Wichita State University and Southwestern College. He has enjoyed being very active in his state, regional, and national associations in a variety of leadership capacities, including service as RMASFAA President, RMASFAA Summer Institute Chair, NASFAA Regional Representative, and is a current NASFAA Representative-at-Large. Joe is a past NASFAA ‘MVP’, a past recipient of NASFAA’s Regional Leadership Award, RMASFAA’s O.R. “Jack” Hendrix Award and CAFAA’s Postsecondary Professional of the Year Award.

Valerie Jensen is a higher education professional with over 23 years of experience in admissions and financial aid. She is a native St. Louisan, earning her Bachelor’s Degree from Saint Louis University and Master’s Degree from Webster University. Val started her higher ed career as a federal work study student in the financial aid office while studying at SLU. After graduation she joined the Undergraduate Admissions team at Webster University where she worked for thirteen years before rejoining the Financial Aid team at SLU. Val moved to the Student Financial Services office at Washington University in St. Louis in 2017 and has served as Deputy Director of SFS since October 2020. She is active in the Missouri Association of Student Financial Aid Personnel (MASFAP) and currently serves on MASFAP’s executive board as Vice President.

Gina Soliz is the Senior Associate Dean and Director of Financial Aid at Colgate University, providing leadership in financial aid, analysis of packaging policies, development of initiatives and business processes, compliance, and reporting. Gina has 30 years of experience in financial aid, helping students find ways to successfully finance their college costs. At Colgate, she works with students from a wide range of backgrounds, fulfilling the institution’s commitment to lessen debt and provide access. Prior to joining the admission and financial aid division at Colgate, Gina was the Director of Financial Aid at Syracuse University College of Law for 17 years. Gina earned both her bachelor’s degree in English (College of Arts and Sciences) and her master’s degree in Higher Education Administration (School of Education) from Syracuse University.