Each year, the financial aid community goes above and beyond to help and support students and their families in this time of need, despite the challenges that come your way. No matter how many hats you wear, you always make sure your students come first. Thank you!
NASFAA's volunteers form the foundation on which our association builds all of its efforts and achievements. We are thankful for the hard work and accomplishments of the members of our task forces, working groups, committees, councils, and commissions who volunteer their time and talent to advance NASFAA's mission. Take a peek at our 2023-24 Annual Impact Report for a look at all we've accomplished in the last year with the help of dedicated members like you. We hope you have a wonderful holiday!
The NASFAA office will be closed on Thursday, November 28, and Friday, November 29, for the Thanksgiving holiday. NASFAA's Today's News newsletter will not be published and AskRegs and membership support will not be available until the office reopens on Monday, December 2.
To celebrate Thanksgiving this year, we asked the NASFAA staff what they are most thankful for this year.
"It’s impossible to overstate how grateful I am for this NASFAA staff (those pictured and not pictured). It’s my privilege and honor to work with each of you!"
- Beth Maglione, Interim President & CEO
"I’m grateful to work in a profession with individuals who display such a variety of talents and backgrounds. I considered many professions at the beginning of my career, and I am glad I made the choice to work in financial aid. We are fortunate to have such a diversity of individuals in this field, and I am always impressed by the quality of people who have also chosen this profession and who I learn from every day."- David Tolman, Instructional Design & Content Specialist
"I am grateful for my new position as the Prison Education Assistant. Everyone at NASFAA is so nice and helpful. I appreciate Sheila and the entire Policy team."
- Kristy Laschober, Prison Education Assistant
"I am most grateful for the time I get to spend with my family. Even the ones that drive me crazy, and my chosen family members - I wouldn't trade in any of them and am extra grateful for their health this year!"
- Laura Aberant, Director of Marketing
"I am grateful to serve a membership of dedicated professionals who persevere and always get the job done! Anything I can do to further their efforts to support students provides tremendous satisfaction in my career. I am truly blessed by this profession!"
- Dana Kelly, Vice President of Professional Development & Institutional Compliance
"I continue to be awed and inspired by our members whose resilience shined daily for their students. May your holidays bring rest and renewal with loved ones!"
- Mandy Sponholtz, Vice President of Operations for Blue Icon Advisors
"As we celebrate this season of gratitude, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to our NASFAA members for their continued trust in us. It is an honor to assist them as they navigate the complexities of financial aid administration, especially during these challenging times. Their unwavering commitment to ensuring that students receive the aid they need to fulfill their dreams of higher education is truly inspiring.
Happy Thanksgiving to all! May you enjoy some well-deserved time with your loved ones."
- Kochie Vaughan, Regulatory Specialist
"I'm thankful for two fun little girls who add joy, chaos, and excitement to my life each and every day. At the end of the day, family is everything and our time with each other is precious."
- Tim Maggio, Community Manager
"On a personal note, I am thankful for my family. I've learned this year that life really is too short so you need to make sure you spend as much time as you can with the ones you love.
Professionally, I am thankful for all of the NASFAA members that I get to help support every day. Those that work in this field are truly some of the hardest working and dedicated individuals I have ever known. The work you do every day make such a difference in the lives of the students you support! Keep up the great work and I hope you can take some time during the holidays to rest, relax, and prepare for the new year ahead!"
- David Downing, NASFAA U Instructor
"I'm new to Blue Icon Advisors this year, though I've been in financial aid for many years. In working on the Department of Education's 2024 FAFSA Simplification Assistance Project, I was again in awe of the outpouring of support our financial aid community gives on the daily. I know what you do for students and your school each day to make certain that dreams come true and bills are paid, both for school and home, and that you seek to make sure your school remains in compliance. I know how we support each other, in the calls, emails, and conference hugs and conversations that always leave us feeling seen and heard. But I got to see just how far FAAs stretch themselves this year, that even in the midst of the craziness of what 24-25 FAFSA rollout has been, office shortages, and stress, so many volunteered to give extra to help their fellow schools and FA Offices. I'm constantly amazed by you, and am beyond blessed to work in a field of such giving and supportive people! May you be extra blessed this holiday season, received some much needed rest and relaxation, and give yourself a huge hug for not just surviving, but thriving!"
- Jennifer Williams, Project Manager for Blue Icon Advisors
"My bestest best friend, Finnigan. Also, for my friends, family, menagerie of other pets, and a husband that hasn’t turned down any stray I’ve brought home yet even though I absolutely cropped him out of this photo! May you enjoy the warmth of what you love most this holiday, and also perhaps a snuggle with a cold nose."
- Carrie Conrad, Vice President of Technology & Member Experience
"I am thankful for the NASFAA team, who works all day every day with our members and our mission in mind!"
- Karen McCarthy, Vice President of Public Policy and Federal Relations
"I am thankful for so much - faith, family, and friends! I am grateful to be able to do my part to support our members and the absolutely needed, often underappreciated, work that they do! I also am so very thankful for NASFAA - an organization whose mission is close to my heart. And added bonus - I get to work with some of the most caring and dedicated professionals I've ever met."
- Tiffany Gibbs, Director of Online Compliance Products
"I am grateful for the opportunity to support passionate and dedicated financial aid administrators who, despite the challenges, remain steadfast in their commitment to ensure students have affordable access to education."
- Tammy Harrison, Director of Client Services for Blue Icon Advisors
"I am thankful to be part of the extraordinary community of financial aid administrators who dedicate their time and their talents to helping others transform their lives through higher education. I'm also thankful to be part of the amazing team here at NASFAA who support these professionals in the important work they do. On a personal level, I'm so very thankful for the blessings of family and friends, the gifts of music and nature, and the miraculously healing power of laughter and love."
- Susan Shogren, Director of Certification and Credentialing