NCASFAA is seeking nominations for several awards to present for the 2011-2012 year. These awards will be given during the Annual Spring Conference. If you would like to nominate a colleague for an award, please submit the nomination form below by Feb. 24. The Shining Star Award nomination can be submitted at any time during the year and has no deadline.

Distinguished Service Award
The Distinguished Service Award is the highest award given by NCASFAA.  The award is named for Eleanor S. Morris, a financial aid administrator of national reputation who served the students at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill as well as the profession admirably until her retirement.  This award is presented to a financial aid administrator who has made important contributions to the Association or to the student financial aid profession.  The recipient should have been involved in the Association in a variety of leadership roles: committee chair, elected officer, active member. The recipient should also have been involved in regional and state associations in a variety of roles: committee member, committee chair, possibly elected officer.  Deserving nominees are reviewed and a selection is made by the Professional Recognition Committee.

Award of Merit
This award is presented to an individual who has made important contributions to the Association or to the student financial aid profession. The recipient may or may not be a member of NCASFAA or may have been actively involved in associations in addition to NCASFAA.  Deserving nominees are reviewed and a selection is made by the Professional Recognition Committee.

New Member Award
This award is presented to an individual who is new to the Association (defined as being a member for three years or less) and has made significant contributions to the Association during that short tenure. Notable contributions might be organizational, technological, or other innovative improvements invoked at one’s office or directly for the organization.

Shining Star Award
The Shining Star Award is given to members who, on an on-going or a one-time basis, exhibit the qualities and characteristics that contribute to a successful Association. Examples of actions that warrant Shining Star recognition include, but are not limited to:

• being reliable and dependable, no matter what is asked
• acts of kindness and empathy
• exhibits of professionalism
• leadership in committee work
• leadership in association activities
• mentoring others

Members may recognize other members’ acts of outstanding reliability, professionalism, responsiveness, empathy, or other valued acts of character, at any time during the year. A list of names will be presented in each newsletter, on the listserv, and on the association web site. All shining stars will receive a certificate. The top recipient will receive special recognition at the annual spring meeting.