Awards
SWASFAA gives out several awards per year. Find out more about our awards and our award recipients. Our awards include:
- Leo Hatten Distinguished Service Award
- NASFAA Regional Leadership Award
- Philo Brasher Emerging Leadership Award
- NASFAA State Award
Leo Hatten Distinguished Service Award
Leo Hatten, Director of Financial Aid at Eastern New Mexico State University in Portales, New Mexico was active in the SWASFAA Association throughout his professional career and for many years afterward. Leo was longtime editor of the SCAN, the association newsletter, and the “official” photographer for the association. His hundreds and hundreds of photos created a visual history of our association. Because of his many years of untiring and unselfish service to the association the Board voted to honor Leo by naming the Distinguished Service Award after him.
The Leo Hatten Distinguished Service Award is awarded to member representative(s) of SWASFAA who have made outstanding achievements to the financial aid profession and to SWASFAA’s goals. Their career must demonstrate service to other professionals, students, and other publics served by our community. It is based on significant contributions over a period of time. It is the highest award bestowed by the association and is presented at the Annual conference. Leo Hatten Distinguished Service Award recipients are selected by the President.
2024 Recipient: Lou Murray
2023 Recipient: Shannon Crossland
See a full list of recipients.
NASFAA Regional Leadership Award
The NASFAA Regional Leadership Award is presented to individuals, who need not be financial aid administrators, who have made outstanding contributions to the financial aid profession at the regional and state levels over a sustained period of time, i.e., seven years or more. Leadership at the national level is not a criterion for this award, and the selection process will not be limited to current regional, and state elected leaders. Current members of NASFAA's staff and NASFAA's Board of Directors, including non-voting members, are not eligible to receive this award.
The individuals selected for this award must:
- Exhibit high integrity and character;
- Have shown creative leadership;
- Have inspired and encouraged others to participate actively in professional development activities;
- Have continued active involvement in professional organizations after holding elected office; and
- Have supported the goals and objectives of NASFAA.
2024 Recipient: Cindy Perez
See a full list of recipients.
Philo Brasher Emerging Leadership Award
(formerly known as Rookie of the Year)
Philo Brasher, Assistant Director of Financial Aid at McNeese State University, accepted the job as Association treasurer during an especially difficult time in our association's history. Philo continued to serve for many years as the SWASFAA Treasurer and was key to establishing the financial health of the organization. Because of Philo's dedication and extraordinary leadership, the Board voted to recognize him with the naming of the Rookie of the year award which is a special recognition of new and upcoming leaders from each state in the association. In 2007, the Board renamed the award the Philo Brasher Emerging Leadership Award to more accurately reflect the purpose of the recognition.
See a full list of recipients.
