2022 - Kelly Owens Receives President’s Award for financial aid excellence

Kelly Owens, financial aid technical specialist, received the President’s Award at the Illinois Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators’ annual conference in April. The President’s Award is considered to be one of ILASFAA’s highest awards and is awarded at the discretion of the president.

The criteria used are based on the president’s discretion or initiative but may also be based on the completion of a special task, publication, survey, or a host of other criteria. The president selects the recipient of this award based on the individual’s contribution to the association during the president’s term in office.

“I was surprised upon hearing my name when they announced the recipient of the ILASFAA’s President’s Award,” said Owens. “It is such an honor to have your work recognized by your peers, and I was humbled to have received the recognition. Sometimes you don’t realize how much of a difference you make or the impact you may have had until it is brought to your attention.”

Owen’s joined ILASFAA in 2007, right after her start at ECC. Over the years, she has volunteered for various committees serving as a committee member and helping as needed. She became committee chair for different committees, the northern regional coordinator, and this past year served as the executive vice president of ILASFAA.

“I find great value in being a part of this organization, and I enjoy help peers and students as they navigate the Financial Aid world,” said Owens. “It has also given me opportunities to serve as the voice for community colleges.”

For more information, visit ILASFAA.