MONMOUTH – Western Oregon University’s Financial Aid Office Associate Director Ryan West has received the Unsung Hero award, presented at the annual conference of Oregon Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (OASFAA).

West has been a member of OASFAA since 2002 and has served as treasurer on the executive board since 2005. He is credited with devoting himself to serving the financial needs of students in higher education while taking an active role in various OASFAA activities and training.

After receiving a bachelor’s degree at WOU, West began at his alma mater as a financial aid counselor and moved up to his current position. West participates in Financial Aid Nights with area high schools, has taught a Freshmen Year Experience Class presented during New Student Week, coordinated Western Oregon University’s first ever College Night in Oregon, and has served on countless committees and boards.
                
OASFAA is the professional organization for student financial aid administrators in Oregon. The purpose of OASFAA is to foster and promote the professional preparation, effectiveness, recognition, and association of administrators and counselors of student financial aid in educational institutions beyond high school and individuals in public or private agencies or organizations concerned with student financial aid.

According to West, the benefits of belonging to this professional association are “sharing ideas and working with colleagues to find the best ways to serve students and provide access to college within the complex system of financial aid.”

Jennifer Knight, Western Oregon University alum, was another recipient of the Unsung Hero award at the conference. She is currently a client relations manager at Edfund.

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Written by: Lisa Wilson, Public Relations Intern

Contact:

Ryan West
Associate Director, Financial Aid Office
503-838-8476 or westr@wou.edu
 
Donna Fossum
Director, Financial Aid Office
503-838-8679 or fossumd@wou.edu