Today is the day in 1967 when it all began –  50 years ago – MASFAP!  Our members have experienced 50 years of advocating for students, collaborating with colleagues and lobbying state and federal agencies on behalf of our students. Oh, and let’s not forget all of the learning, stretching and growing professionally and personally together!

On April 3, 1967, about 75 financial aid administrators and fiscal business officers of the junior colleges, colleges and universities in the state of Missouri met in an informal session at Columbia to discuss the many facets of the student financial aid programs.  This meeting was so successful that those assembled strongly favored the formation of a steering committee to plan future programs and investigate the possibility of a state organization.

Paul H. Canole, Assistant to the President of the St. Louis Junior College District, was chosen chairperson.  Others who served on the first steering committee were Sue Brizius, Director of Student Financial Aid at Lindenwood College; J.C. Bartee, Director of Student Financial Aid at Southwest Missouri State College; Dr. William G. Brooks, Director of Student Financial Aid at Lincoln University; and George C. Brooks, Assistant Director of Student Financial Aid for the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Today, 50 years later, April 3, 2017, we are kicking off our nearly yearlong celebration of MASFAP – Celebrating our Past and Inspiring our Future!  This is our story and we want each and every member of MASFAP to attend our annual conference November 6-8, where we will honor and celebrate 50 years of MASFAP!!!!! We are extending invitations to our Current Membership, Past Presidents, Lifetime Members, Missouri Award Recipients and Alumni of our great organization.

We have created a special Facebook invitation event that we would like you to pass along to anyone who would be interested in attending the upcoming 50th MASFAP Conference! Once you receive and accept the invitation, you can invite others to the event. Let’s see how many people we can add by the end of the month.

50 years ago it all began…… can’t wait to see what we will accomplish in the next 50 years!

Submitted by MASFAP 50th Anniversary Committee