About the Norma Ford Financial Aid Professional of the Year Award

“The Norma,” as the award is affectionately called, was created in honor of Norma Ford, CAPPS long-time Financial Aid trainer and CAPPS Board Member. Norma passed away in 2010.

Norma was a dedicated and brilliant Financial Aid professional, who never failed to take the time to assist others and help them understand the intricacies required in working with students, schools, and others to successfully manage the financial aid process.

The nomination period for the 2019 award closed on August 31, 2019. Nominations for the 2020 award are expected to open in Summer 2020.

Nomination Guidelines:

  • Nominees must be nominated by their Institution.
  • The Institution must be a CAPPS Member in good standing.
  • Nominees must have at least 3 years experience as a financial aid professional.
  • In the nomination submission, please describe how the nominee goes above and beyond "duties as required" in the performance of his/her professional duties.

Award Recipients

2019: Eva Arvanitopoulos, Concorde Career College

2018, Mary O'Brien, Empire College

2017, Elona Owens, Asher College

2016, Elizabeth Schaefer, Central Coast College

2015, Donna Paige, Pima Medical Institute

2014, Andrea Georges, Santa Barbara Business College

2013, Opel Oliver, Platt College San Diego

2012, Patricia Troxel, National Holistic Institute

2011, Laura Bouche, BrighStar Education Group

2010, Tracy Cabuco, West Coast University