Mary Edwards, Taylor Beyal, Kaity Fisher, and Allie Pitz were recognized by the Iowa Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators for leadership, service, and student support.
Four members of the University of Iowa Office of Student Financial Aid community were recognized with statewide awards this spring, highlighting their contributions to student success, professional leadership, and service to higher education.
The awards were presented during the annual conference of the Iowa Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (IASFAA), a statewide professional organization that supports financial aid professionals through training, collaboration, leadership development, and the sharing of best practices that help students access and afford higher education.
This year's honorees include Mary Edwards, Taylor Beyal, Kaity Fisher, and Allie Pitz. Together, their recognitions reflect the many ways financial aid professionals support students, families, and institutions, from helping students overcome barriers to college access to mentoring future professionals and advancing the profession across Iowa.
“These awards highlight the many ways our team supports students throughout their educational journey. Whether through direct student advising, leadership, mentorship, or professional service, Mary, Taylor, Kaity, and Allie each represent our office's commitment to helping students access, afford, and succeed in higher education.”
Brenda Buzynski, Assistant Provost, Director of Student Financial Aid
Mary Edwards receives John C. Parker Distinguished Service Award
Mary Edwards received the John C. Parker Distinguished Service Award, one of IASFAA's highest honors. The award recognizes individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to students, institutions, and the financial aid profession throughout their careers.
For nearly two decades at the University of Iowa, Edwards has been a trusted resource for students, families, and colleagues. She is known for her expertise in complex federal regulations and for the care and empathy she brings to every student interaction. Throughout her career, she has trained staff, strengthened office processes, and helped guide the office through significant changes in higher education, including the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The award carries special significance for Edwards. Early in her financial aid career, she served in leadership roles within IASFAA during the same period that John Parker, the award's namesake, served as president of the association. Receiving the award years later represents a meaningful full-circle moment in a career defined by service, mentorship, and dedication to students.
Taylor Beyal honored for supporting Student Success
Taylor Beyal received the Genevieve Watson Diversity Award, which recognizes individuals who demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting students and fostering opportunities for success in higher education.
In her role within the Office of Student Financial Aid, Beyal helps students navigate complex financial aid processes while ensuring they feel supported and empowered along the way. She is known for approaching students with empathy and intentionality, recognizing that every student's circumstances and challenges are different.
Beyond her direct work with students, Beyal contributes to professional development and collaboration efforts through her involvement with Enrollment Management Staff Committee for Opportunities, Resource, and Training (EMSCORT). She also helps connect colleagues with campus and community resources that encourage engagement, support, and student success.
Kaity Fisher recognized as Outstanding New Professional
Kaity Fisher received the Outstanding New Professional Award, which honors emerging financial aid professionals who demonstrate exceptional promise, leadership, and commitment to the profession.
Since beginning her financial aid career in 2023, Fisher has quickly established herself as a leader within the office. Just over a year after entering the profession, she was selected as Senior Assistant Director, supervising a team of eight advisors while continuing to support students and families directly.
Fisher has led the implementation of a new customer service tracking system, oversees the office's satisfactory academic progress area, and has played an important role during major operational and policy changes. Her ability to balance leadership responsibilities with a student-centered approach has made her a trusted resource for both staff and students.
Allie Pitz receives Student Success Story Award
Allie Pitz received the Student Success Story Award, which recognizes a student whose educational journey reflects the transformative impact of financial aid and student support.
A first-generation college student and Pell Grant recipient, Pitz understands firsthand the challenges many students face when navigating higher education. She began working in the Office of Student Financial Aid as a Federal Work-Study Peer Advisor, where she quickly became known for her work ethic, compassion, and commitment to helping fellow students.
As her confidence and leadership grew, Pitz advanced to become a Senior Peer Advisor and mentor to other student employees. Following graduation, she continued her journey by joining the office as a full-time Financial Aid Advisor.
Her path from financial aid recipient to student employee to financial aid professional reflects the mission of higher education and the lasting impact that financial aid, mentorship, and opportunity can have on a student's life.
Collectively, these awards recognize excellence across every stage of the student experience, from supporting students as they navigate college affordability to mentoring future professionals and strengthening the financial aid profession across Iowa. They also reflect the University of Iowa Office of Student Financial Aid's ongoing commitment to helping students access, afford, and succeed in higher education.