John Bowie, Director of Financial Aid at the University of New England, has been chosen as the fourth recipient of the Full Circle Award, a quarterly recognition program designed to highlight the professional excellence of Financial Aid Officers.

Laurie Curtis, the Nelnet Campus Director who nominated Mr. Bowie for the Full Circle Award explains, "John's staff runs the quintessential financial aid office, where parents and students can expect to broaden their financial aid awareness, educational dreams, and career goals." As a symbol of appreciation for his work, and on behalf of Nelnet, Curtis presented a crystal desk trophy in a small, May 6, 2004, ceremony.

As a financial aid professional of 11 years, Mr. Bowie says, "As an aid administrator, my constituency is different than it was ten years ago, and my methods have had to adapt to better service that constituency. That applies to my students, my parents, my institution, and my community as a whole," said Mr.Bowie. "Through effective use of technology and dedicated staff, our department can serve as an example of what a good financial aid office can be. The key is to not lose sight of the human element; our students are our customers and our reason for doing what we do."

Mr. Bowie has been involved with the Maine Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (MASFAA), serving a term as treasurer. In addition, Mr. Bowie has participated in several outreach activities in Maine. Most notable was his participation in Maine's College Goal Sunday program, during which Maine's financial aid community held informational sessions for parents and students concerning financial aid and filling out the FAFSA throughout the state.

"Hard work and character make professionals such as John Bowie stand out," said Don Bouc, Nelnet President and chief spokesperson. "John and his staff exemplify the mission of Financial Aid Officers by helping to promote the importance of higher education, while instilling in students the financial know-how to achieve success."

The Full Circle Award is based on excellence in service to students in all areas that surround the financial aid process. The criteria may include scholarship and aid determination, application, aid disbursement, exit counseling, and beyond. In addition, award recipients demonstrate outstanding knowledge and accessibility, as well as exceptional vision in making financial aid a simpler process for every student.

Nelnet appreciates the opportunity to reward Financial Aid Officers on a quarterly basis for their professional excellence in the financial aid field. For additional information or to nominate an officer, write a one-paragraph nomination letter outlining how the nominee demonstrates excellence, and mail it to Nelnet, 121 South 13th Street, Suite 400, Lincoln, NE 68508.