AMHERST, N.Y. – Sandra Looker, assistant financial aid director at Daemen College, has received the Region 1 Rising Star Service Award from the New York State Financial Aid Administrators Association (NYSFAAA). The award was presented at the 2015 NYSFAAA Conference held Oct. 27-29 in Buffalo.

“This honor is well-deserved, and we are proud of Sandy’s commitment to the regional NYSFAAA chapter,” said Jeffrey Pagano, director of financial aid. “Over the past year, Sandy has volunteered her time on the Conference Planning Committee and has been elected to a leadership role as chairperson of membership in Region 1.”

The Rising Star Award recognizes a financial aid professional who has recently become active with the NYSFAAA organization and has demonstrated leadership and commitment on the regional level.

Looker, who joined Daemen in 2008, earned a master’s degree in education from Roberts Wesleyan College and a BFA in graphic design from the Rochester Institute of Technology. She resides in Buffalo.

NYSFAAA advocates for and promotes equal access to post-secondary education for all students. The organization offers education, professional development and networking opportunities for its members and for colleagues in related education, business and governmental professions.