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�������� Associate Director of Financial Aid Rick Stefani will retire on Feb. 15 after 25 years of service to the university.

Stefani started in Higher Ed while an undergrad in 1984 working in Facilities as a member of the Grounds Crew at Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri. After three years managing a rental business in the private sector, Stefani began an eight-year stint at the University of Washington in Loans & Collections (“Back when students’ histories were kept on floppy discs,” he added); University Residences; and as a supervisor in Undergraduate Admissions.

Twenty-five years ago he started on his final career path in Western’s Financial Aid office, first on the File Setup desk, then as a counselor, assistant director for Scholarships, and finally as associate director. Along the way, Stefani earned his master’s degree from Western in Student Personnel Administration in 2006.

Clara Capron, assistant vice president and director of Financial Aid at Western, said Stefani has had a huge impact on the office during his tenure, and will be sorely missed.

“Although Financial Aid administration is not typically described as easy, Rick has excelled at streamlining Western-specific aid processing for countless students and families. We have so appreciated his camaraderie and leadership over the past 25 years, especially during the tough times,” Capron said. “A frozen water pipe burst on the 5^th floor  of Old Main one Thanksgiving. The resulting deluge resulted in an accumulation of 2 inches of water throughout the Financial Aid department. Without being asked, Rick came in from vacation to help clean up the mess and engage in the planning of structural repairs. Most recently, we are especially grateful to Rick for staying with us through the challenges of the pandemic and a Federal program review.”

Co-worker Val Bates echoed Capron’s thoughts.

“I have enjoyed working with Rick since coming on board at �������� more than six years ago.  I couldn’t ask for a supervisor to be more understanding, open to change and willing to hear my thoughts and ideas about anything from a website revamp to updated procedures and outreach efforts with students,” Bates said. “I also appreciate all of his humor and level-headedness approaching problems with a realistic can-do attitude and with the impact on students always at the heart of his decisions.  He enjoys a good ribbing and gives it back 100% and I enjoy that in an office that can be a bit stuffy (content wise) and serious and even overwhelming, that he tempers everything with a laugh and without taking himself too seriously.  You will be missed and we wish you the best in your golden years!”

As for his plans in retirement, Stefani said he planned to keep it simple.

“After completing a ‘mandatory’ intensive training program in ‘domestics,’ (cooking, cleaning, and laundry -the ‘right way’) I plan to spend time in my woodshop, camping, fishing, working on my pitiful golf game, and tinkering,” he said.

Stefani’s virtual retirement reception to be held on Feb. 15. For more information regarding Rick’s Stefani’s celebration or if you would like to contribute to his gift, please contact Asya Hampton at hamptoa@wwu.edu.