Stephens Represented with Top Honors at MASFAA Conference
Stephens College proudly celebrated the achievements of alumna Zoe (London) Fisher ’23 and Keri Gilbert, MPA, FAAC®, Associate Vice President of Financial Aid Analytics and Compliance, at this year’s Midwest Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (MASFAA) Conference in St. Charles, Missouri.
Zoe Fisher Named MASFAA Student Success Story of the Year
Stephens alumna Zoe (London) Fisher ’23 received the MASFAA Student Success Story of the Year Award, a prestigious honor that recognizes an individual who embodies the true purpose of financial aid — providing the means to pursue and realize a college education. Nominated by the Stephens College Office of Financial Aid, Fisher attended the awards dinner in person to accept the honor.
The award is presented annually to one student from the state hosting the MASFAA Conference, highlighting both the recipient’s personal accomplishments and the life-changing impact of financial aid access.
“I nominated Zoe because she is the perfect example of what happens when passion and perseverance meet opportunity,” Gilbert said. “She is a brilliant, driven and compassionate individual who made the most of every resource available to her at Stephens and seeing her thrive in her career is incredibly inspiring.”
For Fisher, the recognition celebrates not just her success story, but the relationships and experiences that shaped her time at Stephens.
“As a former theatre-kid-turned-writer, I bring a storyteller’s eye to everything I do,” she said. “Stephens gave me the space to explore that creativity and discover how storytelling can make an impact.”
At Stephens, Fisher served as Editor-in-Chief of Harbinger Literary Magazine and Staff Writer and Photographer for Stephens Life Magazine. She also worked as an Office Assistant in the Financial Aid Office, where she developed her skills in communication, organization, and student support. Those hands-on experiences in creative media and student services would later blend seamlessly in her professional career.
Today, Fisher is a Digital Content Specialist at University of Cincinnati Online, where she combines her background in creative writing and higher education to craft web and blog content that connects with students.
“Whether I’m writing for a university, crafting a fantastical narrative, or blogging about my latest fictional obsession, I’m always looking for the artistry and humanity around me,” she said.
Keri Gilbert Receives Multiple Honors and Shares Expertise
Fisher’s recognition was one of several proud moments for Stephens at MASFAA. Gilbert was also honored with two of the organization’s highest distinctions: the MASFAA Award of Appreciation and the Committee of the Year Award for her work on the Finance Task Force.
The Award of Appreciation recognizes individuals who have made significant, sustained contributions to the financial aid profession and MASFAA’s mission. The Committee of the Year Award celebrates exceptional teamwork and innovation that meaningfully advances the association’s goals.
In addition to these honors, Gilbert also served as a conference presenter, leading sessions on neurodiversity in financial aid, advocacy at the state and federal levels, and empowering women in the financial aid profession. She co-presented alongside colleagues from Iowa State University, Carleton College, Kirtland Community College, and Moberly Area Community College.
Stephens Pride on Full Display
“Zoe and Keri are both shining examples of the Stephens spirit: creative, compassionate, and committed to helping others succeed,” said Stephens College President Dr. Shannon B. Lundeen. “Their stories remind us of the powerful ripple effect of education and support.”
