35 years ago, on a cold January morning, Financial Aid Services, LLC was founded around the dining room table of David and Gay Gray. What began as a bold vision quickly resonated across higher education, as colleges and universities sought a trusted partner to help navigate the increasingly complex world of financial aid. Over the last 35 years, FAS has grown into a highly respected and trusted partner to more than 2,000 colleges and universities nationwide.

Higher education looks very different today than it did in 1991. What has never changed is our unwavering commitment to our mission and core values. They define who we are and guide everything we do. Our mission to empower colleges and universities to strengthen their financial operations, optimize enrollment, and enhance the student experience has only become more important as financial aid operations, compliance, enrollment pressures, and student expectations continue to grow more complex.  Each day we are driven to leverage our expertise, introduce new innovative solutions and bring our incredible culture and values to life in ways that will benefit our clients and the students they serve. Our consultants and thought leaders are uniquely positioned to make a profound impact, and we start every day with a clear sense of purpose and responsibility to our mission.

Today we pause to reflect on our mission and to honor our founders, David and Gay Gray.  Those of us who have the privilege of leading and serving at FAS today know we are standing on the strong foundation the Gray’s built.

We also celebrate and thank the current and former team members who, over the past 35 years, helped build the legacy at FAS. Our mission is significant, and our aspirations are bold. I am deeply grateful to the professionals who bring our mission to life every day through their expertise and dedication.  I am proud to work alongside such an extraordinary team.

Finally, we honor and thank more than 2,000 colleges and universities we are privileged to serve the past 35 years.  Clients are the heartbeat of this organization.  I highly value the trust and confidence you place in FAS, and we are grateful to be part of your work on behalf of students.

Anniversaries are important moments for reflection, and reflection brings wisdom.  Yet, we are equally focused on the future.  We remain committed to evolving, innovating, and leading higher education because at FAS, we know our next is always better than our now.