Members of the Case Western Reserve University campus community are invited to gather Monday, Sept. 26, to celebrate the retirement of Venus Puliafico, director of University Financial Aid. The open house-style celebration will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Linsalata Alumni Center.
Puliafico dedicated her career to supporting CWRU’s financial aid efforts, spending more than 40 years in various financial aid roles at the university including her current appointment as director for the last 13 years.
During her four decades on campus, Puliafico was instrumental in a number of advancements that have positively impacted thousands of CWRU students. Her leadership helped create the university’s policy to meet full demonstrated financial need for CWRU students, which has made CWRU a more affordable and attractive option for students choosing a college. She helped manage the university’s partnership with the Posse Foundation to recruit and support exceptionally talented undergraduates. Since she became director, enrollment at CWRU has grown quickly, and her leadership has allowed financial aid procedures to continue to positively meet the needs of a growing number of students. In 2020, Puliafico was awarded the Jim White Award by the Ohio Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, a recognition given to members who “exemplify dedication to students, to the aid community, and to the recipient’s local community.”
“Venus has made a lasting impact on our campus through her tireless efforts to support CWRU students,” says Rick Bischoff, vice president for enrollment management. “She’s always thinking about how to best help our students and their families approach the financial realities of a world-class college education, and her compassion and kindness is evident in her work with students and behind the scenes with the financial aid staff. She will be greatly missed.”
In addition to her work on campus, Puliafico is a leader in higher education at the regional and national levels. She is a member of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators and the Midwest Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. She also served as an executive committee member to the Ohio Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators and serves as a CSS/Financial Assistance delegate to the College Board.
Puliafico’s last day at CWRU will be Friday, Oct. 7. Mike Collins, deputy director of University Financial Aid, will serve as interim director.