University of La Verne Earns $25K Impact Award

The University of La Verne was selected as winner of the 2024 Transformative Leadership Ellucian Impact Award for its use of AI in importing financial aid data. The awards recognize higher education leaders who leverage Ellucian’s technology solutions to achieve better outcomes for students and their institutions. 

“This award recognizes the innovations made possible with a diverse and dedicated team, and the funding will go towards further enhancing our use of technology to serve students.” Laura Evans, director of the Office of Financial Aid. 

 The university was one of six winning institutions honored by the leading higher education technology solutions provider and awarded $25,000.  

 “The Ellucian Impact Awards celebrate the changemakers who have demonstrated the most innovative use of technology to elevate the student experience and deliver broad administrative benefit for their institutions,” said Laura Ipsen, President and CEO, Ellucian. “We are honored to award and recognize each of these winning institutions as role models for the entire Ellucian community.”

Specifically, the University of La Verne leveraged AI-driven automation tools to process data, resulting in a new, elevated level of experience and expedited service for students. With AI, the university achieved a remarkable 50 percent improvement in the processing of federal financial aid files, allowing staff to proactively prepare for the unprecedented disruption in the 2024-2025 student financial aid year.  

“AI has revolutionized the way I work and live, unlocking unprecedented opportunities to boost my productivity. Its impact is set to reshape our world, and I say this with the utmost conviction,” said Isaak Serrano ’19 (computer science and computer engineering – software), the Office of Financial Aid information systems specialist who spearheaded the university innovations.