Preferred name: Gina Havel Palmatier.  Gina came to WPI in 2021 as a member of the SAFL Front line team and was recently promoted to Assistant Director.  Gina is responsible for awarding all undergraduate students with last names starting with MD – SA.  She is also responsible for awarding all ROTC awards, Managing the Federal Work Study program, Administering the Tuition Exchange program, and awarding all summer financial aid.  Gina earned her Bachelors of Arts degree (1991) and Masters in Education, Higher Education Administration (2006) from the University of Texas at Austin.  In May 2020,  Gina retired after 28 years of service at University of Texas at Austin Scholarships and Financial Aid Office as a Senior Financial Aid Counselor and Program manager.  “I enjoy assisting families make informed decisions regarding higher education financing options and college choices. It may not seem like much, but almost everything we do in financial aid has a potential to make a direct and positive impact on the lives of our students and their families. Students bring their dreams to college; Financial Aid administrators help make those dreams come true”. When not at work, Gina and husband, Michael Palmatier, enjoy traveling New England, hiking/walking local trails in search of waterfalls, entertaining the three grandchildren, and spending time with their Sheepadoodle dog-child, Schaefer.  Gina’s hobbies include gardening, counted cross-stitch embroidery and beginner sewing. “