This is one of the two highest awards given by the association and is named for former Alabama Congressman Buchanan who served with distinction on the House Education Committee during the 1970s and 1980s. This award is presented to an individual or group who may or may not be a member of the association and who is not generally considered a practicing student financial aid administrator in recognition of outstanding and dedicated service in the area of student financial aid over a sustained period of time. The award is intended to recognize outstanding contributions to higher education and student assistance programs in Alabama.

Recipients of this award are:

	2006-2007	Kay Ivey Alabama State Treasurer
	2005-2006	Melinda Calhoun EdAmerica
	2004-2005	Lora Kiser Al Student Loan People
	2003-2004	Thomas G. Dismukes Jr. Alabama Student Loan Program Site Manager, KHEAA
	2002-2003	Dr. Roy Johnson Chancellor, AL Department of Postsecondary Education
	2001-2002	Jonna Moses Loan Officer, Regions Student Loan Center
	2000-2001	Cindy Massey Vice President, SouthTrust Bank
	1999-2000	(no award given)
	1998-1999	Jan B. Hilyer Alabama Commission on Higher Education
	1997-1998	Pebblin Warren State Department of Postsecondary Education
	1996-1997	Paul Borden Executive Director, KHEAA
	1995-1996	Theresa Duiett Student Loan Officer, First Alabama Bank
	1994-1995	William Jeffery Vice President, First Alabama Bank
	1993-1994	Francine Reeves U.S. Department of Education
	1992-1993	Junior League of Montgomery Scholarship Booklet and College Night Program
	1991-1992	Dr. Mary Louise Sims SOICC
	1990-1991	Robert S. McDonnell U.S. Postal Inspector
	1989-1990	The Honorable George C. Wallace, Jr. State Treasurer
	1988-1989	Bill Pouncey U.S. Department of Education
	1987-1988	The Honorable Howell Heflin U.S. Senator
	1986-1987	The Honorable Glen Browder U.S. Representative
	1985-1986	(no award given)
	1984-1985	The Honorable Carl Elliott Former U.S. Represenative
	1983-1984	Dr. Jim Vickery President, University of Montevallo
	1982-1983	(no award given)
	1981-1982	The Honorable Jim Bennett State Senator
	1980-1981	The Honorable J. Richmond Pearson State Senator
	1979-1980	The Honorable John H. Buchanan, Jr. U.S. Representative