MANCHESTER, N.H. – Saint Anselm College Director of Financial Aid Elizabeth Keuffel and Turf/Athletic Facilities Manager Nate Wheel were announced as the October 2017 recipients of the "Hawks Soar Higher" Award. Keuffel and Wheel were presented with their awards in person on Tuesday.

All-Time Award Recipients

In its second month, the special award was created to allow the Department of Athletics to recognize individuals that are instrumental to the College's efforts to offer a first class, transformational student-athlete experience. The award will be issued each month during the academic year to two individuals employed by the institution outside of athletics.

Recipients will be colleagues, faculty, staff or administrators that advocate for Saint Anselm student-athletes and who go above and beyond in their contributions each day on the Hilltop.

Now in her 16th year at Saint Anselm, Keuffel has played an integral role with the admissions and financial aid process for thousands of students and student-athletes. She is the primary liaison between Financial Aid and the Athletic Administration, partnering closely on key reporting elements for NCAA and EADA purposes. Keuffel, the daughter of a legendary high school football coach (Ken Keuffel), has been a favorite of Hawks head coaches on the Hilltop for years.

Said Keuffel upon receiving the Hawks Soar Higher award, "I was touched by receiving today's award.  I believe a good athletic and academic experience builds a lifetime of relationships. I've been privileged to witness so many coaches mentor incoming students, many of whom struggle with bumps and hurdles and graduate solid citizens. I am proud to be a part of the Hawks tradition."

Wheel has served as a member of the College's physical plant for seven years. His responsibilities include maintaining the grass competition venues on campus - Melucci Field (men's and women's soccer), Sullivan Field (baseball), the South Fields (softball), as well as recreational and intramural grass fields. Wheel also cares for the turf at Grappone Stadium (field hockey, football, men's and women's lacrosse). He is often seen during the winter months working tirelessly to remove snow so Hawks teams can practice and compete.

When presented with the October 2017 award, Wheel commented, "This is my first-ever work award, I am really grateful."