MANCHESTER, N.H. - Saint Anselm College Assistant Dean for Freshmen/Director of Academic Advisement Father Benet Phillips O.S.B. and Executive Director of Budget, Planning & Evaluation Renee Crawford were selected as the recipients of the "Hawks Soar Higher" Award for the month of November 2017. The recipients were presented with their awards in person on Thursday.

All-Time Award Recipients

The award, now in its third month, was created to allow the Department of Athletics to recognize individuals who are instrumental to the College's efforts to offer a first-class, transformational student-athlete experience. Each month during the academic year, two individuals employed by the College who work outside athletics will be honored.

Father Benet Phillips O.S.B., a member of the Class of 1987, has been on the Hilltop for 34 years as a student, monk and admistrator and is the first member of the monastic community to be selected for the award. He currently serves the College as Assistant Dean of Freshmen/Director of Academic Advising and previously worked as Registrar. Phillips is the faculty staff team advisor for men's lacrosse and can be seen at dozens of Hawks' home athletic events each year. He is a fan favorite with Hawks student-athletes.

"Working with our student-athletes, our athletic administrators and coaches has been one of my greatest joys," Phillips said. "I am humbled and incredibly grateful to have the privilege of working with such a dedicated and talented group of people. To know that I have contributed, in even a small way, to help the Hawks Soar Higher is gratifying. After lacrosse practice, games or meetings, the men shout out 'FAMILY' and that is how I feel about Saint Anselm Athletics - 'FAMILY.'"

Crawford is the Executive Director of Budget, Planning and Evaluation and has worked at the College since July 2013. She plays an instrumental role in working with the athletic administration team on the annual budgeting process - including operational expenses, capital budgets and fundraising projects. A former student-athlete at Siena, she also volunteers as a goalkeeping coach for the field hockey team.

"I am grateful to be receiving today's award as there are so many people on campus who strive to help the Hawks Soar Higher," Crawford said. "I truly enjoy working with our athletics administrators, coaches and student-athletes, they work tirelessly and collevtively to achieve great things."