Courtesy: DSPics.com L-R: Suzie Trimble, Caitlin Cahow, Noah Van Niel, Alexa Weingarden, Shelly Madick, Maureen Boyle, Tiffany Abramson, Adrian Budishak, Geoff Rathgeber

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - All-America swimmer Geoff Rathgeber and All-America ice hockey player Caitlin Cahow were honored as Harvard's top senior athletes Wednesday at the annual Harvard Varsity Club Senior Letterwinners Dinner at the Murr Center.

Rathgeber was presented with the William J. Bingham Award as the top male athlete, while Cahow accepted the Radcliffe Prize as the top female athlete. Eight awards were presented Wednesday -- one day before the university's Commencement exercises in Harvard Yard -- in front of a record crowd of 675 student-athletes, coaches, parents and supporters of Harvard Athletics.

Rathgebert will graduate as one of the top swimmers in Harvard’s storied history of the sport. He was a six-time All-America selection and a 21-time Ivy League Eastern Intercollegiate Swimming League champion through his four years. He was the Most Outstanding swimmer at this year’s annual EISL Championships. He leaves Harvard as the holder of five school records, three Blodgett Pool records and four EISL and Ivy League records.

In fact, Rathgeber was a multi-award winner Wednesday night as he also accepted the John P. Reardon Award in recognition of scholarship, character, leadership and athletic ability.

Harvard University Athletics
2007-08 Senior Awards
Presented June 4, 2008 at the Senior Letterwinners Dinner

The Carroll F. Getchell Award: Tiffany Abromson, Cross Country and Track & Field.

In 1981, the Faculty Committee on Athletics voted to name the Manager of the Year Award, established in 1972, for the late Carroll F. Getchell, long-time business manager in the Department of Athletics. Each year the Department recognizes that manager in the senior class “who has best displayed integrity, courage, leadership, and ability” during his/her years of participation.

The William J. Bingham Award: Geoff Rathgeber (Kensington, Conn.), Swimming
First awarded in 1954, this award is given annually to that male member of the graduating class of Harvard College who, through integrity, courage, leadership, and ability on the athletic fields, has best served the high purpose of Harvard as exemplified by the late William J. Bingham '16, former Director of Athletics.

The Radcliffe Prize: Caitlin Cahow (Vinalhaven, Maine) Ice Hockey
This award was first established in 1975. It is awarded annually to that senior woman letterwinner who, through outstanding ability on the playing field and dedication to her sport or sports and qualities of leadership, best reflects the purposeful achievement of Radcliffe Alumnae in every field around the world.

The John G. Reardon Men's Award: Geoff Rathgeber (Kensington, Conn.), Swimming
Established in 1987, this award is named in honor of John P. Reardon, Jr., '60, Director of Athletics from 1977 to 1990. This prize is presented annually to the senior varsity male athlete who exemplifies the qualities of excellent scholarship, character, leadership, and athletic ability.

The Harvard-Radcliffe Foundation for Women's Athletics Prize: Maureen Boyle (New Hartford, N.Y.), Track & Field; Alex Weingarden (Edina, Minn.), Fencing
Established by the Harvard-Radcliffe Foundation for Women's Athletics, this prize was first presented in 1986 and is awarded annually to the senior woman who best exemplifies the qualities of excellent scholarship, character, leadership, and athletic ability.

The Francis H. Burr Scholarship: Noah Van Niel (Newton, Mass.), Football
First awarded in 1918, this award is a scholarship fund established in memory of Francis H. Burr 1909 by his friends. It is awarded to a senior who combines as nearly as possible, Burr's remarkable qualities of character, leadership, scholarship, and athletic ability.

The Mary G. Paget Prize: Shelly Madick (Los Angeles, Calif.), Softball
The Mary G. Paget Prize is awarded annually by the presidents of Radcliffe and Harvard in honor of Mary Guest Paget's many years of service as Director of Sports, Dance and Recreation at Radcliffe College. The prize was first established in 1975 and is awarded each year to the senior student who has contributed the most to women's athletics.

The Francis J. Toland Community Service Award: Suzie Trimble (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.), Women’s Volleyball
This award was created in honor of former Senior Associate Director of Athletics Fran Toland, who retired in 2000 after 41 years of service to Harvard Athletics. The award is presented to the senior athlete who has made the most outstanding contribution to Harvard and its neighboring communities.

The John P. Fadden Award: Adrian Budishak (Wyomissing, Pa.), Women’s Basketball
This award was established in 1966 in honor of the late John P. Fadden's service as an athletic trainer and friend to Harvard athletes for many years. The award is given annually to a senior student (varsity, junior varsity or intramural) who has overcome physical adversity to make a contribution to his/her team.