HAMBURG, N.Y. - The Hilbert College Athletics Department hosted an evening of celebration at the annual Athletic Awards Reception Monday, April 27th.  Prior to the Swan Auditorium ceremony, a casual reception was held in the West Herr Atrium.

Tim Seil, Associate Vice President for Student Life and Director of Athletics, served as the evening's primary presenter and emcee.  Hilbert's President Michael Cornell offered an opening reflection and continued with his welcoming remarks as the celebration continued.   The evening consisted of a series of presentations which profiled Hilbert's student-athlete academic and athletic achievements as well as senior athlete award presentations.  Brody Hopkins served as this year's Senior Student Speaker, and he addressed his fellow student-athletes prior to the distribution of team awards.

At the conclusion of the evening, two senior athletes, Madeleine Cook and Jacob Donner were introduced as the 2026 McGrath Academic Award winners. These two individuals were honored for their outstanding achievements in the classroom and in competition, and they will be forever enshrined in the Athletic Department's Wall of Achievement located inside the Hafner Recreation Center.

Dr. Don Vincent, Hilbert College's Faculty Athletics Representative, announced the two McGrath Award winners, as he does every year.

The McGrath Award is provided by Francis and Marie McGrath, two generous benefactors of Hilbert College who stipulated the award be given to one male and one female graduating student-athlete who has demonstrated exemplary achievement both academically and athletically while at Hilbert College.
            

A graduate of Cardinal O'Hara High School, Cookie was named team captain this year in recognition of her leadership, confidence, and exceptional work ethic. She earned the respect of her lacrosse teammates in just her second season on the field after building her endurance and discipline as a member of the cross country program during her first three years on campus.

The poise and character she displayed made her an inspiring role model for her younger teammates, all while excelling academically.

In the classroom, Cookie has established herself as a standout student, achieving an exceptional 3.99 cumulative GPA since arriving on campus in the fall of 2022. She is an active member of the Honors Program and has earned AMCC Academic Honors each year, while also being inducted into the New York Theta Chapter of the Chi Alpha Sigma Academic Honor Society.

A three-year member of the Hawks' cross country program, Cookie earned both the Most Valuable Runner and Coaches Award during her career. She picked up a lacrosse stick for the first time last spring and was quickly recognized as the team's Most Improved Player a year ago.  

Madeleine will graduate in a few weeks with a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science – Crime Scene Investigation. She plans to pursue opportunities at the federal level or within a local sheriff's office. 

A proud graduate of Hamburg High School, Jacob chose to stay close to home when selecting Hilbert College. Over the past four years, he has been an integral part of the men's soccer program, serving as a model of leadership, commitment, and integrity both on and off the field.

Jacob began his career as an attacking player before selflessly transitioning to a defensive role for the good of the team. A four-year team captain, he has consistently demonstrated the character and maturity of a true leader—even after a season-ending injury sidelined him during his rookie campaign.

Academically, Jacob has been equally impressive. He will graduate as a Graduate of Distinction with a 3.98 cumulative GPA. He earned AMCC Academic Honors all four years, was recognized as a three-time CSC Academic All-District selection and was inducted into the New York Theta Chapter of the Chi Alpha Sigma Academic Honor Society last spring.

On the field, Jacob started 51 of 52 games at center back, recorded a goal and an assist during his sophomore season while averaging nearly 82 minutes per match since 2022.

Jacob will graduate this May with a degree in Accounting and plans to become a Certified Public Accountant, pursuing a career in public accounting.

All of the aforementioned honors and awards will be announced as the week progresses so stay tuned.