West Long Branch, NJ — Monmouth University held The Alumni Awards ceremony June 12 with former Hawks football alumni Fred Williams '04 honored as this year's Outstanding Alumni Service Award recipient.
 
Williams played outside linebacker and starred on special teams for the Hawks from 2000-2003. He was a member of the Northeast Conference Championship team in 2003 where he started at outside linebacker for the Hawks and following the championship season, was the recipient of the Coaches Award his senior year. He played in all 11 games as a senior and had career-highs in tackles (43), tackles for loss (8.5) and sacks (2.5), while also having a blocked kick to culminate his four-year career. Williams also competed in all 10 games both his sophomore and junior seasons, combining for 19 tackles, two forced fumbles and had his first career interception on a 28-yard return in a 14-9 win over Stony Brook as a junior in 2002.
 
"Freddie was a very determined, physical player," said former Monmouth head coach Kevin Callahan who spent 33 seasons at the helm of the Hawks football program, including during Williams' tenure, upon his retirement this past season. "He's been connected to the University ever since his graduation. He's been extremely supportive of football, but the University in general. He's someone who really loves Monmouth and it was really good to see him and extended family at the event when he received the award the other night."
 
Williams went on to graduate from Monmouth with a B.S, in business administration with a concentration in finance in 2004. He later founded and became CEO of Hawkeye Search Group, a boutique recruiting firm in the consumer space specializing in digital media and eCommerce functions. Additionally, Williams is a co-founder and current board member of the Yarak Fund, a group that supports the growth of Monmouth University Football, remaining closely connected to the University as an alumni, mentor and donor as he continues to support students and fellow alumni through career guidance and professional development.
 
 
"Fred Williams is incredibly deserving of Monmouth University's Outstanding Alumni Service Award," said Monmouth Director of Athletics Jennifer Sansevero. "As a former football student-athlete, Fred represents the very best of what it means to be a Hawk. He is committed, loyal, service-minded, and deeply invested in the success of others. His continued support of Monmouth University and Monmouth Athletics reflects the lasting impact our student-athlete experience can have well beyond graduation. We are proud to celebrate Fred and grateful for the example he continues to set for our current and future Hawks."
 
Committed to community service, Williams and his wife helped coordinate the Salvation Army's Angel Tree Program in Monmouth County, while also volunteering with Alex Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer.
 
"It's amazing. When you recruit every player, the goal is that they develop into somebody who's not only going to be a contributing member of society in general but is going to give back to the school and the institution and Freddie is a great example of that," Callahan said. "I can honestly say, Freddie is one of many players who's come through the program that has represented us at the highest level, and represented themselves, their families and the University at the highest level. We're proud to have them members of our program."
 
The Alumni Awards celebrates alumni who exemplify professional achievement, outstanding leadership and meaningful volunteer service to Monmouth University. Held annually, the awards honor individuals whose impact reflects the very best of the Monmouth community.
 
The event was held June 12 in the Great Hall and Erlanger Gardens with Williams joined by two alumnae in Deborah "Dee" Baker '00 and Kimberly (Kravitz) Bukowiec '13 who were honored with the Distinguished Alumni and Recent Alumni Awards, respectively.
 
Williams was second honoree for the award, joining 2019 recipient Deb Mannix '83.
 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Monmouth University Alumni (@monmouthalumni)

 
*****
To follow along with everything Hawks Athletics follow @muhawks on Instagram and @MonmouthHawks on X and Facebook.