GORHAM, Maine – The University of Southern Maine Department of Athletics has announced that Harry "Buster" Neel Jr. is the recipient of the 2025 Clifford O.T. Weiden Award. Presented annually since 1990, the Weiden Award is named in honor of the former university coach and administrator and presented to individuals who, or businesses from the community that, contribute special talents and time to the university.
 
Neel served two stints as the University's Chief Business Officer (January 2015-June 2018 & January 2019-February 2019) and helped Southern Maine navigate difficult budget environments adeptly while prioritizing the student experience, emphasizing that his priority was that Husky students " ...will really see no impact," from cost-saving strategies. His years at the University of Southern Maine were not only successful in stabilizing budgetary concerns but were also marked by growth and celebration.
 
As Chief Business Officer, Neel served as a member of the President's Cabinet, President's Leadership Team and as a member of the Business Officer Council at the UMaine system level. He was also the co-Chair of both the President's Budget Advisory Committee, and the Accreditation Self Study Standard Nine, and was responsible for Budget Development, Facilities Operations, Maintenance and Planning, and the USM Master Plan and Development. As part of that role, Neel, along with his numerous other responsibilities, helped spearhead the construction of the USM Softball Stadium, and helped with the updates to the ice hockey locker rooms, and wrestling facility.
 
A tremendous supporter of University of Southern Maine Athletics, Neel's tireless work resulted in Huskies' softball playing in one of the finest stadiums in New England. In 2017, Neel was presented with a Husky Hero award from the Athletic Department to thank him for his stewardship and innovation. Neel was joined by head softball coach Sarah Jamo, and then senior softball student-athlete Mary Caron (one of this year's Husky Hall of Fame inductees), as well as retired USM administrators Al Bean and Nancy Griffin, during the Town of Gorham Night celebration.
 
Neel graduated from Huntingdon College (Montgomery, Alabama) in 1970 with a degree in Mathematics, and then from Auburn University in 1981 with Master's degree in Business Administration. He began his career at Auburn University at Montgomery as the Vice Chancellor for Finance, and then had stops along the way at Marshall University, UNLV, Nevada State College, and UMaine Augusta.
 
Neel will receive the award as part of the 39th Annual Husky Hall of Fame Banquet and Induction Ceremony on Sunday, October 5 (5:00 pm) at the Italian Heritage Center in Portland, Maine presented by Gorham House of Pizza.