The University of Nebraska’s highest honor, the Regents Medal, has been presented to Rhonda and Regent Emeritus Howard Hawks, Omaha civic and business leaders whose service, entrepreneurship and philanthropy have had a transformative impact on the university and community.
Established by the Board of Regents in 2006, the Regents Medal recognizes individuals whose service to the University of Nebraska benefits in furtherance of the goals and mission of the institution. The board selects the Regents Medal recipients.
Howard and Rhonda Hawks at the Howard L. Hawks Hall Gala in 2017 officially opening the building, which serves as the home of the College of Business.
“The University of Nebraska is a much different – and much stronger – university because of the leadership, vision and generosity of Rhonda and Howard Hawks. We can only guess how many students’ lives have been touched by their generosity and how many doors of opportunity have been opened because Rhonda and Howard saw a need and stepped up,” said Board of Regents Chairman Tim Clare of Lincoln. “By every measure, Rhonda and Howard are worthy recipients of this prestigious honor. We could not be more grateful for their friendship and support.”
Honored at a private ceremony this spring, the Hawks received their award in Howard L. Hawks Hall, the home of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Business, for which they were the lead donors. Hawks Hall opened in 2017.
“Regent Emeritus Hawks has been quoted as saying that he ran for the board because he believed that Nebraska’s economic future is directly linked to a strong university system,” said University of Nebraska President Ted Carter. “Through their service, Rhonda and Howard lived that sentiment every day. They are great champions of students, all of higher education and our state as a whole. We at the university offer our deep gratitude for all that Rhonda and Howard have done to change the lives of Nebraska’s future leaders.”
Hawks, an alum of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Business and the University of Nebraska at Omaha MBA program, served on the Board of Regents for 18 years, retiring in 2020. He brought a keen focus on prudent fiscal management and affordable access for all students during his years on the Board. He served as chairman twice and chaired the NU presidential search committee in 2014. Additionally, Hawks served on the executive committee of the Campaign for Nebraska: Unlimited Possibilities, which raised $1.9 billion in private support for the university.
“We are honored to be recognized by the University of Nebraska with a Regents Medal. We have been proud to support this great institution for many years, and we are grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve the University of Nebraska," said Regent Emeritus Hawks when accepting the award.
In addition to their support for Hawks Hall, Rhonda and Howard Hawks contributed to an endowed chair in business ethics and leadership in the College of Business, Nebraska’s Hawks Field at Haymarket Park, the Hawks Championship Center and Baxter Arena and the baseball/softball complex at UNO. In recognition of that philanthropy, Hawks is a recipient of the College of Business Lifetime Achievement Award, and received the Clarence E. Swanson Award for his support of Nebraska Athletics.
Beyond their treasure, Rhonda and Howard Hawks have also given generously of their time. Through philanthropic sources, they generously supported scholarships for students in need, education, social issues such as homelessness, mental health, substance use, Christian ministry and the arts. They served on the boards for numerous institutions including Boys & Girls Club of Omaha, Creighton University, Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, Joslyn Art Museum, Lasting Hope Recovery Center, Methodist Hospital, Omaha Performing Arts, Omaha Symphony, Omaha Zoological Society, Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo Foundation, Opera Omaha, and Project Harmony. Howard Hawks is a member of both the Omaha and Nebraska Business Halls of Fame.
“Howard is a Nebraska Business success story, honing his business, accounting and entrepreneurial skills at the College of Business so he could start and grow his own national company. We are grateful to Rhonda and Howard for their longtime generosity and lead gift for our state-of-the-art building where we prepare students to lead the future of business,” said Kathy Farrell, James Jr. and Susan Stuart Endowed Dean and professor of finance.
Howard Hawks founded Tenaska Energy, Inc., in 1987. He served as chairman and CEO of the company until 2010, growing it from a small operation in Omaha into one of the nation’s largest and most successful independent energy companies. He continued to serve as chairman until Jan. 1 of this year.
Rhonda and Howard Hawks join a select list of individuals honored with the Regents Medal. Past recipients include Charles W. Durham (2007), Ruth and Bill Scott (2009), Robert B. Daugherty (2011), Michael Yanney and Dr. Gail Walling Yanney (2013), Walter Scott (2014), Tom Osborne (2016), The Abel Family (2016) and Richard (Dick) D. Holland (2017).