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 has had a transformative impact on the university and community.
The Regents Medal was established by the Board of Regents in 2006 to recognize individuals whose service to the University of Nebraska has provided exceptional benefits in furtherance of the goals and mission of the institution. Regents Medal recipients are selected by the Board.
“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.”
University of Nebraska President Ted Carter said: “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. Through their service, Rhonda and Howard have 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.”
The Hawks were honored at a private ceremony this spring at Howard L. Hawks Hall, the home of the UNL College of Business for which they were the lead donors. Hawks Hall was dedicated in 2017.
In accepting the award, Regent Emeritus Hawks said: “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.”
Hawks, an alum of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Business and the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s 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 also 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.
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 also 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 have generously supported scholarships for students in need, education, social issues such as homelessness, mental health, substance use, Christian ministry, and the arts. They have 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 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. Hawks continued to serve as chairman until Jan. 1 of this year.
Rhonda and Howard Hawks join a select list of individuals who have been honored with the Regents Medal. Past recipients are:
- 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)
- Richard (Dick) D. Holland (2017)