The University of Nebraska mourns the passing of Howard L. Hawks, whose leadership and generosity has created a lasting legacy on the university system, the state of Nebraska and well beyond. Regent Emeritus Hawks, alongside his wife Rhonda, dedicated decades of leadership, philanthropy and service to advancing higher education, athletics and community well-being across Nebraska.
An alumnus of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Business and the University of Nebraska at Omaha MBA program, Hawks championed the transformative power of education throughout his life. He served nearly two decades on the University’s Board of Regents, led fundraising efforts for several university initiatives and donated generously to projects spanning academics, health care and athletics across several campuses.
As a regent, Hawks prioritized fiscal responsibility and affordable access for students, demonstrating his belief that Nebraska’s economic vitality depended on a strong university system. During his 18 years on the board, he twice served as chairman. As a philanthropist, he and Rhonda supported projects across the NU system. Among them are Howard L. Hawks Hall and a business ethics and leadership chair for the UNL College of Business; Kiewit Hall for the UNL College of Engineering; the Hawks Championship Center and Hawks Field at Haymarket Park for Nebraska Athletics; Baxter Arena and the baseball and softball complex for Omaha Athletics; the renovation to the Durham Science Center for UNO; the Tim Hawks Chair in Cancer Prevention and Population Science in the UNMC College of Public Health; the Rhonda and Howard Hawks Movement Disorders Fellowship in the UNMC Department of Neurological Sciences; and the Sharing Clinic, a UNMC student-run clinic; as well as student scholarships.
Hawks also served on the executive committee for Campaign for Nebraska: Unlimited Possibilities, a fundraising campaign conducted from 2005-2014 that raised $1.8 billion in private support for the university.
The Hawks’ philanthropic commitment extended well beyond the university. Together, they supported initiatives addressing homelessness, mental health, education and the arts, while serving on the boards of numerous Omaha institutions. Hawks’ achievements in business also inspired generations; as the co-founder of Tenaska Energy, Inc., he grew the company into one of the nation’s largest independent energy providers, earning him membership in the Omaha and Nebraska Business Halls of Fame.
In recognition of their service, Rhonda and Howard Hawks were awarded the Regents Medal, the university’s highest honor, in 2023.
“Howard Hawks was a visionary leader whose profound influence shaped the future of the University of Nebraska and impacted countless lives, both within our state and far beyond,” University of Nebraska President Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, said. “His generosity, commitment to education and dedication to building stronger communities have left an indelible mark on our institution. My amazing friendship with Howard and Rhonda has been of profound impact and deeply appreciated. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Rhonda and the entire Hawks family.”
Said UNMC Interim Chancellor H. Dele Davies, MD: “The UNMC community’s thoughts and sympathy go out to Rhonda and the Hawks family at the passing of Howard. He was a brilliant businessman, NU regent and philanthropist who had a positive and lasting impact on UNMC, the university as a whole and the entire state of Nebraska. His accomplishments and the effects of his generosity are too many to list, and he will be remembered as a person who worked tirelessly for the betterment of his community and the individuals within it.”
I will never forget my happenstance with meeting the Hawks family. Rest peacefully Howard and Tim.