Omaha businessman, former NU regent Howard Hawk dies at 89
By Jolie Peal , Reporter Nebraska Public Media News
Dec. 9, 2024, 3 p.m. ·

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Former Nebraska regent and Omaha businessman Howard Hawks died at age 89 on Dec. 6.
Hawks served 18 years as a board member for the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. He and his wife, Rhonda, supported numerous projects for the university, including Howard L. Hawks Hall that houses the business college and Hawks Field in Haymarket Park where Nebraska baseball plays.
Hawks also co-founded one of the largest independent energy companies in the country, Tenaska. He was inducted into the Omaha Business Hall of Fame in 2002 and the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame in 2021.
NU President Jeffrey Gold met Hawks in January 2014. He said Hawks would always ask the hard questions that pushed the people around him to be better.
“For many years, I have defined leadership as the ability to bring out the best in other people — the knowledge, skills and experience that brings out the best in other people,” Gold said. “I think Howard exemplified that in every possible way.”
Hawks always thought big, accepted the challenges thrown his way and valued other opinions, Gold said. He exhibited qualities, like thinking creatively and valuing other opinions, that can help inspire future leaders.
“When I am at meetings trying to make difficult decisions with people, the phrase frequently comes up is, well, what would Regent Hawks have said about this,” Gold said. “That's become a real pillar.”
But past all his work as a regent, Gold said that Hawks was a dear friend.
“I would not underestimate the importance of that friendship,” Gold said.
Many university and state officials shared messages of support for the Hawks family.
Current Regents Robert Schafer and Tim Clare served on the board with Hawks on the university board.
“Howard Hawks’ vision and commitment leave a lasting impact on the University of Nebraska, its alumni and its current and future students,” Schafer said in a statement. “His leadership sets an example for others who care about our state and university to follow. He will be deeply missed.”
“Howard Hawks exemplified what it means to lead with vision and heart,” Clare said in a statement. “His dedication to students, passion for education and generous support transformed the University of Nebraska and reminds us of the enormous impact one person can have.”
Sen. Deb Fischer shared her condolences on X, formerly known as Twitter.
"Howard Hawks’ leadership will shape Nebraska for decades to come," she wrote on social media. "After finding his success in business, Howard dedicated his time and resources to helping Nebraska’s next generation prepare for their own successes."
Congressman Mike Flood wrote in a statement that Hawks, "was a generational leader whose work shaped our state in many ways."
"Howard did it all with honest hard work, using his success to give back generously," Flood continued. "Through the years, he wanted the best for Nebraska, believed in our university, and invested in the unlimited potential of our citizens."