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Craig Walker, M.D., left, chairman of radiology, explains an MR angiogram to Howard Hawks. |
Howard Hawks, who was recently elected to the University of Nebraska Board of Regents, recently spent three hours visiting with UNMC administrators and faculty members in an effort to learn more about the campus.
Hawks, who defeated incumbent Nancy O’Brien in the November election, assumes the six-year post in January.
During Friday’s visit, Hawks met with key administrators and visited the radiology reading room, the Lied Transplant Center and the islet processing lab.
A native of Bruning, Neb., Hawks received his bachelor’s degree in accounting and later a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Nebraska.
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R. Brian Stevens, M.D., Ph.D., left, and Ted Rigley discuss islet processing with regent-elect Howard Hawks. |
In 1987, he founded Tenaska Inc. By 2001, under his leadership as CEO, Tenaska became the third largest builder of independent electric generation stations in America. Looked upon as an innovator, Hawks was elected to the North American Electric Reliability Council, an industry group established to assess and respond to the electrical needs of the country. He has served as its vice chairman.
Hawks and his late wife, Myrna, established the Hawks Family Foundation to fund educational scholarships for needy students. They also were generous supporters of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s new baseball facility. “Hawks Field” was dedicated April 28, 2002.
Hawks has been inducted into the Omaha Chamber of Commerce Business Hall and has been recognized as Alumnus of the Year by the University of Nebraska at Omaha business school. His service to the community spans decades and includes memberships on the boards of the Henry Doorly Zoo, Joslyn Museum, Assistance League, Boys and Girls Club, Opera Omaha, Boys Scouts and the Omaha Symphony.