Regents Approve Naming of New UNO Training Center for Howard L. Hawks

The University of Nebraska Board of Regents on Thursday approved the naming of a new $55 million training center at the University of Nebraska at Omaha in honor of Regent Emeritus Howard L. Hawks, who passed away in 2024. An intermediate design report for a $12.5 million baseball and softball clubhouse project also received approval by the regents.

The two projects, part of the third phase of Omaha Athletics’ Campus Masterplan, represent a $67.5 million privately funded investment in the holistic student-athlete experience at UNO. Located south of Center Street, the projects will modernize UNO’s athletic facilities and elevate the university as a rising national power among NCAA Division I programs.

The Hawks Family is among a group of donors, all of whom generously funded these facilities.

Howard L. Hawks Training Center

Located just east of Baxter Arena and connected by an elevated skywalk, the Howard L. Hawks Training Center will house modern competition and practice courts, community event areas and student-athlete support services, including academics, strength and performance, nutrition, mental health, locker rooms and lounges for select sport programs. The facility is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2028.

Howard Hawks was a co-founder of Tenaska, one of the nation’s largest independent energy companies. He and his wife, Rhonda, provided decades of leadership, philanthropy and service to the University of Nebraska. They have supported various projects spanning academics, healthcare and athletics across several campuses. An alumnus of UNO’s MBA program, Hawks spent 18 years on the Board of Regents, twice serving as chairman.

• Adrian Dowell, UNO Vice Chancellor / Director of Athletics: “The extraordinary generosity of the Hawks family and project donors continues to elevate what is possible for UNO. Howard Hawks believed deeply in this university and its students, and these transformational facilities will honor his legacy while creating an incredible impact for our student-athletes, our campus and the greater Omaha community. We are incredibly grateful for our supporters who continue to believe in our vision and help us raise the standard for Omaha Athletics.”

Baseball and Softball Clubhouse

Approval of the intermediate design report allows construction of the baseball and softball clubhouse to officially begin, with construction to commence Monday. The two-story clubhouse, located at Maverick Park, will overlook Connie Claussen Field and Tal Anderson Field.

The facility will become the daily home base for Maverick Baseball and Softball, bringing student-athletes, coaches and support staff under one roof for the first time in school history. It will house year-round training areas, sports medicine, locker rooms, lounges and coaching offices. The facility is scheduled for completion in July 2027.

About the University of Nebraska Foundation

The University of Nebraska Foundation grows relationships and resources that enable the University of Nebraska to change lives and save lives. During fiscal year 2025, a record $416.6 million was committed to aid UNK, UNL, UNO, NCTA and UNMC and its clinical partner, Nebraska Medicine. In addition, a record 60,602 donors supported the University of Nebraska. Alumni engagement and fundraising are efficient, with the University of Nebraska receiving more than $7 in gifts for every $1 spent. Only in Nebraska: A Campaign for Our University's Future is the current campaign with a goal to raise $3 billion from 150,000 unique benefactors to support the University of Nebraska. More information is at OnlyinNebraska.org.