DENTON (UNT), Texas -- Ernest Kuehne Jr. was presented the inaugural Wings of Eagles Presidential Award by UNT President Neal Smatresk on April 16 at the Wingspan Gala.
The Wings of Eagles Presidential Award celebrates creativity, spirit and innovation at UNT. It is awarded to an alumnus or friend of the University who embodies what UNT represents: engagement, generosity and affinity. It is the most prestigious award presented by the president to someone who has made a transformative impact on the university.
Kuehne graduated from UNT with a political science degree in 1966 and went on to earn a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Baylor University in 1969. UNT has benefited from his unwavering commitment to the university, its athletes, its students and the community at large.
Kuehne pledged a $1 million cornerstone gift to help with Apogee Stadium and other athletic department needs. He chaired a Basketball Enhancement Committee that raised more than $3 million, and added an additional $1 million himself, for a new scoreboard and sound system for the Super Pit along with a new UNT practice facility. For his efforts, the UNT basketball facility was named in his honor.
Kuehne's vision of bringing relevant speakers to Dallas on behalf of UNT resulted in the establishment of the UNT Kuehne Speaker Series. He provided $300,000 in seed money to launch the series and helped raise an additional $1.5 million to ensure sustainability. Today, the lecture series is highly recognized for the nationally prominent speakers it draws.
His personal generosity is only amplified by his ability to mobilize his peers in the community and build excitement for UNT. His passionate leadership and influence has raised more than $15 million for athletics, the Kristin Farmer Autism Center, logistics and his speaker series. When matching Texas Research Incentive Program funding is included, the impact surpasses $20 million.
"Our efforts have proven that a lot of people believe in UNT, and they credit the education received here for their success in life," said Kuehne. "As time passes by on this campus, I hope I am remembered as a person who helped others achieve their dreams."
Kuehne is a native of Mart, Texas. He and his wife, Pam, are staunch supporters of UNT. He has three children: Ernie III (Trip), Hank and Kelli.