The University of Nebraska–Lincoln Alumni Association and College of Architecture are proud to announce that David Howlett and Griff Davenport will be recognized with this year’s Alumni Masters and Distinguished Service Awards, respectively. The honors recognize alumni whose leadership, professional achievement and service reflect the Nebraska tradition.
David Howlett, principal of Price Howlett and president of the College of Architecture Professional Advisory Council, has been named this year’s Alumni Master. The award recognizes alumni who have demonstrated exceptional promise, success and leadership while strengthening the Nebraska tradition.
Howlett earned his Bachelor of Architecture in 1975 and a Master of Community and Regional Planning in 1977 from UNL. He leads Price Howlett, a government relations firm specializing in public infrastructure projects, resource development and public outreach. Earlier in his career, Howlett worked for the Carmen Group in Washington, D.C., and held various roles in economic development, project management and urban and regional planning in Colorado.
Griff Davenport, retired CEO of DLR Group and longtime member of the College of Architecture Professional Advisory Council, will be honored with the Distinguished Service Award. This award honors alumni who have demonstrated distinguished service to the Alumni Association and the University of Nebraska. Davenport earned his Bachelor of Architecture in 1980 from UNL.
Davenport spent his 45-year career at DLR Group, serving as CEO from 2013 to 2022. During that time, he led the firm through transformative global growth, expanding it from 425 employees in 15 locations to 1,700 employees in 33 locations worldwide. In addition to serving on the Professional Advisory Council for more than 15 years, he established the Griff and Nancy Davenport Leadership by Design Scholarship.
“This year’s recognition of both David Howlett and Griff Davenport reflects the extraordinary talent, leadership and dedication of our alumni,” said Dean Kevin G. Van Den Wymelenberg. “Having two alumni honored in the same year is a testament to the strong foundation they received here and the impact they continue to make in architecture, planning and design leadership.”
These honors will be formally recognized at the Alumni Association’s Nebraska Medallion Dinner on Friday, April 11.
