Fayrene Hamouz, emeritus associate professor of nutrition and health sciences, died April 8 at age 80.
Hamouz was born June 6, 1946, in Grand Island, Nebraska, to Edward B. and Leona E.I. Lockhorn (Jakub). She grew up in Ravenna, Nebraska, as the eldest sister of Lucille, Gary and Janice. After attending a one-room schoolhouse for grade school, she graduated as valedictorian from Ravenna High School in 1964.
Hamouz moved to Lincoln to study at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in food and nutrition, a master’s degree in human nutrition and food service management, and a doctorate in animal science/meat science. She began her career managing residence hall food services at the University of Iowa and then UNL before moving into academia, where she taught hospitality and food service management and served as associate dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences. She directed 10 master’s theses and was instrumental in establishing the culinary science (Culinology®) degree program at UNL.
Hamouz was also instrumental in launching the hospitality, restaurant and tourism management program at UNL in fall 2006. Working alongside a core group of university leaders, she helped build the program from the ground up, laying a foundation that continues to prepare students for meaningful careers across the hospitality industry.
Her commitment to the program extended far beyond the workday. Colleagues recall the steady presence of her office light in Leverton Hall, where she spent countless evenings and weekends refining curriculum, strengthening partnerships and exploring new ways to elevate the student experience.
Beyond teaching, Hamouz made lasting contributions to Nebraska’s restaurant and food service industry. She played an active role in the Education Foundation of the Nebraska Restaurant Association (now known as the Nebraska Hospitality Association), leading the national program for high school culinary competitions across the state. In recognition of her long-term dedication to hospitality, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Nebraska Restaurant Association in 2016 and was inducted into the Omaha Hospitality Hall of Fame in 2005.
In retirement, she enjoyed keeping in touch with colleagues and students, celebrating their successes and sharing in their journeys. She never missed a night without speaking to her baby sister, Janice. A devout Catholic throughout her life, Hamouz found daily comfort in praying the rosary and often praying along with the Holy Rosary from Lourdes.
Hamouz was preceded in death by her husband, Myron, and her parents. She is survived by her only child, Michelle, and Michelle’s husband, Bobby, who held a very special place in her heart. She is also survived by her three siblings and their families.
College of Education and Human Sciences
Nutrition and Health Sciences
