Robert Hewlett Jr., Distinguished Alumni 2001
Nearly twenty years have passed since Robert Hewlett, Jr. earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Behavioral Management at UTD, but the lessons he learned lasted throughout his professional career. Now retired, Mr. Hewlett enjoyed a successful career in the oil and gas industry before leaving his job last year as a consulting engineer for Bob Short and Associates.
However, even though he isn't going into the office every day, the education he earned still gets put to use. "My time at UTD has enhanced my life in many different ways," he says. "It enhanced my position everywhere I've gone."
One of the lessons he obviously learned well was that of passing along his expertise. He is an active volunteer, lending his time to his church as well as to the Dallas Retired Teachers Association, American Association of University Women, and the executive committee of the UTD Alumni Association. He has worked with the mentoring program at UTD and is involved in many professional affiliations as well.
"I have never considered myself special, but the things I learned at UTD gave me a lot to build on," he says. "There are so many people out there who are smarter than me, but what I've learned is that no matter if they're smarter, the hard worker is the one who is going to get it every time. That's what will pay off in life."
The payoff of being recognized by the institution that helped his career down a successful path is one that is richly rewarding for Mr. Hewlett. "I feel flattered," he acknowledges. "It's really an honor. I've always considered it such a great privilege just to be associated with The University of Texas at Dallas, but to get recognized like this is more than I ever expected."
-- Management Vol. 5 No. 1 Autumn 2001, by Paula Felps
