William E. Hawkins, Attorney

Bill was an instrumental part of the University of Miami Football Program during Jimmy Johnson's tenure. A three year starting left defensive end (1986-1988) leading his teams to a National Championship in 1987 and coming within 5 points of achieving 3 Championships in a row! A consensus Ail-American, Bill was inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame. Bill excelled in the classroom: Mariuto Scholar athlete, Omicron Delta Kappa (the highest honor society), Iron Arrow Society (the highest honor attainable at Miami), and the deans list. He received a degree in Business Administration with a minor in Finance and attended graduate level MBA courses in his final year at Miami.

Bill entered the NFL when he became the first round draft choice of the Los Angeles Rams Football team in 1989. He made an immediate impact by becoming a member of the all rookie team; however, after five years his football career was over following his second knee injury. Bill became involved with public service during his tenure with the Rams. He gave numerous speeches imploring young athletes to strive in the classroom. He produced numerous radio advertisements for local charities while in California and is a current Board member and Secretary of the ARC Martin County.

In 1996, Bill began Ms legal education at the University of Florida. He excelled in Estates and Trusts, International Financial Crimes and Comparative Law. He studied abroad in Montpellier France and accelerated the course of his studies, graduating one semester early.