President’s Column: It’s about our people

Greetings from Valley City State University.

It’s no secret that VCSU is one of the most beautiful and picturesque university campuses set in one of the most beautiful and scenic communities in the nation. Our admissions office is next door to the President’s office. I interact regularly with campus tours as they come by.  One of our recent prospective students and parent lauded the beautiful campus and setting. In their words, “This just feels like a college campus should feel.”

We are indeed fortunate and proud to occupy such a setting.  The blending of old and new facilities, well-kept grounds, gorgeous front lawn and flower beds, and a bevy of trees ranging from young to very old. However, it is our students, faculty and staff that make VCSU what it is and create the culture and personality of this place.

This past week, we lost one of our very own. Pat Horner, assistant director for facility services, passed away on July 5. His untimely passing leaves a void on our campus and in the community of Valley City that is irreplaceable. I’d like to share a few thoughts, some personal, on Pat’s impressive legacy here at VCSU.

Pat completed nearly 21 years of employment at VCSU. These years, combined with his years as a student athlete were marked by dedication, commitment, collegiality, and passion for this institution. His knowledge of the mechanical and facility specifications of campus helped make the work of facilities and others much more effective.  He had a keen eye for construction management and was always looking for solutions.

A hometown Hi-Liner from Valley City, Pat Horner excelled at the collegiate level as a Viking tight end. He earned All-Conference and All District honors in both 1984 and 1985 and was named Honorable Mention All American as a junior in 1984 after catching 22 passes for 346 yards and a touchdown. He was a 4-year letter winner from 1982-85 and played a part in three straight conference championships from 1982-84.

Horner totaled 45 receptions for 691 yards and three touchdowns in his final two seasons. The Vikings went 22-13 overall during his career and were nearly unbeatable in NDCAC play with an 18-5 conference record.

In his work with facilities services, he was a humble leader and his work in project management helped our campus in so many ways. Most recently, he identified several cost and time saving opportunities during the construction of the Center for the Arts. Pat knew where every steam line on campus was buried. He knew the campus grounds and facilities inside and out.  His knowledge of facility strengths, weaknesses, and vulnerabilities helped him navigate his job extremely well.  He was never one to take credit, but always looked for ways to do things better, and he brought a practical, common-sense approach to his work. He exemplified one of our university mantras: We All Row.

We will miss Pat Horner, and our continued thoughts are with his family, co-workers, and friends. In his honor, we say; Go Vikings!