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Pastor Richard Hordern, Ph.D. and Nancy Talsness Hordern (2024)
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Pastor Richard Hordern, Ph.D. and Nancy Talsness Hordern
The name Hordern has been synonymous with Luther College for nearly 50 years. Rick and Nancy are cherished supporters with a deep love of Luther College that goes back to the 1970s.
In 1978, Richard was hired as the Luther College university campus developed the department of Religious Studies. Ordained as a Lutheran pastor, Rick became one of the first Religious Studies professors in this new department, primarily teaching Christianity. He held this role until he became Academic Dean from 1993 to 1994, after which he was Luther College’s President, from 1994 to 2005. He then returned to his professor role until retirement in 2017.
As President, Rick’s energy, commitment, and intellect helped bring both campuses to an era of new growth in the late 1990s, including the 90 Years of Spirit Campaign. His institutional knowledge continues to benefit the College, with his memories and research well-documented as the author of The Luther College Story history book. Whenever there is a question about a moment in Luther’s history, the answer is quite often, “we should check with Rick Hordern!”
With Rick as President, this meant Nancy, an educator herself, assumed many volunteer duties for Luther College as a ‘first lady’, offering hospitality to visitors and hosting Luther College gatherings across North America. Her warmth and sincere interest in the Luther community had made her a true ambassador in her many decades of service.
In addition to her contributions with Rick’s presidency, Nancy was a dedicated and admired tutor at Luther College High School from 2003 to 2018. Nancy was known for her quiet consultations and good humor. It was her advocacy and deep care for young learners that truly set her apart. Nancy’s respect for students’ dignity was unshakable; she never doubted their worth or potential.
The Horderns are loyal and dedicated advocates of Luther College High School and University. As President, Rick was instrumental in setting up of the President's Research Fund, which has proven vital to the research programs of many university faculty. The Hordernsʼ legacy also continues with The Dr. Richard Hordern & Nancy Talsness Hordern Scholarship, given to a Luther College High School graduate attending Luther College at the University of Regina who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and made strong contributions through co-curricular activities.
For their dedication and many accomplishments over the last four decades, Luther College is proud to honor Pastor Rick Hordern and Nancy Talsness Hordern with the 2024 Distinguished Service Award.