Rand Horsman receives Founders’ Medal for his contributions to HSC

May 29, 2020
Our People

After a day on the golf course, participants in the Rand Horsman Scholarship Golf Tournament would leave with more than the sense of satisfaction from a game well played.

They were inspired.

The event’s namesake, Rand Horsman, would always say a few words, and his passion for helping other would shine through, said Lee Ann Embry, Assistant Director, Corporate Relations.

“Rand would close with a ‘thank you,’ ensuring everyone felt valued for their contributions,” she said. “It’s been a real honor and privilege working with Rand over the past few years in raising money for such an important cause.”

The man who launched a golf tournament in 2001 to raise funds to provide emergency assistance and scholarships to HSC employees and dependents is being recognized with the Founders’ Medal, the highest honor given by The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth.

The honoree is usually recognized at the spring Commencement ceremony. But this year, because of COVID-19 and safety concerns, the ceremony has been moved to a digital platform. Plans call for Horsman to be honored at the 2021 ceremony.

First presented in 1978, the Founders’ Medal honors deserving individuals in recognition of their significant contributions to health care and/or osteopathic medical education. It is named for the founders of the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, D.D. Beyer, DO; Carl E. Everett, DO; and George Luibel, DO.

Horsman said he is deeply touched by award.

“To be recognized by an organization that is dedicated to helping others and has made the Fort Worth community, North Texas, and the world a better place is truly an honor and means so much to me,” he said. “To be included with previous recipients of this award, whose contributions were immeasurable, is humbling.”

Horsman, who came to HSC in 1987, is credited with building the Human Relations Department, but it is his kind and generous heart that has made him so beloved by students, faculty and staff.

He was an asset to the institution, as well as a friend, said Tom Yorio, PhD, Provost Emeritus and Professor of Pharmacology and Neuroscience.

“I congratulate him and welcome him to those who are recipients of the Founders Medal,” Dr. Yorio said. “He is certainly worthy of this recognition.”

Dr. Yorio recalled an encounter that illustrates Horsman’s dedication to service.

“Rand would show up at my office unannounced and say, ‘I’m from Human Resources and I’m here to help,’” Dr. Yorio said. “My response was always, ‘OK, who did what now?’”

Dr. Yorio continued, “He always provided sage advice concerning personnel issues, and I learned so much from him.”

In 2001, he launched the “Hackers Golf Tournament,” an event that evolved into the Rand Horsman Scholarship Golf Tournament. The tournament is held annually and has provided employees’ dependents with $1,000 awards for college tuition. Approximately 112 scholarships have been awarded.

Although he retired from his position as Vice President of Human Resources in 2012, Horsman has remained at the helm of the tournament. The 2020 tournament was cancelled because of the coronavirus, but is expected to be held next year.

Every year, the reason for the tournament was always front and center in Horsman’s mind, Embry said.

“He was always gently reminding each of us to share with sponsor prospects why we’re hosting a tournament: raising funds that provide scholarships to employees and their dependents,” she said. “He is the most kind, humble, down-to-earth, caring, fair, fabulous individual you will ever meet.”

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