As Darlington kicks off its Alumni Weekend celebration today, the Alumni Office is pleased to announce that Dr. Bob Hortman ('72) is the recipient of the 2023 Distinguished Alumnus Award.
"Dr. Bob Hortman is a retired dentist whose passion for education and philanthropy has resonated throughout the Darlington and Rome community for decades," said Scott Dozier ('73), chairman of the Board of Trustees. "His legacy is deeply intertwined with our history, and his commitment to excellence is evident in the numerous roles he has assumed over the years ... n recognition of his unwavering dedication, his tireless efforts on behalf of Darlington, and his commitment to nurturing the school's future, we are proud to celebrate Bob Hortman as an exemplary member of our community. His remarkable contributions and enduring legacy will continue to inspire generations of Darlington alumni, students, and friends."
Hortman's Darlington journey began as a day student in middle school and he went on to serve on the Honor Council, sing in Glee Club, and play on the championship soccer teams. After Darlington, he graduated from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Medical College of Georgia. His career as a dentist was marked by professionalism and a deep sense of care for his patients.
A devoted family man, he and his wife, Susan, have raised three children: Robert Jr. (’99, LD ’18), Jeff (’02, LD ’15), and Jane (’03, LD ’13). The family legacy continues with grandchildren Wills and West, current Darlington students, and Harper, who joined the family this year.
A proud member of the Class of 1972, Hortman’s dedication to Darlington is evident through his past role as a trustee and board chair, and now as Life Trustee. He has been an active participant in Career Day presentations and has served on the Alumni Council and as Athletic Booster Club president. His contributions to The Darlington Fund Board Leadership, Heritage Society, and Strategic Planning Committee further demonstrate his commitment to shaping the future of the school.
Outside the educational sphere, Hortman’s influence extends into various aspects of community life, including First Baptist Church, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Georgia, the Exchange Club of Rome, the Family Resource Center, Habitat for Humanity, Coosa Valley Fair, the United Way of Rome, and the Floyd County Baptist Association's Free Dental Clinic. In 2013, he was recognized with the Heart of the Community Award for his outstanding service in Rome and Floyd County.
Hortman's life has been one of unwavering dedication to his family, his faith, and his community. His impact on Rome, Ga., and the educational institutions he cherishes will be felt for generations to come. He stands as a shining example of a life well-lived in service to others.
During the award presentation, Hortman shared some life lessons he learned at Darlington, including:
He also focused on the importance of empathy.
"No matter how strong you feel about something, no matter how strongly you feel you’re right and the other person’s wrong, no matter how strongly you feel you’ve got the truth and the other side is radical or extreme or whatever label, always try to understand the other side," he said. "Try to understand where they’re coming from. Try to use your own words to describe how they’re feeling … You don’t have to change your mind, but just try to respect the other viewbpoint. We were put here to live together rnad to love one another, not just love the ones you like.
"Happiness is not about getting a 4.0 GPA," he continued. "Happiness is not getting a 5 on AP. Happiness is not beating Chatooga tonight, though I’m all for it - Go Tigers! Happiness is not winning every argument. All those things are fleeting. Happiness is having empathy and loving your fellow man. If Darlington can teach you that, she will have done her job."
Click here to watch a video of the award presentation.
Established in 1983 and given by the Alumni Council, the Distinguished Alumnus/na Award is presented annually to Darlington and/or Thornwood alumni representing one or more of the following areas: notable achievement in professional field; service to his or her community, state, or nation; service to the arts, sciences, or humanitarian causes; and loyalty to Darlington.
