Brad Hornung is a name that has become synonymous with grit, determination and hockey in Saskatchewan. A facility aimed at making university more accessible for students with a wide range accommodations necessary for their schooling has been renamed in his honor.
Hornung was a talented member of the Regina Pat’s with his sights set on a professional hockey career.
Hornungs trajectory changed in 1987 when he suffered a severe spinal cord injury in a game against the Moose Jaw Warriors.
The injury left Hornung a quadriplegic – but stoked his resiliency. He went on to become one of the first students to require extensive accommodations during his studies.
One of Hornung’s lifelong friends Dr. Stephen King at the University of Regina, spoke to Hornung’s grit and determination.
“He could not be stopped or deterred by any challenge. He finished his highschool in ICU, and continued with university.”
“There were challenges for him that I couldn’t even imagine.”
The lack of voice recognition software during that time meant Hornung had to write essays and examines using “sip and puff technology”, a process by which the operator “sips” and “puffs” air into a straw like device in order to dictate information. His friends would copy notes onto carbon paper – and then Hornung would transcribe them using the sip and puff technique. Hornung used this technique, which King likened to Morse code – to write essays and complete 7 years of study in order to earn a degree in history from the University.
Currently 800 students at the university use the facility- which is something King Says has changed over time with the inclusion of even more circumstances in which students need special provisions for study.
“Brad was a bit of a guinea pig in the sense that he was one of the first students to move through the school with such complex needs. The University learnt alot from Brad – I learnt how to be a better student from him,” said King.
The center being named for Hornung is fitting says King. Though he is sure Brad would have been bashful about the recognition – siting the closing words from a speech Hornung gave before his death. “As humans we are remarkably fragile and vulnerable – but we are also remarkably resilient. If I can stand as an example of that for any of you here today – my time will have been well spent.” Hornung said.
King reflected on the importance of the center and it’s homage to Hornung.
“He would have been bashful and shy about this. But I am glad it’s been done. The University has done a number of great things over the course of time – this is one of the best.”
Hornung passed away in february – at the age of 52 after a short battle with cancer.
