Jackson Mayor John Horhn honored as Distinguished Alumnus at Centre College

JANS – Jackson Mayor John Horhn was among four Distinguished Alumni honored during Centre College’s homecoming celebration last weekend in Danville, Kentucky. Other honorees were: Valentine Banor (‘17), Robin Cline Vanderpool (‘97), and Helen Williams Dedman (‘75). They were recognized alongside four Centre Athletics Hall of Fame inductees: Rachel Brannen (‘13), Women’s Soccer; Amy Hebbeler (‘13), Women’s Soccer; John Kieffer (‘13), Men’s Cross Country; and Greg Ross (‘12), Men’s Basketball.

Each year, Centre College celebrates alumni whose professional achievements and community leadership exemplify the college’s mission and spirit.

Mayor Horhn, a 1977 graduate, majored in Dramatic Arts and English, a foundation that helped shape his communication and storytelling skills, now central to his public service and civic leadership.

During his time at Centre, Mayor Horhn was an active member of the campus community, contributing to the school newspaper, performing with the student drama club, engaging with the Black Student Union, and participating in Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He often credits those formative experiences with preparing him to lead, connect, and inspire through public service.

“Centre College was where I first found my voice as a storyteller and learned the value of using words and ideas to bring people together,” said Mayor Horhn. “I owe much of my growth to the professors, classmates, and experiences that shaped me there. It’s an honor to be recognized by the place that gave me my start.”

In addition to attending the Homecoming events, Mayor Horhn met with the Mayor of Lexington and toured a workforce training facility in Central Kentucky. The visit aligned with Mayor Horhn’s ongoing commitment to strengthening workforce development systems in Jackson by connecting education and industry.