David Hortin was born on 6 June 1942 in DuQuoin, Illinois, the son of Duane and Hazel Hortin. He received his B.S. in Political Science from Southern Illinois University in 1963, and his J.D. from University of Michigan in 1966. Dr. Hortin taught at Eastern Michigan University from 1967 in the Political Science department. The focus of his teaching was the American Legal System, Constitutional Law, Public Law, and Government. Dr. Hortin was the faculty advisor of the Hockey Team from 1986, and received many awards and accolades for his accomplishments. Dr. Hortin passed away in Ypsilanti, Michigan on 2 November 2005.

The David Hortin papers include clippings, correspondence, different versions of Dr. Hortin's CVs, materials from his 2005 memorial, news releases, photographs, and faculty paperwork. There is a also a series of honors, consisting of awards, certificates, and plaques.