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It took a few ����Թ� State history classes for Cathy Gorn, ’82, National History Day Executive Director, to discover her passion for history. However, her journey to get there was unexpected.

In her younger years, Cathy was interested in science so biology seemed like a fitting major for her. When she started taking biology courses, she found math was not her forte. 

“I didn't see myself going down the biology/pre-med path anymore, but I always loved literature and to read, so I chose English as my major and picked up a history minor,” Cathy said.

With her new major and minor, Cathy found several intriguing courses to take: a British literature class with William Hillebrand, Ph.D.; Immigration in America with Henry Leonard, Ph.D.; and History of Civilization with George Balsama, Ph.D. 

“I thought I hated history in high school, and that it was so boring,” Cathy said. “A friend told me to take this course, History of Civilization, and that the professor was really great. It reminded me I do really like history. The course made history come alive.”

����Թ� State had awakened her interest and love of history by showing her that it was about more than reading a textbook and memorizing dates. Once she saw how captivating the subject could be, the rest of her career path was history.

After graduating from ����Թ� State, Cathy earned a master’s degree at Case Western Reserve University in history and museum studies and a Ph.D. in American social policy history.

To cover college expenses, she interned with the Western Reserve Historical Society. During her internship, she learned about National History Day, a contest that brings together students from all over the world to present on a history project of their choice and celebrate their hard work.

Her internship led to a full-time position as an assistant director with National History Day, and after graduating, she moved the National History Day office to the University of Maryland. When she first started there was only a staff of two including herself. Now there are 12 staff members. And in 2025, more than 500,000 students participated through the local, regional and national contests.

In 1994-95, Cathy took over as executive director and brought stability back to the organization.

“We were literally facing extinction in less than a year. I was made executive director, and I thought I am not going down with a sinking ship and I don’t want this ship to sink either,” Cathy said.

She worked to shore up the organization with a lot of help from others. For this group, believing in the organization’s mission and what it does for kids and teachers helped them to succeed.

“It has turned so many young people into real scholars,” Cathy said. “It is not just for honors kids, but also for kids who are not motivated in the classroom. It allows them to pick their own topic, do their own research and present it in creative ways. It has changed lives, and it has to continue. I was determined to make that happen.”

One of her most memorable moments in her career was accepting the National Humanities Medal in 2011 from former President Barack Obama.

“It was an honor to receive that award and accept it at a White House Ceremony,” Cathy said. “It was tremendous to be the one to go and accept it on behalf of National History Day.” 

She will wrap up her career on a high note, presiding over her 43rd national contest from June 14 –18 in College Park, Maryland, themed “Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History” to align with the 250th anniversary of the country this July 4. 

Once she retires in July, Cathy joked she hopes to sleep. “Besides sleeping, I love to travel.  I have been fortunate with this job to have traveled to all 50 states, and I love overseas travel.  Then I am going to do some writing. I have a couple books in my head,” Cathy said.