The Hornblower started off as a single piece of pink paper announcing the upcoming HAFA Valentine's Day Dance in 1973. It was initially written anonymously by Dave Houghton under the pen name Hermann Hornblower for fear of negative repercussions. By the end of its second year in publications, the newsletter has grown to eight pages and "reporters" were used to help capture stories.

Today, the Hornblower has grown into a yearly magazine publication that is distributed throughout the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management and the industry. The Hornblower features articles about the hospitality and tourism industries worldwide, as well as updates from within the School and a listing of graduating students.

2011 marks the second year that the Hornblower Magazine has been available online. The print edition is printed on Friesen Envirolux paper made with 80% recycled fiber, 40% post-consumer waste and processed chlorine free.

(Notes from the article "History of the Hornblower" by Dave Houghton published in the 2003/2004 edition of the Hornblower)