Beginning as a part-time stock boy in a shoe store in his home town of Terra Haute, Ind., to his current position as president and chief operating officer of Donald J. Pliner Inc., a high-end men's and women's footwear and accessories company, Hord has been buoyed by the deep faith and strong moral foundation imparted by his parents. [...] along the way he created a foundation that has given millions in scholarships to promising African-American students in the Danbury area. In his senior year, when the opportunity arose to sell instead of stocking shoes, he was denied the position because, he said, "the store manager was concerned about a Negro selling to his white clientele." Ultimately the store in which he worked was bought by a large shoe company and he was given the opportunity to enter its management training program. The organization gives college scholarship money to African-American youths who meet three criteria: academic achievement, community involvement and need. "The foundation helps young people pursue their dreams through a college education," said Hord, now married to Tamar Hord, and the father of two adult children and grandfather of three. The community has adopted it. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded $2.5 million in scholarships.