Celebrating an Era of Extraordinary Leadership

In February 2024, Dr. Hagerty duplicated that enthusiasm and broadened the college’s globetrotting as Beacon students embarked on a study abroad adventure in Japan with the new Beacon in Tokyo program. As Tokyo cultural tourists, students navigate through a series of immersive field trips that delved into the fascinating worlds of automotive manufacturing, cutting-edge electronics and gaming technology, sustainable agriculture practices, resourceful mining operations and shipbuilding.

“[George] appreciates the struggles that our students have,” said Dr. Oksana Hagerty, his wife and Beacon College’s dean of the Robey Center for Student Success. “And just like for himself, he never wants to compromise. He always wanted the best: a Harvard degree and a college presidency. He always wants to live life abundantly and sincerely wants the same for students because he did it for himself. He knows it is possible.” While academics always come first at a higher education institution, Dr. Hagerty has always preached that they are only a piece of the puzzle. Athletics and intramural sports play a consequential role holistically for students in fostering self-confidence, teamwork, mental health, discipline and social development. Over 70% of Beacon College students participate regularly in fitness, intramural, recreation and competitive athletic programming. As a result, Dr. Hagerty saw a need to formally expand the college’s athletics program — men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, golf and tennis — and attract more student-athletes with learning and attention issues to campus. Focusing on the Whole Student

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