Celebrating an Era of Extraordinary Leadership

Now, in 2026, another important milestone must be celebrated: Dr. Hagerty has announced the 2026-27 school year will be his last.

At any time strolling the campus over the past decade, you might spot Dr. Hagerty in shirtsleeves, a conservative but stylish tie, trousers, and a boyish grin, standing on the sidewalk chatting up a student in search of the secret sauce to succeeding in college — and life — with learning differences. “[George] is someone who sees potential in everyone, but especially in individuals with disabilities,” said Dr. Daniel Averbeck, immediate past chair of the Beacon College board of trustees. “He has created an educational framework that’s needed within higher education for the academic and life skills of individuals with disabilities. I don’t know if there’s anybody that does it better than George does.” Seeing Into Souls For 12 years, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to Beacon College, transforming not only the face of the campus, but most importantly, the lives of students with learning differences.

Time and again, Dr. Hagerty fastens his gaze on their face and delivers the words that starts the wheels grinding: “What’s your workaround?”

It is at once a question that gets to the heart of the inspiration, understanding and sense of purpose that many students who arrive at Beacon are seeking. A driving call to action that challenges students not to surrender to difficulties or disability, but to roll up their sleeves, get creative and let gritty determination rule the day.

For Dr. Hagerty, his magic for motivating others and meaningfully connecting is not a matter of reciting rote words but reliving a dramatic scene from his life’s script.

As a college freshman, doctors declared him legally blind — a diagnosis that might have scuttled his academic journey but propelled him to complete a bachelor’s degree at Stonehill and then a master’s degree and doctorate at Harvard. Instead of sapping his spirit, the diagnosis fueled his passion to better serve students who are too often overlooked by the traditional education system. Decades after that fateful turn in his life, thousands of Beacon students have been influenced by his words and innovative approach to higher learning.

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