Celebrating an Era of Extraordinary Leadership

A year later came the extreme exterior makeover on the former social security building turned student center to bring its appearance more in line with the collegiate look Dr. Hagerty was cultivating. Several years later, came additional improvements inside to shape it more into a true, welcoming student union. In spring 2018 and fall 2020, Dr. Hagerty also led efforts to open Beacon’s two new student housing facilities, Resnick Alpern Plung (RAP) Hall and Plung Alpern Resnick (PAR) Residence Hall. The modern dormitory-style spaces offer either private single bedrooms or singles in pod-style rooming areas. Since they opened, these have become some of the most sought-after living spaces on campus.

In 2021, Dr. Hagerty oversaw the opening of a revamped vibrantly colored dining commons — pulsing with a more collegiate feel than the dark, former country-western-themed restaurant from which the old Chopping Block dining facility was born. And last year, the College broadened its culinary footprint by rolling out the Blazer Grazer food truck giving students more places to grab a bite across campus. In 2023, students welcomed the Jack Jones Oasis, an outdoor leisure space with new basketball courts, swimming pool, gazebo, fire pit, and more.

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