President and Mrs. Joseph H. Hagan

President Joseph and Mrs. Patrice Hagan received the College’s Honorary Alumnus/Alumna Award in 1993 for their work at Assumption during Dr. Hagan's presidency (1978-98). During that time they were dedicated supporters of alumni relations and fundraising programs. President Hagan provided a significant portion of his time to his involvement in these two areas. He also led the College to exceptional academic and financial growth. In 1998, President and Mrs. Hagan were the recipients of a salute by the Worcester Chamber of Commerce to recognize 10 years of service to Assumption College and the Worcester Community. That same year, they also received a special citation by the Assumption Board of Trustees for 10 years of outstanding service. The longest tenured Assumption president, Dr. Hagan served as the 1998 Assumption Commencement speaker, where he was awarded an honorary degree. The Joseph H. Hagan Scholarship Fund was established at Assumption by Fallon Community Health Plan in recognition of his service as Assumption president. It is awarded annually on the basis of financial need and academic achievement.

Last updated 12/17/07

Highlights from President Hagan’s tenure:

- The percentage of full-time Assumption faculty with terminal degrees in their field rose from 75% in 1978 to 96% in 1998.

- During his tenure, he demonstrated a personal and institutional commitment to the Worcester community. He served as campaign chair of the United Way of Central MA, chair of the distribution committee of the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, and chair of the Colleges of the Worcester Consortium. He actively supported the College's Worcester Institute for Senior Education, helped establish the Partners for Excellence in Humanities program with the Worcester Public Schools, and opened the College’s athletic facilities to youth sports camps.

- From 1978 to 1998, the College’s operating budget increased from$6.6 million to $38 million and its
endowment grew from $757,000 to $26.5 million.

- Fourteen building were added to the campus, nearly doubling the square footage of the College’s facilities. This included the construction of seven residence halls (Moquin, Dion, Authier, Dufault, Salisbury, Worcester and Wachusett), the Hagan Campus Center (1982), DiPasquale Media Center (1985), Emmanuel d’Alzon Libary (1988) and Plourde Recration Center (1993) and the purchase of the president’s house and two houses on Nelson Place.