Lauren Hagedorn: Leaving Behind Her a Legacy of Community
Lauren Hagedorn
Hometown: Manhattan Beach, CA.
Major: Psychology
Minor and any certificates: Environmental Science (minor) Documentary Studies (certificate)
Clubs/Organizations: Duke Outdoor Adventures, Duke Recreation Council, Triathlon Club, DukeEngage: Portland, Partnership for Appalachian Girls’ Education, Duke Lemur Center, Special Olympics, Club Running, Project WILD
Any other activities you participated in: Tea With Strangers, LeaderShape, Duke's 1st Human Library, Duke Admissions, Quenchers, FOCUS: Cognitive Neuroscience & Law
Post-graduation plans: To delve into work that energizes me and engages my heart and mind for a year or two before pursuing graduate school.
Favorite Duke memory or what Duke has meant to you: The summer before my junior year, I met one of my best friends, Jack, through the DukeEngage Portland program. On a hike around Mt. Saint Helens, Jack told me about his job with Outdoor Adventures and encouraged me to apply, knowing just how much I love the outdoors and adventures. I remember emailing the director that night I was so excited. Working for Outdoor Adventures as climbing wall supervisor and trip leader has changed the trajectory of my Duke experience, and my life, and I could not be more thankful for the OA community and so many opportunities to pursue what I love.
If you ask Dean of Students and Associate Vice President for Student Affairs Sue Wasiolek what it is about Lauren Hagedorn that left a lasting impression, it’s her commitment to the Duke community.
Commencement Homepage“Lauren's concern for others extends to all aspects of her life. She is able to see the good and beauty in every human being and believes that providing everyone with an opportunity to belong is essential to the Duke experience,” Wasiolek said.
Lauren was involved in outdoor programming at Duke and overall community building over her four years at Duke, as a member of the Duke Honors Council, an employee with Outdoor Adventures, a volunteer at the Duke Lemur Center, a nutrition intern for Student Affairs, a participant in Duke Engage and co-chair of the Duke Recreation Council. Said Wasiolek: “Through the climbing wall in Wilson, Project WILD and various outdoor adventures, Lauren has shared her radiant smile and her joy for life with so many, making Duke an enormously better place.”
For her involvement and commitment to Duke, Lauren was a recipient of the Forever Duke Student Leadership Award through the Office of Student Affairs this year.