Russ Hagen ’64 has earned the 2016 Visionary Award from the St. Cloud State University Foundation for his leadership and service to St. Cloud State University.
Hagen graduated with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, with a minor in mathematics. Following graduation, he worked for Pillsbury Company and National Computer Systems, before founding his own company in 1978, Data Recognition Corporation (DRC). He retired as CEO in 2006 and continues to serve as chairman of the board. DRC offers educational research services, offset printing and is a full-service provider of customized testing systems for states and private companies throughout the United States.
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During his career, Hagen served on a number of boards, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, the Guthrie Small Business Council, and Chairman of Twin West Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trustees for Twin Cities Public Television.
Hagen joined the St. Cloud State Foundation Board in 2004 and served until his term ended in 2013; he served as chair and on the development committee. He also served on the Advisory Board for the Herberger Business School. Data Recognition Corporation housed St. Cloud State University’s MBA program in Maple Grove from 2003-09. The program outgrew their facilities and then moved to the Twin Cities Graduate Center of St. Cloud State in Maple Grove.
Hagen received St. Cloud State’s College of Science and Engineering Leadership Award in 2004 and the Distinguished Alumni Entrepreneur Award in 2003. He was also presented with an honorary doctorate from St. Cloud State in 2006 in recognition for his business, community service and leadership accomplishments. He has also provided leadership-level support for a variety of initiatives for St. Cloud State, including the Integrated Science and Engineering Laboratory Facility (ISELF), the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center, the Mobile Lab Fund, the College of Science and Engineering and the Centennial Hall Building Fund.
Hagen will be recognized at the St. Cloud State University Foundation’s annual Gala on September 15, which kicks off the Fall Celebrate St. Cloud State weekend.
