When the Columbia Community Foundation was founded in October of 2007, Don Hagen was one of the first members of our community to be contacted and asked to serve on the Board of Directors for the new organization. 

              Don grew up in Chardon, Ohio, and graduated with Honors from Chardon High School where he lettered in baseball, basketball, and football. He graduated from Baldwin Wallace in 1951 with a BA in Education and subsequently continued his education resulting in an MA in Education from Kent State University and a Doctorate in Education from the University of Pittsburgh. Don’s lifelong career as an educator began with teaching social studies in Madison followed by Chagrin Falls and Solon. He combined his love of sports and education as a football and basketball coach during his teaching career. Following his time at Solon, Don served as high school principal at Milan and Jefferson, all while raising his young family with his wife, Ruth. His career as an educator culminated when Don became the Superintendent at Columbia schools (13 years) and Brooklyn schools (three years). Don and his wife Ruth were married in 1950 and have resided in Columbia Station on Nichols Road since 1966 where they raised their three sons Dan, David, and the late Michael Hagen DDS.

              Affectionately referred to as “Doc”, Don was passionate about education and dedicated to, community service, exemplified by his 40-year service as a trustee of Southwest General Hospital. He was a lifelong Kiwanian, serving as Lieutenant Governor, club president for several years, and a recipient of the George F. Hixson fellowship of the Old Brooklyn club. His charitable works extended to the Columbia Community Foundation serving on the Board for 14 years until his retirement in 2021, Columbia United Methodist Church, Southwest General Hospital, and Baldwin Wallace University. Don and Ruth established the Hagen Family Scholarship at Baldwin Wallace. Don was also a WWII Veteran, serving in the Army Air Corp in 1946 and 1947.

Don passed away at his home on November 19, 2021.