The Tripod

On Jan. 20, Director of Career Services Lanna Hagge unexpectedly passed away. Lanna had served the Office of Career Services for almost 13 years, and was preparing for the Sophomore Success Program that she had brought to Trinity and watched grow under her careful guidance.

Lanna was born and raised in Waltham, Minn., and was the first member of her family to attend college. She received her Bachelor's degree from the State University of New York Buffalo, and her Master's degree in social sciences from Colorado State University in Fort Collins. Before arriving at Trinity, Lanna served as the Director of Career Services at Oberlin College for 22 years.

While at Trinity, Lanna not only initiated the Sophomore Success Program, but also helped plan the move to the new Admissions building, as well as performing numerous other services for both the Office of Career Services and Trinity in general. Through her dedication, Lanna gained the utmost respect from those who worked by her side.

"One thing that impressed me most was that Lanna always had her door open and even though she always had a million things to do, she was always interruptible," said Assistant Director of Career Services Rachel Gerrity. "I personally found that to be what a boss and mentor is supposed to be, always focused on the individual, and I think students, colleagues, and coworkers would all agree."

Interim Director of Career Services Peter Bennett '81 wholeheartedly agreed with that sentiment.

"Lanna was eternally optimistic, and her one-on-one time with students brought about some of her happiest moments. It brought out her best; she gave everyone the same individual respect: whether you were a sophomore in tattered jeans or a CEO, you checked your ego at her door."

The students who came to Lanna's office did not overlook this dedication to her job and her genuine kindness.

"Lanna was a truly exceptional individual who not only strove for excellence but saw the best in everyone else," said Wendy Zhao '10. "She was a blessing to Trinity, helping countless students and going above and beyond her actual job description to provide guidance. At the center of her actions was her belief that everyone had something special to contribute, and she challenged me to excel beyond my limits.  However it was not Lanna's expert advice that I went to Career Services to seek, but her warm hugs and unwavering encouragement that inspired me and gave me confidence. Anyone who has ever had the luck to interact with Lanna would immediately sense how much she genuinely cared, and how much she loved Trinity."

Not only was Lanna known for her dedication to the Office of Career Services and the students who visited, but for her love for Trinity in general.

"I once asked Lanna what made her come to Trinity," said Gerrity. "She explained that on her first visit she sat in the Chapel and was amazed at how beautiful it was. Ever since then she would always comment on how beautiful she found this campus to be, and how much she loved being a part of it."

On an online Guest Book, those who knew Lanna throughout her life were able to write messages to her family or simply in her memory.

"I will miss her contagious laugh, her words of wisdom, her everyday stories of life and most of all, her friendship," wrote one guest. Another recalled that Lanna was "a wonderful person who was a joy to be around."

Lanna is survived by her son Aaron Hagge, her daughter-in-law Tara Greenberg, her grandson Maxwell, her two sisters Cheryl Hagge and Debra Meznarsic, and her two brothers, David Ryan Hagge and Trafford Hagge.

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