Dr. Lynn Hagan ’77 has long known the timeless value in studying human existence and supporting others in their own exploration of what it means to be human. As an undergraduate student at Texas A&M University in the early 1970s, she became one of the first students to enroll in the anthropology program when it was created in 1975, eventually earning her bachelor’s degree in the subject in 1977.
Four and a half decades later, she has established the Lynn Hagan ’77 Endowment for Museum Studies within the Department of Anthropology. The $25,000 endowment, which will be bolstered by a $1 million planned gift, is intended to enhance the educational experiences of undergraduate students by funding internships, field trips, travel and research projects related to museum studies.
Texas A&M’s museum studies minor, which is offered through a partnership between five colleges — Arts and Sciences; Agriculture and Life Sciences; Architecture; Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts; and The Bush School of Government and Public Service — is gaining prominence as museum collections and facilities continue to expand. This minor provides students with essential knowledge and practical experience in museum work, making it a compelling choice for those pursuing careers in anthropology and related fields.
“The Lynn Hagan ’77 Endowment for Museum Studies will provide invaluable resources for our students, enabling them to gain hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of museum work,” said Dr. Darryl de Ruiter, professor and head of Texas A&M Anthropology. “This support will not only enhance their educational journey but also prepare them for successful careers in anthropology and related fields. We are immensely grateful for Lynn’s commitment to advancing the scholarship of museum studies and helping shape the future of our students.”
Dedicated To Discovery
From a young age, Hagan's curiosity and love for discovering new things fit perfectly with anthropology and broadened horizons. Her family's trips across the U.S., which included visits to museums and national parks, gave her the opportunity to collect items such as bird nests and animal bones, reflecting her interest in the artifacts left behind by people and animals. In middle school, she joined the Houston Archaeological Society and attended meetings at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, demonstrating her early dedication to learning about the past. By the time she was 16, she had earned her SCUBA certification from the National Association of Underwater Instructors, showcasing her eagerness to explore diverse environments — a key aspect of anthropological study.
I love what I do. It’s just part of who I am, and it ties into the Aggie spirit of selfless service — giving back what was given to us and paying it forward to the next generation.
After graduating from high school in 1973, Hagan enrolled at Texas A&M with the goal of studying anthropology, achieving her deferred dream in 1977. Along the way, Hagan became intrigued by the field of "interpretation," which focuses on the art of conveying the significance of cultural and natural resources to the public. Interpretation involves not only presenting facts but also telling the deeper stories behind historical landmarks, artifacts, ecosystems and wildlife. It helps explain complex ideas in a way that makes them easier to understand and appreciate, fostering emotional connections with cultural and natural resources.
This concept fascinated Hagan because it combined her love for education, discovery and communication. She explored the subject further by taking several recreation courses, which taught her how to use interpretive methods in places like national parks and museums. Her passion for this field led her to pursue an undeclared minor in recreation, where she gained skills to teach others about the importance of cultural and natural heritage.
Expanding Education & Opportunity
After graduating, Hagan worked at zoos, museums and nature centers, where she handled animals and led public presentations. She also developed educational programs such as summer camps, after-school activities and planetarium shows. One of her standout achievements was building a full-scale, working space shuttle simulator for use in local space camps throughout the Gulf South. Later, Hagan earned a master’s degree in recreation and went on to teach university courses on interpreting cultural and natural resources.
Her career took her overseas, where she became Director of Education at the Discovery Place, part of the Scientific Center of Kuwait. There, she oversaw the development of educational programs, managed interpretive staff and contributed to exhibit design, including programs for the historic harbor and the Middle East’s largest aquarium. She also collaborated with Kuwait Oil Company on an interactive exhibit focused on oil exploration and production in the region.
Hagan’s gift reflects her deep commitment to advancing education in museum studies and anthropology. Through her initial gift and broader legacy contribution, she hopes to create more opportunities for students to engage directly with the world of museum work. By supporting internships, field trips and research projects, she aims to help students gain the practical experience needed to pursue careers in museums and cultural institutions. Hagan believes that these hands-on opportunities will inspire a new generation of students to explore the connections between cultural and natural heritage while also equipping them with the skills to interpret these resources for the public.
“I love what I do,” Hagan said. “It’s just part of who I am, and it ties into the Aggie spirit of selfless service — giving back what was given to us and paying it forward to the next generation.”
Hagan and her husband Donald ’76, who earned his bachelor’s degree in physics, also have endowed a previous scholarship benefiting undergraduate physics majors at Texas A&M.