UW honors former legislator's agriculture, education efforts

Wyoming

Jim Hageman's legacy to agriculture may not be set in stone, but it is cast in bronze.

The Fort Laramie rancher and longtime state legislator received an honorary doctorate during College of Agriculture commencement ceremonies May 6, in the War Memorial Fieldhouse. Eighty-six undergraduates and 21 graduate students participated.

"The bronze statue at the entrance to the Wyoming State Fair is of Jim Hageman on a horse," stated Doug Samuelson of Cheyenne, member of the UW Foundation and legislative representative from House District 7, in his nomination letter. "Men are honored like that because they are bigger than life, and that bronze will continue to look over us for decades to come."

Hageman attended UW during the 1950s, but family illness required him to return home to help with the family ranch. He continued supporting agriculture in the legislature, the state and at UW. He was elected to the state's House of Representatives in 1983 and recently retired from the legislature.

Hageman introduced the bill earmarking state money for the building that would become the Cliff and Martha Hansen Livestock Teaching Arena southwest of Laramie, stated Frank Galey, dean of the College of Agriculture, in his nominating letter.

As chair of the legislature's Joint Agriculture, Public Lands and Water Resources Committee, he worked closely with the College of Agriculture, the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory and other state agencies to gain funding for a state-wide brucellosis testing program. His support of the Wyoming Wildlife/Livestock Disease Partnership helped UW become a national leader in the field, Galey noted.

Hageman's input has shaped UW's William D. Ruckelshaus Institute of Environmental and Natural Resources white papers on water and UW's curriculum development in the area of water resource management, added Harold Bergman, Ruckelshaus Institute Board director.

Hageman supported enabling legislation for the Wyoming Water Development Commission. "He understood that Wyoming must develop its water or it would loose it," stated John Etchepare, director of the Wyoming Department of Agriculture.

He also spearheaded efforts to minimize noxious weeds in the state. "While other states have lost millions of acres to noxious weeds, Wyoming continues to be the envy of most neighboring states," noted Etchepare. "This would not have happened without his dedication."

Hageman's efforts have enhanced education. "Recently, he has helped support two legislative initiatives of great importance to UW--the state matching funds for new endowments and the new state endowment for faculty positions and scholarships," stated Galey. "Truly, his actions mirror his belief that a strong university is essential to the well-being of Wyoming's youth and the entire state."

His efforts expanded educational opportunities throughout the state. "He supported an education trust fund, which helped to establish a statewide compressed video network," noted Judy Richards, chair of the UW Board of Trustees.

He proposed the statewide Wyoming Education Planning and Coordinating Council, which brings together K-12 schools, community colleges, UW, the state Department of Education, the governor's office, legislators and the business community to discuss the education system throughout Wyoming.

Hageman is first and foremost a rancher, stated Galey, and is an active member in many agricultural organizations. "In recognition of his many contributions to agriculture, this year the Wyoming Stock Growers Association named Jim Hageman an honorary life-time member," Galey said. "This is an honor not given lightly and shared by only five others--including Cliff Hansen of Jackson and Malcolm Wallop of Big Horn."

Other honorary life-time members are Dean Prosser of Tiverton, Rhode Island, Robert Fitch of Torrington, and George Salisbury of Savery.

His personal life has also left an impact. "While Jim's public service is so important to us, his personal life probably will have the biggest impact upon his legacy," stated Samuelson.

Hageman and his wife, Marion, have served as foster parents for more than 30 young people, while raising six of their own, said Richards.

"Many of the Hageman family have attended the University of Wyoming--17 in all at last count," she stated. "And, Jim says, 'They have all lived a better life for it.'"

Date: 5/25/06

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