The Rich History of Susan Hirt Hagen CORE
Susan Hirt Hagen CORE was established in 1998 to provide outreach services and program evaluation to schools and community organizations, with a specific focus on reducing teen pregnancy. CORE has continued to broaden its vision and services, and now works to build protective factors, and reduce risk factors, for youth and the communities they call home.
Humble Beginnings
CORE was first housed in an annex trailer on campus, and then moved to what is now the Art House. In 2012, CORE moved into the Balmer House, which provided more space for staff and students, and included a small conference room. In April 2022, thanks to a generous private gift, CORE moved into a $6.6M state-of-the-art facility on campus that includes office space, a student lab space, a historically preserved conference room, and a large multipurpose space for trainings and events.
Making a Difference
Susan Hirt Hagen and Dr. Carl Kallgren III
Susan Hirt Hagen CORE is the result of an early vision by Dr. Carl Kallgren III and Susan Hirt Hagen. Dr. Kallgren was a social psychologist and faculty member at Penn State Behrend who envisioned the need for a center to provide high-quality outreach and evaluation services for schools and organizations trying to build up youth and reduce teen pregnancy. This vision was made possible by the generosity of Susan Hirt Hagen, who also felt led to help youth, and to address the rising teen pregnancy rates at the time. Leaning on her own background in psychology, and her longstanding commitment to civic leadership, Susan was instrumental in the planning and development of CORE.
The Beginning of Something New
In 1998, Susan provided a gift that would allow CORE to build necessary infrastructure, and to begin providing services in Erie County. Then, in 2008, Susan established an endowment through a generous financial gift of $5.5M, and the center proudly became known as Susan Hirt Hagen CORE.
A New Home
In April 2022, Susan Hirt Hagen CORE moved into a 11,000 square-foot, $6.6M state-of-the-art facility, which was made possible through a private gift to the college. Federal House, built in 1838, and thought to be the oldest standing brick structure in Harborcreek Township, underwent a significant historical preservation and remodel, and now serves as the center’s conference room. A large, modern addition was added on to Federal House, and serves as a combination of office space, student lab space, and instructional/event space.
