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Spotlight Racquel Hagen

The most inspiring thing about my job is the students. Their energy, creativity, and brilliance are incredible.

“Over the years, Stanford has given me so many opportunities – from taking classes to attending events, meeting new people, and learning new things. I couldn’t imagine working anywhere else, and I’m excited for the next 20 years here!”

I’m the administrator and building manager for the John A. Blume Earthquake Engineering Center. In this role, I handle all the administrative tasks for the center, as well as events and projects for both the Blume Center and CEE. As building manager, I’m part of the SOE Facilities Team responsible for maintaining the building and labs, and keeping these spaces safe. 

My path to Stanford was a bit unusual. I was a theater major in college, with plans to go into theater administration. After graduation, I spent five years at the San Jose Repertory Theatre (which no longer exists) as a company manager. In that job, I took care of everything related to the actors and directors – booking flights, arranging lodging, even organizing meals between performances. It was tough, underpaid work.

A friend who worked at Stanford told me about the opening at the Blume Center and encouraged me to apply. I interviewed with Anne Kiremidjian and the DFO on a Friday, got hired on Monday, and left the theater on my five-year anniversary. I started here two days later – that was 25 years ago, and I’m still in the same office! 

The most inspiring thing about my job is the students. Their energy, creativity, and brilliance are incredible. I’ve stayed in touch with many even after they’ve graduated, and hearing how I’ve made a difference in their lives makes everything worthwhile. 

Of course, after 25 years, there are challenges. One of the biggest is staying open to new ways of thinking and adapting to technology as it evolves. Luckily, I love learning and finding better solutions, so I’m always willing to change and improve. Another challenge is making sure I’m fully supporting CEE’s students – ensuring they feel safe with me and that I’m tuned in to their needs. The world changes, and I try to keep up with it. Ultimately, I feel really fortunate to be working at Stanford. The faculty and staff are incredibly supportive, and the students are a joy to work with.

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