Lafayette surgeon recognized with Sagamore of the Wabash, Indiana's highest award

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LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The late Dr. Robert Hagen, an orthopedic surgeon and celebrated public servant, posthumously received the Sagamore of the Wabash, Indiana's highest citizen award.

On Friday, state Sens. David Niezgodski (D-South Bend) and Ron Alting (R-Lafayette) recognized Hagen's contributions to the Hoosier state.

Sens. David Niezgodski and Ron Alting presented the Sagamore of the Wabash award to Debbie Hagen, Dr. Robert Hagen's widow. Hagen was Hagen was an orthopedic surgeon and a devoted public servant, helping found Unity Healthcare in Lafayette.
Sens. David Niezgodski and Ron Alting presented the Sagamore of the Wabash award to Debbie Hagen, Dr. Robert Hagen's widow. Hagen was Hagen was an orthopedic surgeon and a devoted public servant, helping found Unity Healthcare in Lafayette.

Hagen, who helped found Unity Healthcare in Lafayette, according to Alting's announcement, served as the legislative liaison for the Board of Councilors of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, president of the Indiana Orthopedic Society, co-chairman of the Build the Future Campaign and as a team physician for two local high schools.

“I was humbled to present the Sagamore of the Wabash to Debbie Hagen on behalf of her husband, Dr. Robert Hagen," Niezgodski said. “His long and distinguished record of public service makes him a worthy recipient of the Sagamore of the Wabash.

Sen. Ron Alting (R-Lafayette) presents Debbie Hagen the Sagamore of the Wabash Award honoring her late husband, Dr. Dr. Robert Hagen, a Lafayette orthopedic surgeon.
Sen. Ron Alting (R-Lafayette) presents Debbie Hagen the Sagamore of the Wabash Award honoring her late husband, Dr. Dr. Robert Hagen, a Lafayette orthopedic surgeon.

"I am grateful to be here today among his family and friends to honor his legacy and accomplishments – I am sure the community still feels the loss of this thoughtful and compassionate leader.”

Alting recalled Hagen's support of the community as well as his love for Indiana high school basketball.

"Dr. Hagen was a long-time personal friend of mine who I've known since I served on the Lafayette City Council," Alting said, in the announcement. "I'll remember him not only for his commitment to public service, but also for being the only person who loves Indiana high school basketball as much as me, specifically the Jefferson High School team.

"I'm honored to have known him, as he was a man of humility and integrity. He is deeply missed by myself and our community."

The Sagamore of the Wabash award was created by Ralph Gates, governor of Indiana from 1945-49.

The award's title has particular significance: “Sagamore” refers to the highest political leader among northeast Native Americans; and “Wabash” refers to Indiana’s state river.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: The late Dr. Robert Hagen recognized with Sagamore of the Wabash