2013 Distinguished Service Citation

Beloit College empowers its students to live lives marked by high achievement, personal responsibility, and public contribution in a diverse society. Debra Hass is a shining example of what a Beloit graduate can become with a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a devotion to helping others.

A double major in International Relations and Spanish, Debra was active in the College Skills Center and the Educational Development Program. She also served on the Academic Policy Committee and studied abroad in Costa Rica.

In 1988, Debra graduated magna cum laude with membership in Phi Beta Kappa and Mortar Board honor societies. She won the Ruth Peterson Political Science Award and the Blue Skies Award for her sunny outlook and ability to spread cheer to her classmates. She also received departmental honors in Spanish.

Upon graduation, Debra chose to stay at Beloit College, working as assistant director for the annual fund and alumni affairs in the college’s Development Office.

Her job involved seeking financial support for Beloit College from fellow alumni, support she personally has continued to give throughout the years. Her generous and consistent support to areas such as the Beloiter Fund has helped ensure Beloit’s excellent academic programs and its ability to attract talented students.

Debra, who married alumnus Buc Rogers’84 in Eaton Chapel, went on to earn her master’s degree in public policy from the University of Chicago. Since then, she has carried out a career steeped in altruism. She served as a senior policy associate at the Women Employed Institute, a program officer for The Harris Foundation, and a coordinator of a homeless literacy program.

Today, Debra is principal of Serendipity Consulting, which offers program development and management, proposal review, evaluation, coaching, and strategic planning to Chicago-based foundations and nonprofits. She also serves as chair of the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights, housed at the University of Chicago Law School, and teaches at the University of Chicago’s School of Social Service Administration. She volunteers at her church and in Chicago neighborhood schools, and she is actively involved in education and labor issues.

Twenty-five years after graduation, Beloit remains an integral part of Debra’s life, a place she remembers fondly for its personal encouragement and feedback. She corresponds with Beloit students about their career and educational interests, informally promotes Beloit to prospective students, and helps low-income Chicago high school students make the transition to college.

For her broad definition of service and her expansive dedication to the greater good, the Beloit College Alumni Association is proud to bestow upon Debra A. Hass its highest honor, the Distinguished Service Citation.