Honoring a life behind the lens

Our Stories

Toward Infinite possibility

October 4, 2024

One of the many striking photos taken by Alan Hagman.

Honoring a life behind the lens

Jodi Bouyack

Senior Writer, Proposals | KU Endowment

Award-winning Jayhawk photojournalist Alan Hagman was known for his skilled eye, powerful images and ability to tell compelling stories about what was happening around the world. Hagman was deputy director of photography at the Los Angeles Times when he died unexpectedly in 2019. To honor his life and career, his family created the Alan Hagman Journalism Scholarship for KU students interested in visual storytelling.

A third-generation KU graduate, Hagman grew up in Pittsburg, Kan., and arrived on campus in 1982. He was a staff photographer for the University Daily Kansan during college and served as chief photographer for KU’s sports information department in 1986-87. He was selected for a prestigious White House internship in 1986 covering Vice President George H.W. Bush. That led to an internship with the Ventura bureau of the LA Times, which turned into a full-time job.

Hagman was a leader in exploring innovative approaches to photojournalism. He received numerous awards including the Robert F. Kennedy Humanitarian Award for International Photography in 2019 for “The Great March of the Return” documenting Gaza/Israel border clashes. Hagman won the award with photographer Marcus Yam and said it was the most meaningful recognition of his career.

Hagman’s devotion to his beloved Jayhawks was unmistakable. Both his home and office were filled with KU memorabilia, and he had a license plate that read “RCJGKU.” While dedicated to his craft, Hagman made the most of life outside work, too. He enjoyed barbeque, bourbon, traveling, the Grateful Dead and “gonzo journalism,” a first-person account of a story. Hagman is fondly remembered for always being the nicest guy in the room.

Support Storytelling

To donate to the Alan Hagman Scholarship or make a gift for Jayhawk journalists, visit www.kuendowment.org/journalism or contact Marlys Shulda at 785.832.7352.

MORE STORIES

KU School of Music honored in The American Prize in Opera Performance competition

The University of Kansas School of Music’s opera department has earned third place in The American Prize in Opera Performance, college/university division, for 2024.

Read The Story

Keeping in step with KU Marching Jayhawks' growing uniform and instrument needs

From rousing half-time shows at home football games to stirring KU pride at occasional away games, pep rallies, campus and community celebrations, the Marching Jayhawks are the soundtrack of KU.

Read The Story

Professor, librarian co-teach students to create open access podcast

With University of Kansas instructors invested in educating leaders, building healthy communities and making discoveries that change the world, KU is committed to providing the resources and tools to help them and their students thrive.

Read The Story