More than 150 second and third grade students gathered in the lobby
of Harrison Park Elementary School in Grand Rapids October 20 to hear
Grand Valley President Thomas J. Haas discuss the importance of
attending college.
“You’re the future leaders of Michigan and the nation,” Haas
said. “There’s a great community here that has confidence in you and
they want to help you. If you work hard, you can go to college and get
a good job.”
Haas shared stories about his education, experiences and how his
parents were strong supporters of higher education.
Students asked him about his favorite part of his job. “My
favorite part is working with students; my job is to help them. I want
you to get a good education and be successful like the students at
Grand Valley,” he said.
President Haas’ visit is part of a partnership between Grand
Valley and Harrison Park Elementary School through a grant from the
Grand Rapids Community Foundation. The grant supports Challenge
Scholars, a program that prepares, encourages and provides resources
for students to attend college.
Watch President Haas in this video by stellafly social media/sean stearns.
