Yearlong celebration commemorates Haas' 10th year at Grand Valley

A lot can happen in 10 years — like a growing student population, an expanding campus and dozens of new academic programs. These milestones, and more, have occurred at Grand Valley State University under the leadership of President Thomas J. Haas. 

A yearlong celebration, called The Power of 10, will recognize the 2015-2016 academic year as the start of Haas' 10th year at Grand Valley and his positive impact on the university. Appropriately named for his background in chemistry, The Power of 10 is a scientific concept that aids in the visualization of large numbers.

The celebration kicked off August 10 in Chicago, where Haas celebrated with alumni as part of his 10-city tour (see photos). Stops in the tour will include Seattle, Los Angeles, New York City, Houston, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Denver, Phoenix and Detroit. The celebration will also include on-campus activities and events throughout the year, and a new scholarship established in honor of President Haas and his wife, Marcia Haas. 

A planning committee comprised of representatives from a variety of campus departments is leading the celebration.

Students, faculty and staff members, alumni and friends of Grand Valley are invited to submit a memory to an online memory book, http://gvsu.edu/s/WC; share on social media with the hashtag #10forTHaas. 

Karen Loth, vice president for University Development, said 10 years of consistent leadership has allowed Grand Valley to build relationships and grow strategically, which positions the university for continued success.   

On July 10, 2006, Haas was named the fourth president of Grand Valley. Forty percent of all Grand Valley alumni have graduated under his leadership. See a timeline of his impact on Grand Valley and learn more about his background.