Power of 10 concludes with Grand Rapids alumni event

More than 150 Grand Valley alumni gathered in Grand Rapids June 23 to celebrate President Thomas J. Haas' 10th year at Grand Valley and his positive impact on the university.

The event concluded a yearlong celebration called The Power of 10, which included various activities on campus and tours to visit with alumni across the U.S. 

At The Power of 10 Grand Finale in Grand Rapids, Haas asked a former student from each decade — '60s, '70s, '80s, '90s, '00s, and '10s — to describe how the university made an impact on his or her life. While the answers were different, each answer followed a common theme: the alumni found a sense of belonging and community during their time at Grand Valley. 

"In my next 10 years, I promise to continue to keep Grand Valley on our student-centric path, so we can provide the best experience possible for future Lakers," Haas said. 

He said Grand Valley is focused on three things: teaching, learning and collaboration (TLC). 

"I have many great memories of spending time with students on campus; from that first week when I earned my nickname to today when we have more than 104,000 alums. I have had a remarkable experience here," he said. 

During his 10-city tour, which began in Chicago in August 2015, Haas met with hundreds of alumni living and working in cities such as Los Angeles, New York City and Washington D.C. An endowed scholarship is being established in honor of Haas and his wife, Marcia Haas.

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 and learn more about his background.