President Haas honored by Board of Trustees

President Thomas J. Haas was honored by members of the Grand Valley State University Board of Trustees at its April 26 meeting at the L. William Seidman Center in Grand Rapids in recognition of his 13 years of service to the university.

Haas, who retires June 30, was given president emeritus status effective July 1.

Board chair Mary Kramer said that Haas' unwavering insistence on student success has brought continued recognition to Grand Valley as Michigan's best regional public university, noting that more than half of Grand Valley's 120,000 alumni have earned their diplomas during Haas' tenure. 

The board also recognized the commitment that both President Haas and his wife, Marcia, have made to the arts, evidenced by the scholarships they have endowed as well as the presence of their names on the university's Center for Performing Arts.

Haas addressed the Board of Trustees to express his gratitude for the opportunity to serve the university. Haas said dedication to student success has driven the overall success of the institution over the years. 

"It has been an honor to collaborate with our Foundation members, community and state leaders, and so many others who work diligently for one of the highest purposes on earth – education," Haas said. "It is a noble calling to teach and offer to others a pathway to change and transform their lives."

John C. Kennedy was also honored at the board meeting and named an honorary life member of the board of trustees in recognition of his 11 years of service to the board. He served as a trustee, chair of the board and chair of the presidential search advisory committee.

The board also recognized retiring Vice President for Administrative Services D. Scott Richardson for his 41 years of service to the university, giving him the title of vice president for administration emeritus.

The final board recognition of the meeting was presented to Teri Losey, executive associate to the president and secretary to the Board of Trustees. She has served the university for 28 years in a variety of roles, and will retire June 30. She was given the title of executive associate emeritus.

In other board action: 

• The board approved a renovation project for Lake Huron Hall, one of the first academic buildings constructed on the Allendale Campus. The $9.1 million project includes several improvements: eight renovated classrooms, restrooms, study space, windows, a new roof, a new elevator and new departmental suites. This is the first major renovation to Lake Huron Hall since it was built in 1963.

• The board approved the reauthorization of seven schools: Henry Ford Academy: School for Creative Studies (Detroit, 10 years); Detroit Enterprise Academy (Detroit, seven years); Metro Charter Academy (Romulus, seven years); Vanguard Charter Academy (Wyoming, seven years); Evergreen Academy (Kalamazoo, three years); Global Heights Academy (Dearborn Heights, three years); William C. Abney Academy (Grand Rapids, three years). 

• The board also approved a name change for Henry Ford Academy: School for Creative Studies to University Preparatory Art & Design, approved new Charter Contract Terms and Conditions for 6a, 6e and 6c schools, and approved the appointment or reappointment of charter school board members to GVSU-authorized public school academy boards.

• The board selected Vice President for University Relations Matt McLogan to serve as interim secretary to the Board of Trustees until a permanent secretary can be selected.

• The board approved the endowment fund spending rate for 2019-2020 at 4.5 percent. Total expenditures for the year 2019-2020 will be approximately $4.9 million. In fiscal year 2018, more than 1,600 scholarships were awarded from the endowment spending distribution.