Fieldhouse Arena court named in honor of President Emeritus Thomas J. Haas

Grand Valley celebrated the legacy of President Emeritus Thomas J. Haas on February 24 with a ceremony naming the basketball court at the GVSU Fieldhouse Arena in his honor. 

More than 300 GVSU supporters, friends and family members of Haas joined President Philomena V. Mantella, Director of Athletics Keri Becker and university and athletic administrators for the official unveiling of the Thomas J. Haas Court, prior to the Lakers men’s and women’s basketball games against Lake Superior State University.

“I am so grateful for being called here to service with this university with so many fine people along the way, with all our current and past students and all those alumni that are out there changing the world in a better way,” Haas said.

A devoted supporter of Grand Valley Athletics, Haas frequently attended Laker athletic events during his 13-year tenure as university president. Grand Valley teams won 19 NCAA Division II national championships and collected 10 Directors’ Cups, which recognize the top athletic programs in the nation. 

“What better moment to have Tom’s name associated with athletics, which is his love,” Mantella said. “A court where our band plays so frequently and a place where students always learn about their own development, teamwork, character and leadership.” 

A student athlete himself, Haas said athletics can play a pivotal role in the complete growth of students. 

“You have the ability to develop physically and mentally with critical thinking when you're on the court or on the fields,” Haas said. “You also develop your spiritual side and your emotional side as well.”

Haas recalled one of the biggest games in his athletic career when his high school in Staten Island took on one of the best teams in New York City, Power Memorial, which featured a future NBA Hall of Famer.

“Anyone know the name of Lew Alcindor?” Haas asked the crowd. “Well, he’s now Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He and I were on the same court together. He was a lot bigger than me, and within the first two quarters, he scored 50 points.” 

Besides being a tremendous supporter of Lakers athletics, Haas also played a role at the national level shaping collegiate athletics as the vice chair of Division II for the NCAA. 

Haas was selected as Grand Valley’s fourth president in 2006, leading the university through a significant period of growth. Under Haas’ leadership, Grand Valley added 30 undergraduate and 16 graduate programs. GVSU increased its footprint across campus with the addition of 2.5 million square feet in buildings and academic space and across the state with the opening of the Detroit Center.

“This is truly an exciting and special day as we honor President Emeritus Tom Haas with this much deserved tribute during his time leading Grand Valley,” Becker said. 

“He was so supportive of athletics and helped us build on previous success, ensuring we continue to create that foundation of championship excellence in addition to giving us the resources and support for our student athletes to be successful in the classroom as well.”