Haas gives commencement address for APUS

Grand Valley State University President Thomas J. Haas addressed the largest graduating class in the history of American Public University System during its 2009 commencement ceremonies.

Comprised of member institutions American Military University (AMU) and American Public University (APU), APUS is an accredited online university system that serves more than 45,000 working adults studying worldwide. More than 300 of the 2800 graduating students were in attendance — traveling from destinations as close as Maryland and as far away as Denmark and Germany — at the Westfields Marriott in Chantilly, Va. Graduates received master's, bachelor's and associate degrees that were earned exclusively online.

Originally founded as American Military University by a former Marine Corps officer and instructor, James P. Etter, APUS focused on meeting the unique educational needs of the military - a very mobile population with extended, irregular schedules and limited financial resources. It continues to educate those who serve with a mission of educating the nation's military and public service communities by providing respected, relevant, affordable, and student-focused online degree programs.

The military audience is an important one for Haas, who graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and served 27 years in the Coast Guard, retiring as a Captain. Haas shared his philosophy that decisions are made by leaders. “Leadership is the confidence to do the right thing,” said Haas. “When called upon to do the right thing, answer the call.”