City of Walker declares April 22 as Thomas J. Haas Day

Walker city leaders are declaring April 22, 2019 as Thomas J. Haas Day; a formal ceremony will take place Monday, April 22, during the Walker City Commission meeting beginning at 7 p.m. at 4243 Remembrance Road NW in Walker.

Mayor Gary Carey said Haas is being honored for his outstanding contributions to the city, its employees, residents and businesses.

"More than one third of the employees of the City of Walker have attended or graduated from Grand Valley, or have had a family member affiliated with the university, including more than half of our current Walker City Commission," said Carey.

Haas is also being recognized for promoting an inclusive community environment that celebrates diversity, said Carey, and for efforts impacting the City of Walker, like the Laker Line Project.

"Many of us know President Haas on a personal level and have our own T-Haas stories and that includes me," Carey said. "President Haas inspired me to return to Grand Valley to finish my bachelor's degree. I am currently in the Accelerated Leadership Program, and will finish in May 2020."