Tom and Marcia Haas and Family Laker Marching Band Scholarship
Initiators
Thomas J. Haas was appointed by the Board of Trustees in July 2006 as the university's fourth president. He came to West Michigan following 30 years in public service, including careers in the U.S. Coast Guard and higher education. Haas holds a doctorate in chemistry from the University of Connecticut, two master's degrees from the University of Michigan, and another from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He is a 1973 honors graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and served two years on the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Acacia in Port Huron. His ties to West Michigan were sealed by marriage to Marcia (Knapp) Haas, a graduate of Albion College who is a devoted wife and leader in our community and to their three children, and three grandchildren.
Scholarship Recipients
2013 - Amanda MacLeod and Nick Prior
2014 - Amanda MacLeod and Tim Priest
2015 - Brooke Veltkamp
2016 - Weston Bernath and Melissa Pyle
2017 - Melissa Pyle
2018 - Emma Pratt
2019 - Emma Pratt and Kylie Tomlinson
2021 - Gordon Brown
Purpose
To express their appreciation and love of music by supporting students in the Grand Valley State University Laker Marching Band. President Emeritus Thomas J. Haas enjoyed playing the drums in the marching band during high school and continued through his first year in the Coast Guard. Mrs. Marcia Haas also planted her marching band roots in high school to use her gifts and explore a variety of musical instruments. Their scholarship will reward musical achievement and assist students in the Laker Marching Band who excel academically and demonstrate leadership in band and other campus or community activities.
Eligibility
- Candidates must be accepted for or currently attending GVSU
- Must be a member of the Laker Marching Band
- Must be a full-time undergraduate Junior or Senior
- Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or greater
- Must demonstrate financial need through the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Application Procedure
- Candidates must complete a "Tom and Marcia Haas and Family Laker Marching Band Scholarship" Application. The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships website has information on submitting scholarship applications.
- Candidates must complete forms provided by the Grand Valley State University Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships.
Selection Process
The director of the Grand Valley State University Laker Marching Band in collaboration with the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships of Grand Valley State University will choose the recipients. The announcement of scholarship recipients will be made on June 1st.
Scholarship Specifications
Scholarships will be awarded annually provided there are candidates who meet the qualification criteria. Award amounts and numbers of scholarships will be determined by funds available and renewing recipients.
This scholarship may be renewed without reapplication provided the recipient continues to meet the qualifications stated herein. This scholarship may be awarded to an individual recipient for a maximum of four consecutive semesters. The Grand Valley State University Laker Marching Band and the Financial Aid Office will monitor the recipients' progress and scholastic achievement relative to renewal of this scholarship.