GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan — Saturday, Grand Valley State University's President Thomas Haas participated in his final commencement as the leader of the school.
Haas announced in last winter that he was going to retire in June 2019 after being the president for the past 13 years.
Grand Valley State held three graduation ceremonies at Van Andel Arena over the weekend—one on Friday night and two on Saturday. More than 3,200 students participated in the commencement ceremonies.
At the final commencement Saturday afternoon, Haas spoke to the group of graduating students and said the university is home for him and his wife, Marcia.
"I'm in my last year of president of Grand Valley, and my wife Marcia and I have had the privilege of serving this university for the last 13 years," he said in his remarks. "This is our home."
He ended his formal remarks by giving one last "Go Lakers!"
At the ceremony, Haas shook hands with every graduate and congratulated them personally. Ahead of graduation, GVSU posted a video of the president wearing sweats and getting ready for the event by practicing his handshake.
Haas, or T-Haas as he is known to the campus, has a reputation for being willing to stop and take photos with students when he is out and about. He took one last selfie from the stage with the graduates in the background.
As the graduation ceremony wrapped up, the group of graduating students started chanting "T-Haas."
GVSU's Provost and Executive Vice President Maria Cimitile said a few words about the outgoing president.
"As many of you know, this is President Haas' final commencement ceremony before he retires at the end of June," she said between student chants. "President and Mrs. Haas for the past 13 years you have been Grand Valley's first at the helm and team captains—shining examples of how to be exceptional leaders."
Haas led the recessional and walked out with his family to "It's a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong.
Philomena V. Mantella has been named the new president of the university.
GVSU is the the seventh biggest university in Michigan and it is the largest in West Michigan, with around 28,000 students.
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