Grand Valley State University announced that the GVSU Fieldhouse Arena basketball floor will be named in honor of former Grand Valley State President Thomas J. Haas at a private ceremony that was held prior to GVSU hosting Lake Superior State in a GLIAC doubleheader.

"Thomas J. Haas is a true Laker legend and having his name enshrined on our basketball court is the ultimate tribute to his remarkable career," said Becker. "In his 13 years as President, he led GVSU to unprecedented success. There are few individuals who have made a bigger impact on Laker Athletics than President Haas."

Haas became the university's fourth president in 2006 and led Grand Valley State through a steady period of managed growth and success. Grand Valley added 30 undergraduate programs and 16 graduate programs during his tenure. In addition, GVSU opened the Detroit Center, added 2.5 million square feet in buildings and he positioned the university as a leader in sustainability with 21 LEED silver, gold or platinum buildings.

Haas was also a staunch supporter of Grand Valley State athletics and was a frequent attendee at all Laker athletic events. During his time as President from 2006 – 2019, GVSU won 19 NCAA Division II team National Championships and 10 Directors' Cup titles as the top overall D2 athletics' department in the country. He also served as the Vice Chair of Division II athletics at the NCAA level.