Marcia Haas may be the lesser-known half of Grand Valley State University’s presidential couple, but she more than holds her own with her great achievements and big heart.

The first lady spoke on Jan. 22 for “Her Story,” a series that gives the community a chance to listen to the authentic stories of women in leadership positions at GVSU.

Kristen Evans, co-chair of the GVSU’s Women’s Commission, said this is the program’s 13th year, and Haas is one of over 40 women who have spoken over the years.

With the help of her husband and her daughter, Haas came up with her life’s acronym: H.U.G.S. – “hearts united growing stronger.”

“Each of us is the whole of many parts; these parts are the experiences and people that have impacted us on our life journey,” Haas said. “These are the hugs of life. I would like to focus on the people who have loved and supported me.”

Marcia said the main focus of her life is her family, friends and colleagues who have energized and stretched her to be a better person.

Haas choked back tears as she spoke about her “Grammy,” one of the many influences in her life. Last year, Haas said she found a letter from her grandmother to her mother, written just days after Marcia was born. It was a reflection on her arrival.

“Throughout my life I have always felt loved, but this totally spelled it out,” Haas said. “It was a gift to me to have been born with such love.”

Marcia said that from a young age she has always been adventurous and willing to try something new. This attitude is reflected in her life’s journey.

As a girl, Haas participated in Sunday school, girl scouts, dance and piano. In high school, she was a class officer, reporter for the newspaper, a member of band and a cheerleader.

In high school, a teacher encouraged her to take part in the Branch County Beauty and Talent Pageant, which provided scholarship money. Haas was crowned Miss Branch County. She said this teacher “most likely changed my life.”

Through it all, she said she would never forget the feeling of H.U.G.S. she would have after a long day.

“My parents’ strength of character and high moral values built the foundation for my love of God and country,” Haas said. “Experiences too numerous to mention formed my zest for life.”

She said in her family, college was an expectation, so she attended Albion College. After that, she competed in the Traverse City National Cherry Festival and was selected for the court. It was there that she met Thomas Haas, her husband to be. As a third class cadet in the US Coast Guard Academy, he was asked to be her escort. They married three years later and had four children.

“He has been escorting me ever since,” Haas said. “They never relieved him of that duty.”

Today, Haas serves on the Grand Rapids Symphony board of directors, Clark Retirement Community board of trustees, Kent County Parks Foundation board of directors and is a member of PEO sisterhood. She is also the honorary chair of the DeVos Arts Lecture Series at GVSU.

Haas said adventure and travel, as well as a positive attitude, have always been embedded into her nature. She said she has traveled all over the world and lived in many different places, but her favorite place has always been right where she is at during any given time.

“My favorite placed we’ve lived is always the one we’ve lived right then,” Haas said. “I am very much a here and now. Make your happiness; enjoy your family and your friends wherever they are and stay in touch.”