With the real world right around the corner for about to be graduates of Grand Valley State University, President Thomas J. Haas held the first ever Toast with T. Haas event, where he recognized how bittersweet moving forward can be.

Haas started out his toast by describing how each student at GVSU has a story, and if students follow their passions and remember where they came from, they will flourish and succeed in life.

“I’m so proud to represent the GVSU Lakers within the community, state and across the nation,” Haas said. “When I come back to GVSU, I come back to family.”

Haas said there are more than 90,000 alumni from GVSU around the world, ranging from professions such as ambassadors, presidents of countries, doctors and teachers.

At the end of his toast, Haas closed with an ending remark that touched on aspects that GVSU students should be leaving with.

“To ladies and gentleman, doctors, politicians, poets, and future presidents or provosts,” Haas said. “To brotherhood, sisterhood and maturity. To achievement, understanding, faith and passion. To students who are steadfast and true, whether they’re black, white or blue…Go Lakers!”

Jack Iott, president of student senate, described different memories that occur throughout a student’s collegiate journey at GVSU.

“Students accumulate so many great memories, including the President’s Ball, homecoming, moving into the living centers, and the national championship football game,” Iott said. “Although it’s bittersweet, just know that our alumni will always have a home at GVSU. Whatever your memories may be, take them with you as you embark on this new chapter.”

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