Prof. Haas received honorary doctorate from Cracow University of Economics

Prof. Haas is a chemist; he also specializes in health sciences and human resources management. Since 2006 he is a rector of the Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan (USA). This year, Cracow University of Economics celebrates the 40th anniversary of cooperation with this university.

Prof. Kazimierz Zieliński emphasised that the implementation of numerous of research programs between Cracow University of Economics and the American university was a results of the professor Haas’ efforts. So far, approx. 250 people went to Grand Valley State University, and approx. 150 people came to Cracow University of Economics - students and researchers, carrying out educational and research projects.

Prof. Aleksy Pocztowski said in the eulogy that while leading Grand Valley State University, Prof. Haas has implemented a process of strategic planning linked to budgeting, launched new fields of study, secured the renewal of existing accreditations and accredited new programs.

During that time, there has been a noticeable development of the university infrastructure, including teaching buildings, a library, leisure, housing and social facilities. The university launched a unique in the country Division of Inclusion and Equity. As a result, Grand Valley State University is one of the leaders of sustainable development among the US universities, and in 2010 Prof. Haas was awarded the Michigan Green Leader title by the Detroit Free Press.

Prof. Haas spoke about fruitful cooperation between Grand Valley State University and Cracow University of Economics and emphasised that the continuation of partner relations for the next 40 years will require good leadership that determines the success of people and institutions.

The scientist also quoted the American President John F. Kennedy: "Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other". He emphasised that the two universities - Grand Valley State University and Cracow University of Economics - have to embody these words in everyday business. They express the essence of their long lasting relationship. The universities will continue to learn how to teach with success. They must draw on the partner’s experience, anticipate changes and respond to them appropriately while initiating necessary changes and taking risks to guarantee the continued existence and prosperity. This shared knowledge, vision and courage will enable the continuation of the partnership for future decades, said Prof. Haas.

The American also mentioned his Polish roots. His grandparents were Polish immigrants who taught him a few words in Polish: "please", "hello", "thank you", "give me a kiss". They came to America on a freighter in 1915. The professor recalled that his parents did not study at the university. His mother finished her education at the age of 10 to help support her family. Intelligence and determination helped the professor, his brother and sister understood the sense of sacrificing for others. His father was a New York police officer; he did not finish high school. He worked after hours to pay for education of three children who - figuratively speaking - climbed on his shoulders to achieve the lofty goals.

He added that his talent for chemistry was discovered by junior high school teachers when he was 12 years old, and he considers this moment the beginning of his career.

Grand Valley State University currently educated 25 thousand students. The University employs 2.6 thousand scientific and administrative employees. In addition to the main campus in Allendale, the university has branches in Traverse City, Holland, Muskegon, Grand Rapids and Detroit.

Prof. Haas is the 30th honorary doctor in the 90-year history of Cracow University of Economics. This title was given for the first time in 1975, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the university. The honoured scientists were Prof. Mieczysław Mysona and Prof. Grzegorz Leopold Seidler. (PAP)

bko/ agt/ mrt/

tr. RL