Haas, Leonard C.
Biography
Leonard Clarence Haas was born on February 17, 1915, and grew up in Altoona, Wisconsin. Haas graduated from Eau Claire State Teachers College in 1935 with his bachelor’s degree in education. He earned a master’s degree in history from UW-Madison in 1938, and a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota in 1954. He married Dorellen M. Lambert on May 31, 1941, and returned to UW-Eau Claire that year as a history and government instructor. From 1959-1971, Haas served as President of Wisconsin State College at Eau Claire until 1964, and Wisconsin State University-Eau Claire (1964-1971). From 1971-1973, he served as Executive Vice-President of the University of Wisconsin System where he played a major role in the merging of state colleges and universities into one system. He returned to UW-EC in 1973 and served as chancellor until 1980. Haas remained at the university as a history professor from 1980 until his retirement in 1985. The Fine Arts Center was dedicated to Haas and his wife in 1986. Haas died at the age of 83 on March 14, 1998.
During Haas' tenure the university grew from five to 25 buildings and from 1,700 to nearly 11,000 students. The proportion of students coming from outside the Eau Claire area, and even from outside Wisconsin, increased greatly. Bachelor's degree programs in nursing and business were initiated. Acknowledgment of their high quality came from the college's membership and recognition of excellence in 30 honor societies and accreditations. At the suggestion of his mentor, Professor Laura Sutherland, he adopted "Excellence" as the university's motto.
Occupations
- President -- Date: 1959 - 1971
- Chancellor -- Date: 1973 - 1980
Found in 3 Collections and/or Records:
University Archives Slides Collection, 1916-2002
University Historical Films, 1934-1994
Reel to reel films documenting various events at the Eau Claire State Teachers College (1927-1951), Wisconsin State College at Eau Claire (1951-1964), Wisconsin State University-Eau Claire (1964-1971), and University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, dating from 1934 to post 1976. Some of these films are available digitally at: University Historical Films
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire University Centers Activities and Programs Viennese Ball Files, 1974-2017
The Viennese Ball at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is a formal event that recalls the culture, history and music of 19th-century Vienna and provides the opportunity to dance waltzes and polkas. It features many student and faculty ensembles and regional musicians who perform music from many different periods and eras. Proceeds and donations provide music, service and international study awards for University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire students.
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