Photo Gallery
The UDM Athletic Department celebrated the official dedication of the James E. Haas Men's Basketball Office Suite on Monday evening with a VIP reception in Haas' honor prior to the Titans' game against Chicago State at Calihan Hall.
Under construction since the early fall, the suite was completely renovated and remodeled for the use of head coach Ray McCallum and the Titan basketball staff. The new suite includes a large reception area, individual offices for all of the coaches which feature flat screen TV's for game review and scouting purposes, a conference room and a state of the art video/film basketball operations office. The adjacent Sophia Boone Conference Room was also revamped during the major construction project.
Haas was the lead donor for the ambitious project, which was modeled largely after the newly-renovated women's basketball offices located in Calihan Hall's Wolak Olympic Sports Suite.
“Jim has truly lived and served in the tradition of St. Ignatius Loyola as a man for others,” UDM athletic director Keri Gaither said. “His generous support, involvement and spirit for both the University and Titan Athletics over the years is greatly appreciated.”
The evening began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the new suite, as well as a dinner in Calihan Hall's Ed & Brooks Room. A brief recognition ceremony followed, with Gaither, UDM executive vice president Michael Joseph and coach McCallum all speaking briefly. Attendees at the reception were invited to tour the new suite prior to game time.
Haas, who graduated from U of D in 1951, was later recognized for his outstanding generosity and commitment to service by being named the 2010 recipient of the Fr. Norbert Huetter, S.J. Award. The award is presented by the UDM Athletic Department to those who demonstrate great leadership and service to others.
-Detroit Titans-
