The Hearst/CSU Trustees' award is given to students who have demonstrated financial need, experienced personal hardships, and have attributes such as superior academic performance, exemplary community service and significant personal achievements. The award is among the highest forms of recognition for student achievement in the CSU.
The strength shown by the scholars is often rooted in the adversity they have overcome. Students have persevered through family illness and death, abuse, drug use, hunger, poverty, homelessness, discrimination and loss of sight. Many of the scholars are the first in their families to attend college, and some learned English late in life.
For Haas, the many difficulties she faced in life began at the age of eight, when her picturesque family fell apart. When her mother left home several years later, Haas was left with an emotionally and physically abusive father. Haas found it increasingly difficult to survive, sometimes having to steal food in order to have dinner. Still, she was able to complete high school. When her father threw her out at the age of 18, Haas reconnected with her godfather who encouraged her to continue her education.
With her godfather’s support, Hass attended her first semester of community college living in a tent with no electricity or running water. Although she sometimes had to complete her homework by flashlight, Haas finished that first semester with a 4.0 GPA and a new passion for education.
Haas pursued her undergraduate degree at Humboldt State University. There, she discovered her desire to work with disadvantaged children to whom she felt a strong connection.
Currently, Haas is working toward a Master’s degree in developmental psychopathology. She is a Court Appointed Special Advocate for two young children. She also plans to implement a program to teach child development and anger management skills to teenage mothers in order to decrease abusive parenting. Upon completing her Master’s degree, Haas intends to pursue her PhD.
"These extraordinary student scholars exemplify strength, perseverance through adversity, dedication to learning and commitment to others," said Ali C. Razi, CSU trustee emeritus. "The leadership through service demonstrated by these scholars inspires deep respect on CSU campuses and within the community."