2005: Fall Johnson Chapel Associate

A more active and committed man you most likely cannot find. John Haas ’40, of Villanova, Penn., has led a committed and productive life.

John came to Amherst in the footsteps of his brother, Otto, Class of 1936. After graduating in 1940, he attended M.I.T, receiving a master’s degree in chemical engineering two years later. The war intervened, and after serving his country in the U.S. Naval Reserves, John began a long and distinguished career with Rohm & Haas in Philadelphia, where he worked from 1946 until his retirement in 1988. During that time, John served on numerous boards and professional organizations, and despite a very busy schedule, he always found time to contribute to his community.

John still finds that latter activity immensely satisfying, subscribing to the philosophy that was a topic at his recent Amherst 65th Reunion:  “With privilege comes responsibility.” 

Even though John’s chosen profession was engineering, his fondest Amherst memories involve sessions at the home of Robert Frost, where John and other students sat on the floor and listened as Frost read his poetry.

Thoughts on giving to Amherst:  For John, his generosity to Amherst is, quite simply, “a way of paying back.”

The Johnson Chapel Associates society recognizes those alumni and friends who have named Amherst in their will and/or provided for the college through a planned gift. For more information, contact: Timothy A. Neale ’70, Director of Planned Gifts, Amherst College, Amherst, MA 01002-5000, (413) 542-8256, taneale@amherst.edu, www.amherst.edu/alumni/giving/pg.

Photo: Frank Ward