New tennis courts will be named for a couple who have brought leadership and support to Fresno Pacific University and the entire Central Valley.
The Harold and Betty Haak Tennis Complex will include six championship courts and one practice court so the university can again offer tennis as a physical education class. The facility will also provide recreation for students, faculty and friends of the institution and eventually be the home of FPU tennis teams.
Harold Haak steps down as president of FPU at the end of May and is a former president of California State University, Fresno. Fresno Compact, an area business-education association, recently created the Harold Haak Business Partnership Educator of the Year Award in honor of his 40 years in higher education. In addition to her own nursing career, Betty is an avid supporter of sporting events.
Construction on the tennis courts has already begun with the installation of the base material donated by the Fresno Metropolitan Water District. They are to be playable in the fall of 2002.
The courts are part of Steinert Athletic Complex, a phased project to improve and expand university athletic facilities. Already completed are Cockerham Track and Ramirez Soccer Field. The completed Steinert complex will include lights for Steinert Field as well as a field house, seating and landscaping. Estimated cost for the finished athletic facilities is $2.5 million.
Contributions in the name of the Haaks can be sent to the FPU Advancement Office, 1717 S. Chestnut, Fresno, CA 93702. For further information contact Bud Dickerson, director of major gifts and capital campaigns, at 559-453-5566.