Gary Laabs

Gary Laabs did not set out to be a nurse. After graduating from college in 1966, he was drafted by the U.S. Army and sent to Vietnam, the starting of his first career- military officer. After retiring as a lieutenant colonel in 1986, his second career began as vice president of human resources at UTZ Quality Foods in Hanover. There, he often contracted with HACC to conduct workforce training. He also began participating in medical mission trips. Shortly after retiring again, he became a HACC student, which prepared him for his next career- nursing. “I always want to do more,” he explains.

Impact

Gary shares “HACC is often the launching pad for individuals’ higher education. Frequently scholarships make that first step into higher education at HACC possible. Therefore, I support HACC scholarships as a donor and as a member of the HACC Foundation Board of Directors. It is most important for our community, our state and our nation that we give individuals every opportunity to improve themselves and thereby increase the contributions they may make for themselves and for all of us.”