David Haas, a Syracuse resident and 2009 graduate of SUNY Oswego, was recently honored with the Community Service Award from the Oswego Alumni Association during the university’s Reunion Weekend celebration on June 6.
The award recognizes alumni who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in service to their local, national or global communities. Haas, executive director of Sarah’s Guest House in Syracuse, was selected for his unwavering commitment to compassion, equity and civic engagement in Central New York.
Since taking the helm at Sarah’s Guest House — a healthcare hospitality organization that offers lodging and support to patients and their families traveling to Syracuse for medical care — Haas has continued a legacy of comfort and care. Under his leadership, the organization has provided more than 75,000 overnight stays, never turning anyone away due to financial hardship. Colleagues describe him as “one of the kindest people I have ever met,” bringing calm camaraderie and heartfelt leadership to all he does.
Beyond his professional work, Haas is well-known across Syracuse as a passionate preservationist and storyteller. He founded @SyracuseHistory, a popular Instagram account that shares overlooked stories of the city’s past with thousands of followers. His efforts to preserve the region’s heritage earned him the Excellence in Historic Preservation Award from the Preservation League of New York State.
He also uses storytelling as a powerful form of advocacy. His award-winning series “Beyond the Front Door” spotlighted housing decay in Syracuse and earned him a Community Revitalization Fellowship. His campaign “Lift Syracuse Up. Bring I-81 Down.” raised awareness for the community grid project, garnering local support for a more equitable infrastructure solution.
Haas’s community involvement includes leading the Syracuse chapter of the National Stuttering Association, empowering individuals through education and empathy. He also delivered a memorable TEDxSyracuse University talk in 2014 titled “Weight of My Words,” offering insight and encouragement to others facing communication challenges.
