Professor Haga was a one of kind during our inaugural PM-21 cohort, just as I'm sure he was in the lives of every student he encountered.  He differed from most of the mainstream professors at NPS politically, which to most of us coming out of Desert Storm was quite refreshing.  An example of his values surfaced on day in class when he told us "The real temptation for professors like me is to stand up here and tell you things, and you busily write it down as fact.  What I'd like you do to is not write it down as fact as many might, but use it to challenge your own thinking."  It was not the only thing I wrote down in his class, but it is what I remember best 34 years later.

As we start 2026, it is quite fitting to pause and remember a great Teacher, Mentor and Friend.  Professor Haga made in significant impact on me at NPS and remains ever present in my memory. One of my favorite memories of him is how he would commence a class with pictures of us all from the registrar and call on us randomly to answer assigned homework questions, it certainly kept us on our toes. His wickedly keen sense of humor kept us in rapt attention. I am blessed to have a copy of his book, “Haga’s Law” which has proven to be remarkably insightful in my current life. I miss him and am thankful to have had him in my life. 

Professor Haga was my thesis advisor and close mentor at the Naval Postgraduate School.  I will dearly cherish his kindness and humanity that he extended to my baby Annabel and my wife.  I cannot love him as a family member but he is loved in our home, and will be, always, most warmly remembered. 

Bill was a favorite prof for our ITM class that graduated NPS in 1993. I wish we’d had more time with him.

Chelsea -- can you reach out to me?  I would like to connect with you.  My email:  fbarrett@nps.edu

My condolences to Carline and Chelsea. Here's my post on Bill:  https://www.econlib.org/william-j-haga-an-appreciation/

Carline and Chelsea,  

I am so saddened to hear of Bill's passing.  I loved Bill and have so missed him since he moved back east.  He was a man of impeccable integrity and disarming humor.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and I will continue to call up wonderful memories of my friendship with Bill

Love,

Frank Barrett