Hauenstein Center 2022-2023 Programming Hauenstein Center 2023-05-22 | From all of us at the Hauenstein Center, thank you for participating in our programming this past year and helping us fulfill our mission of building a community of ethical, effective leaders for the 21st century. With your involvement, it was a successful year of empowered learning, productive dialogue, and meaningful engagement.gvsu.edu/hcVideography by...David LeFurge-McLeod, University Communications, Grand Valley State UniversityMark Washburn, Jairus MediaVideo edited by...Maddy Miller, Media Specialist, Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies
An Ordinary Man: The Surprising Life and Historic Presidency of Gerald R. Ford - Event Hauenstein Center 2023-05-22 | May 19, 2023The Hauenstein Center and our partners at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum were excited to announce the long-awaited final stop for the premiere book tour celebrating the release of An Ordinary Man: The Surprising Life and Historic Presidency of Gerald R. Ford. Joining us for the closing keynote of the 9th annual Midwest History Conference, this event featured a deep and insightful conversation between two nationally renowned West Michigan historians. Together, author Richard Norton Smith and Hank Meijer, executive chairman of Meijer Inc. and vice-chairman and a trustee of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, explored Smith’s new book about our 38th President and Grand Rapids’ own, Gerald R. Ford.gvsu.edu/hc/ordinaryman
“A Communal Intervention for Military Moral Injury” - Hidden Wounds of War Conference 23 Hauenstein Center 2023-05-15 | “A Communal Intervention for Military Moral Injury”with Chris Antal, Peter Yeomans, Leroy Enck, and Hannibal CollickMay 11, 2023This discussion was part of the Hidden Wounds of War Conference 2023. To learn more, visit www.gvsu.edu/hc/hww23.
Lea Didion: When Work Wounds: Addressing Professional Trauma - Hidden Wounds of War Conference 23 Hauenstein Center 2023-05-15 | May 11, 2023The majority of individuals living in the United States will experience at least one traumatic incident in their lifetime and specific professions have been increasingly experiencing trauma and stress as a direct result of their work. Given this, why is trauma therapy often thought of as a "specialty" treatment, when trauma experiences are so ubiquitous? In this keynote address, Dr. Didion will not only highlight the need for more trauma-informed training as a standard practice but will also discuss the increasing and mounting pressure faced by those in certain professions – such as journalists, first responders, and healthcare professionals. Dr. Didion will discuss trauma-informed care and its implementation as well as the similarities and differences between trauma and trauma treatment in these populations when compared to working with traumatized veterans. gvsu.edu/hc/hww23
Peter C. Cook Leadership Graduation Celebration Hauenstein Center 2023-05-01 | April 27, 2023This spring, we were thrilled to celebrate the newest class of Peter C. Cook Leadership Academy Fellows. The class of 2023 represents a cohort of students who have emerged from their time at the university as true representations of Ralph Hauenstein and Peter C. Cook’s shared vision of leadership for the twenty-first century. As our fellows prepare to enter their next season of life, we gathered to celebrate the impact they have made on the Grand Valley community. This year’s graduation celebration keynote brought the voice and impact of the CLA front and center with a leadership lesson given by CLA alum Dana Eardley ‘16, Executive Director of the Fulton Street Farmers Market. See more event details & photos at gvsu.edu/hc/graduation
From Talking Together to Working Together - Full Event Hauenstein Center 2023-04-24 | April 20, 2023How can we effectively and efficiently put “talk into action” in order to create positive social change in and across communities? In what ways can people move from talking about shared concerns to taking concrete action steps toward shared visions? And how can organizations ensure that these actions steps and vision emerge from community-driven values, principles, and priorities?This virtual panel-led conversation highlights the visionary bridge-building work of local community organizations. Panelists will share some of the joys and challenges involved in their community-based advocacy work and offer examples of how they are successfully working to collaborate across difference. The Q & A portion of the session will offer participants an opportunity to engage in this important conversation.Watch the final Talking Together event and be a part of this year’s National Week of Conversation (April 17-23), a week annually dedicated to bridging divides across the country through conversation. It is a week inspired by the transformative power of conversation and the bridge-building that can emerge when people actively listen to one another, remain curious about each other, and honor multiple perspectives.PANELISTS:Meg Derrer, Executive Director of the Refugee Education Center, representing Freedom FlightKendra Avila, Housing Manager, AYA Youth CollectiveNed Andree, Community Collaboration on Climate Change (C4)Rev. Lynette Sparks, Senior Pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Representing Together West MichiganModerator: Aaron Turner, WGVU Public Media
23 Prog / Con: West Michigan Perspectives on Political Violence Hauenstein Center 2023-04-21 | April 19, 2023Fmr. Rep. Peter Meijer (R-MI) and Dr. Adam London2023 Progressive / Conservative Summit:Incidents of political violence have surged in recent years, leaving our national, state, and local government officials fearful for the safety of themselves and their families. The 2023 Progressive / Conservative Summit brought policymakers and scholars together to find actionable common ground on issues facing our polarized democracy. This half-day event explored the theme of political violence in the United States and offered the opportunity for victims to speak about their experiences. The Common Ground Initiative, in partnership with the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, invited the public in learning about the history of political violence and what we can do to promote a politics of nonviolence.Learn more at gvsu.edu/hc/progcon23
23 Prog / Con: Public Service in Polarized Times Hauenstein Center 2023-04-21 | April 19, 2023Fmr. Rep. Charlie Dent (R-PA) and Fmr. State Rep. David LaGrand (D-MI)2023 Progressive / Conservative Summit:Incidents of political violence have surged in recent years, leaving our national, state, and local government officials fearful for the safety of themselves and their families. The 2023 Progressive / Conservative Summit brought policymakers and scholars together to find actionable common ground on issues facing our polarized democracy. This half-day event explored the theme of political violence in the United States and offered the opportunity for victims to speak about their experiences. The Common Ground Initiative, in partnership with the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, invited the public in learning about the history of political violence and what we can do to promote a politics of nonviolence.Learn more at gvsu.edu/hc/progcon23
23 Prog / Con: Contemporary Political Violence & New Policy Approaches Hauenstein Center 2023-04-21 | April 19, 2023Professor Javed Ali2023 Progressive / Conservative Summit:Incidents of political violence have surged in recent years, leaving our national, state, and local government officials fearful for the safety of themselves and their families. The 2023 Progressive / Conservative Summit brought policymakers and scholars together to find actionable common ground on issues facing our polarized democracy. This half-day event explored the theme of political violence in the United States and offered the opportunity for victims to speak about their experiences. The Common Ground Initiative, in partnership with the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, invited the public in learning about the history of political violence and what we can do to promote a politics of nonviolence.Learn more at gvsu.edu/hc/progcon23
Housing Solutions: Whats Next? Hauenstein Center 2023-03-20 | March 16, 2023This event was meant to seek common ground around a common need: shelter. In 2020, Grand Rapids and Kent County faced a combined housing gap of 22,000 housing units, and new research shows that this gap has rapidly expanded to a 35,000-unit deficit. This housing shortage complicates community efforts to address social problems and diminishes our economic potential. Despite a proliferation of federal, state, and local initiatives to address local housing supply challenges this trend has continued to worsen.The Common Ground Initiative was excited to partner with Housing Next to convene a panel of housing leaders to discuss potential solutions to the local housing shortage. Moderated by Brooke Oosterman of Housing Next, the panel featured Nicole Hofert of the City of Wyoming, Jeremy DeRoo of Dwelling Place, and housing policy expert Shane Phillips, author of The Affordable City. Together, we explored the causes of West Michigan's housing challenges and seek new, innovative solutions to address our region’s housing needs.For more information about this event, visit gvsu.edu/hc/housing
Kate Andersen Brower: Presidents Day Celebration Hauenstein Center 2023-02-22 | The presidency is a job one never truly leaves behind. With the role of “former president” comes not only the benefits of which many are familiar (the federal pension and US Secret Service protection) but membership to an unofficial association with its own unique traditions and customs: The Presidents Club. Journalist and author Kate Andersen Brower offered a unique perspective into the lives and aspirations of contemporary American presidents and their families in their post-presidential years.The Hauenstein Center and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum welcomed Kate Andersen Brower to share her expansive insight on the personalities behind the American presidency.Learn more here: gvsu.edu/hc/kateandersenbrower
Mary K. Hoodhood: Wheelhouse Talk Hauenstein Center 2023-02-20 | February 17, 2023At age 27, Mary K. Hoodhood woke up in the hospital with a life- altering diagnosis. Following a car accident, she would spend the rest of her life paralyzed and in a wheelchair. Faced with a decision for where her life would go, Mary leaned into her life mantra, “I will focus on what I can do.” Building on her parents’ lessons about service and leadership, she started a nonprofit organization to feed 125 children. Today, Kids’ Food Basket is one of West Michigan’s most celebrated community resources, providing 1.6 million sack suppers annually, and Mary remains a force to be reckoned with.Mary joined us to share her story of how living her values helped her to build a legacy.See more here: gvsu.edu/hc/marykhoodhood
Dr. Dara Richardson-Heron: Frederik Meijer Lecture Series - Full Event Hauenstein Center 2023-01-30 | Dr. Dara Richardson-Heron is a former Fortune 100 corporate executive, current board director, physician, executive mentor/coach and public speaker with more than 25 years of leadership excellence in health care and the corporate, government, and nonprofit sectors. A frequent speaker on strategic leadership, health equity, clinical trial diversity, vaccine confidence, and women’s empowerment, she has a proven track record of successfully driving transformative change. She is well known for her creativity, authenticity, intellectual acumen, curiosity and unwavering determination to leverage her leadership skills, experience, expertise, and passion to make the world a better place.In partnership with the Frederik Meijer Honors College at Grand Valley State University, Dara joined us for the Winter Frederik Meijer Lecture Series. A self-proclaimed “physician by trade and an advocate by choice,” Dara shared her experience of leading through great change, and provide insight into how we can each become change agents for good in our respective fields.Full event page: https://www.gvsu.edu/hc/dara-richardson-heron-frederik-meijer-lecture-series-487.htm
Dr. Mary Frances Berry: Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Commemoration - Full Event Hauenstein Center 2023-01-23 | The civil rights legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is one of both theory and practice, and so too has Dr. Mary Frances Berry practiced both academic and activist leadership. For more than four decades, Dr. Berry has been one of the most visible and respected activists in the cause of civil rights, gender equality, and social justice. She joined us to reflect on the legacy of Dr. King and draw on her experiences to explore contemporary issues at the intersection of race, protest, and politics. Dr. Berry joined the Hauenstein Center and Grand Valley’s Division of Inclusion and Equity for our annual celebration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Week at Grand Valley State University.For more event information, visit: https://www.gvsu.edu/hc/maryfrancesberry
Eyeing The Bench: A Supreme Court Panel - Full Event Hauenstein Center 2022-12-12 | December 8, 2022The past year has been monumental for the United States Supreme Court. The court has announced controversial opinions with sweeping effects across several national issues including immigration and reproductive rights. Public opinion of the court has declined; recent rulings have led to unprecedented levels of polarization and heralded the return of old critiques about the court’s non-partisan role in the American system of government.Please join the Hauenstein Center, in partnership with the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum, as we welcome Supreme Court journalists James Romoser (SCOTUSblog) and Adam Liptak (The New York Times) for a conversation about the impact of recent Supreme Court rulings and explore what is next for our highest court.Learn more here: https://www.gvsu.edu/hc/eyeing-the-bench-a-supreme-court-panel-485.htm
Luis Avila: Frederik Meijer Lecture Series Hauenstein Center 2022-12-05 | “The Ethics of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion”As current Chair of Varnum’s DEI Committee, Luis Avila has seen just how relevant this topic is and how applicable it is to the modern workplace—and a university setting. Luis will start a conversation that will help us better define diversity, equity, and inclusion, and understand their value to any organization. The discussion will challenge our historical and traditional assumptions and practices regarding DEI in an effort to help us better create a real sense of belonging in our organizations. Luis will also talk about his personal journey, both academic and professional, and how DEI has played a constant role—both positive and negative—throughout his life.With professional experience in the legal field spanning the United States, Mexico, and Europe, Luis Avila is a global leader with a local legacy. Luis focuses his practice on labor and employment issues while also being an active advocate in the West Michigan community through board membership. His commitment to lifelong learning maintains a standard of excellence in his work as an attorney and community leader, and he has been recognized as a 5-time 40 Under 40 recipient by the Grand Rapids Business Journal. In partnership with the Frederik Meijer Honors College for their fall Meijer Lecture Series, we are excited to welcome Luis to Grand Valley State University to share his lessons on life and leadership.Learn more here: https://www.gvsu.edu/hc/luis-avila-frederik-meijer-lecture-series-484.htm
Dennis Rasmussen: Fears Of A Setting Sun Hauenstein Center 2022-11-21 | November 17, 2022When asked what type of government the delegates had created, Benjamin Franklin responded, “a republic, if you can keep it.” Even though constitutional experiment was their creation, some founding fathers were not optimistic that it would survive. Dennis Rasmussen offers important narratives that look at the era immediately following the signing of the Constitution, reevaluating the historical, social, political, and economic stakes following our nation’s founding.Dennis C. Rasmussen, professor of political science at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs joined us to discuss his newest book, Fears of a Setting Sun: The Disillusionment of America’s Founders.For more about this event, visit: https://www.gvsu.edu/hc/dennis-rasmussen-fears-of-a-setting-sun-482.htm
Vice Admiral Sandra Stosz: Veterans Day Celebration Hauenstein Center 2022-11-15 | November 11, 2022Although not officially known as Veterans Day until 1954, November 11th was originally established as Armistice Day in 1919, to honor the end of World War I. The historical significance of the date – the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month – provides an extraordinary backdrop to honor and celebrate all American veterans.This Veterans Day, to pay tribute to all the men and women in uniform, past and present, the Hauenstein Center, Grand Valley State University’s Office of the President, and Grand Valley State University’s Peter Secchia Military and Veteran Resource Center are proud to welcome Vice Admiral Sandra Stosz, author of Breaking Ice & Breaking Glass: Leading in Uncharted Waters.Learn more: gvsu.edu/hc/pastevents
2022 Election Panel Hauenstein Center 2022-10-31 | One of the cornerstones of a strong democracy is faith in its election process. For Michiganders, the upcoming election is arriving on the heels of a season of controversy and debate surrounding one of our most important institutions. The impacts of the election are widespread and diverse; while redistricting offers an opportunity for change, not all can agree on what that change should be. The electoral dimension of the economy also hangs in the balance, with the future of the state’s financial outlook uncertain. The Hauenstein Center and the Grand Valley State University Department of Political Science are excited to bring together a panel of experts from Grand Valley State University and the community to provide an analysis of the electoral landscape with a focus on our state races. Our panelists include Nancy Wang, executive director of Voters Not Politicians, Roger Moiles, affiliate professor of political science, and Justin Roebuck, Ottawa county clerk. This panel will be moderated by Grand Valley political science professor, Karen Zivi.This event was held on October 27, 2022 at 7 pm.
Peter C. Cook Leadership Academy Alumni Panel Hauenstein Center 2022-10-04 | September 30, 2022A key component of the Peter C. Cook Leadership Academy is the opportunity for students to connect with a community mentor through one-on-one mentorship. The benefits of traditional mentorship are well-known: gaining knowledge from someone who has already been where we hope to go, having a sounding board for potential career moves, and building a professional network. However, mentorship has the potential to offer so much more, from intentional sponsorship to mutual growth opportunities for both mentor and mentee.Our fourth annual Peter C. Cook Leadership Academy (CLA) Alumni Panel brought together a collective of CLA alumni to speak about their experiences and the impact that mentorship had on their journeys. This year, we were pleased to welcome five esteemed alumni to our stage: Richa Bhurtel ‘17, Amanda Hoffman ‘19, Yah-Hanna Jenkins Leys ‘15, Elizabeth MacDonald ‘19, and Tyler Smith ‘18.
John Kowal & Wilfred Codrington III: Constitution Day Celebration Hauenstein Center 2022-09-27 | The original Constitution was written on just four pages of parchment, with twenty-seven Amendments added later to broaden the scope of our democracy during periods of transformational social change. Do ‘We the People’ find ourselves again at the cusp of change for our national charter?The Hauenstein Center and our partners at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum are pleased to welcome John F. Kowal, Vice President of Program Initiatives at the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law, and Wilfred U. Codrington III, professor of law at Brooklyn Law School and fellow at the Brennan Center for Justice, to discuss their book, The People’s Constitution: 200 Years, 27 Amendments, and the Promise of a More Perfect Union.This event kicks off the new Talking Together series, a collaborative project with the Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse, the Kaufman Interfaith Institute, and WGVU Media.
Hal Brands: Russia, China, & Authoritarians Hauenstein Center 2022-09-13 | Half a year into the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the ongoing buildup of tension between China and Taiwan, and the continuing “no-limits” friendship between Russia and China, the current geopolitical landscape necessitates a better understanding of the broad reach of authoritarianism abroad and at home. To provide this much-needed context, The Hauenstein Center is proud to welcome Hal Brands to the stage. Brands is the Henry A. Kissinger Distinguished Professor of Global Affairs at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and a scholar at the American Enterprise Institute. He is also a columnist for Bloomberg Opinion.Hal draws upon his latest book, The Twilight Struggle: What the Cold War Teaches Us about Great-Power Rivalry Today. Brands brings together historical lessons from the Cold War and contemporary ideas for a better understanding of how these events frame our world.
Hidden Wounds of War: Dr. Bill Nash - Preventing and Healing Combat and Occupational Stress Injuries Hauenstein Center 2022-05-24 | ...
Hidden Wounds of War: Dr. Bill Nash - Understanding Combat and Occupational Stress Injuries Hauenstein Center 2022-05-23 | Occupational stress injuries exist as enduring states of suffering and impairment directly caused by exposure to one or more extreme stressors on the job. All of the occupations at greatest risk of experiencing stress injuries and illnesses such as Complex PTSD and burnout are directly responsible for the welfare of others. In this presentation, Dr. Nash will review the evidence that the work-related stressor events most likely to inflict an injury are those involving the betrayal of important moral trusts, the loss of cherished people or things, and extreme physical danger. Additionally, the data demonstrates that pre-existing risk factors for stress-related illness, such as gender, race, or past life hardships, are insignificant compared with the impact of stressor events, themselves, other peri-event factors such as peritraumatic dissociation, and post-event factors such as social support.
Wayman Britt: Peter C. Cook Leadership Academy Graduation Hauenstein Center 2022-05-03 | As we approach spring, so too do we approach the season of graduation. For students preparing to complete their degrees, it is a moment of reflection on a truly unique higher education journey. This year, students in the Peter C. Cook Leadership Academy focused their leadership development on problem solving, social responsibility, and responding to change, among other competencies. Throughout their academic, personal, and professional lives, these students have had ample opportunities to put into action the skills they are developing in a rapidly changing world. As our graduates prepare to enter a new season of life, they are stepping into a world that needs excellent leaders who can adapt to the needs and challenges of our communities.Wayman Britt is known to many as a leader. His leadership lens is diverse, through his all-star collegiate basketball career, his innovative work developing new best practices for Kent County, and his advocacy for foster youth through a transformation of the child welfare system. One thing is for sure; he has left a legacy of excellence in each role he has held. We celebrated our newest class of Peter C. Cook Leadership Academy graduates with a keynote presentation, that asks us how our passion and drive can build a better community and world.
Panel Discussion: Democracy and Religion Hauenstein Center 2022-04-25 | Nearly two hundred and fifty years after the founders broke from British rule during the American Revolution, Americans continue to use religion as a lens to view society. Yet, while the United States has never had a national religion, today, the predominantly Christian nation faces significant change in the religiosity of an increasingly diverse population. Recent polls show less than half of the adult population belongs to a religious congregation, with younger generations moving away from organized religion entirely. Can democracy exist without religion? How will Americans’ shifting religiosity affect democratic norms? These are the questions we must answer in our age of distrust and polarization. To address these questions, the Hauenstein Center and Kaufman Interfaith Institute welcomed a panel of experts to discuss the nation’s shifting religious landscape. Neil Carlson at the Center for Social Research at Calvin University provided the program’s keynote remarks and moderated the evening discussion. Panelists include Petra Alsoofy at the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding; Kevin McIntosh at the One America Movement; Seth Sutton at Montcalm Community College; and Matt Jantzen at Hope College.
COL Ralph W. Hauensteins 110th Birthday Celebration Hauenstein Center 2022-03-25 | Ralph W. Hauenstein was many things to many people. From his early days at the Grand Rapids Herald to the philanthropic giving that cemented his legacy, Ralph’s stories are still alive throughout West Michigan. To John Van Laar, former president and CEO of Warner-Lehara, he was an entrepreneur and a leader. To Gleaves Whitney, the Hauenstein Center’s formative director and now executive director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, he was a mentor and friend. To Dennis Leiber, Kent County Michigan Circuit Court judge and former president of Serra International, he was a devout Catholic and philanthropist. To Brian Hauenstein, his grandson, he was a family man. To all of us, he was a patriot. This year, which would have been Ralph’s 110th birthday, the Hauenstein Center and our partners at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, Library, and Museum celebrated the four corners of Ralph. We were proud to welcome these four individuals, each representing one of Ralph’s four corners, along with Ralph’s family and friends, to hear and share the stories that we remember our namesake by.
Lindsay Chervinsky: Presidents Day Celebration Hauenstein Center 2022-03-01 | Until the passing of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, February 22 was federally recognized as Washington’s Birthday. Now the third Monday of February, also known as Presidents’ Day, traditionally honoring Washington and Lincoln, has grown to encompass the best practices of the presidency, not to mention a weekend of deals. The day allows Americans to pull from the founding fathers’ wisdom and apply the lessons of their day to the ills plaguing ours. Presidents Day, especially in our current climate, must be more than an opportunity to be patriotic and save a few bucks. In observance of this year’s Presidents’ Day, the Hauenstein Center and our partners at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, Library & Museum, were pleased to welcome Lindsay Chervinsky, historian and author of The Cabinet: George Washington and the Creation of An American Institution, to Grand Valley State University for our annual celebration of Presidents’ Day.
Graci Harkema: Authentic Leadership from Within Hauenstein Center 2022-02-17 | Leadership is not a destination. Instead, it is a process of continually learning and reflecting on where we've been and envisioning how we can make the world more how we'd like it to be. Leadership development can also be a deeply personal process. Graci Harkema will be the first to tell you that. As the owner of Graci LLC, an international diversity, equity & inclusion consulting firm, she is committed to helping clients build equitable and inclusive work environments where employees are empowered to perform to their potential as their true selves.Graci's leadership also reflects her commitment to the community, serving on several LGBTQ non-profit boards and committees. She is an avid supporter of her parents' faith-based non-profit, Heart for Central Africa, in her hometown in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Graci has twice been recognized as a '40 Under Forty Business Leader of West Michigan' and as one of the ‘200 Most Powerful Business Leaders of West Michigan' by Grand Rapids Business Journal in 2020 and 2021.
Elijah Anderson: Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Week: Black in White Space Hauenstein Center 2022-01-27 | Powerful stereotypes of “the ghetto,” long-entrenched in generations of Americans’ psyche, continue to permeate. Today, routine activities, like birdwatching in Central Park or jogging in a Brunswick neighborhood, elicit jarring and sometimes even fatal responses that involve police and citizens. With increased attention from the national media on these incidents, we must ask ourselves, “what about these events stands out, and why?” For Elijah Anderson, Sterling Professor of Sociology at Yale, the answer couldn’t be more evident. In what Publishers Weekly calls a “penetrating ethnographic study,” Anderson’s new book, Black in White Space: The Enduring Impact of Color in Everyday Life, argues that “symbolic racism” connects people of color to crime and poverty in the American psyche, regardless of social status or economic position. Together with Grand Valley State University’s Division of Inclusion and Equity, the Hauenstein Center was proud to welcome Anderson to the stage during Grand Valley’s week of events in commemoration of the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
H.W. Brands: Our First Civil War Hauenstein Center 2021-12-15 | Prior to the American Revolution, George Washington sat at the peak of Virginia society, while Benjamin Franklin sat higher still. What did these men have in common? Both owed their success to the British Empire and both took up arms against it, with the likes of a more likely rebel in John Adams. Franklin’s own son, William, on the other hand, remained loyal to the British. He was not alone, joined by Joseph Galloway and Thomas Hutchinson, a royal governor and family friend of the Franklins. While some became rebels, others became traitors for not betraying the country in which they grew up.What causes a man to forsake his country and take arms against it? Bestselling author H.W. Brands, in his newest book Our First Civil War: Patriots and Loyalists in the American Revolution, cautions us to remember that before America could win the revolution, the rebels had to win a bitter war against friends and family. Join the Hauenstein Center and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, Library, and Museum as we welcome back one of West Michigan’s favorites in H.W. Brands to offer a fresh perspective on the American Revolution.
Tasha Blackmon: Championing a Community of Care Hauenstein Center 2021-11-23 | What does it mean to be a true community leader? The answer to this question can be found at Cherry Health, a Grand Rapids institution that provides accessible health care to those who need it, regardless of their ability to pay. Their framework maintains a focus on holistic care that empowers patients and breaks down barriers to build a stronger, healthier community. At the helm of this incredible mission is CEO Tasha Blackmon, who embodies the mission of Cherry Health with authenticity, faith, and courage.Throughout her 15-plus years at Cherry Health, Tasha Blackmon has dedicated her professional life to advocating for equitable access to medical care. COVID-19, which disproportionately affected communities of color, was no exception. In response to a rapidly shifting health crisis, Blackmon evolved her own leadership style to match the needs of those she served. Steering Michigan’s largest Federally Qualified Health Center through the pandemic, Blackmon was recognized for her leadership as the 2020 ATHENA Leadership Award recipient. Her leadership doesn’t end there; Blackmon serves many professional and community groups in her native home of Grand Rapids. Join our cohort of fellow candidates in the Peter C. Cook Leadership Academy as Tasha shared her lessons in life and leadership.
Veterans Day Hauenstein Center 2021-11-22 | In October of 1993, First Sergeant Matt Eversmann led a group of Army Rangers in a UN peacekeeping operation in Somalia. Having been trapped, outnumbered, and marked for death, Eversmann’s survival and heroism earned him a Bronze Star Medal with valor device. He’s since been immortalized in the film Black Hawk Down. Upon returning from Somalia, Eversmann committed to teaching the next generation of leaders through his experience with the atrocities of war – not unlike our namesake, Colonel Ralph W. Hauenstein. His story highlights the importance of leadership, followership, and responsibility in our age of tribalism.This Veterans Day, in honor of the men and women in uniform, past and present, the Hauenstein Center, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, Grand Valley State University’s Peter Secchia Military and Veteran Resource Center, and Grand Valley State University’s Office of the President were proud to welcome First Sergeant Matt Eversmann, co-author of Battle of Mogadishu and Walk in My Combat Boots.First Sergeant Matt Eversmann a true American hero, illustrates the importance of duty, courage and selfless service to succeed when ordinary circumstances become extraordinary challenges. On October 3, 1993, Matt was placed in charge of a group of Army Rangers to lead a daytime raid against an eager enemy militia. Matt experienced the horrors of war when he and his fellow soldiers were trapped in a hostile district of Mogadishu and marked for death by an angry mob. His inspiring story of survival was immortalized in the epic film, Black Hawk Down, which recounts the harrowing experience. For his actions on the battlefield, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor device.
Carl Szabo and Josh Hammer: Does Big Tech Equal Big Trouble? Hauenstein Center 2021-10-26 | The Telecommunications Act of 1996 marked the last comprehensive update to internet regulations. In the 25 years since its passing, the internet has grown dramatically. Tech companies, specifically the “Big Four” (Apple, Amazon, Facebook, and Google), have come to dominate the online market. On both sides of the aisle – albeit for different reasons – concerns over data privacy, election interference, free speech, and monopoly power run rampant. Earlier this year, the House introduced five bipartisan bills aimed at reining in big tech. From the halls of Congress to the homes of everyday Americans, citizens are asking, “does big tech equal big trouble?”Deemed by Politico as Silicon Valley’s “most aggressive lobbying presence in Washington,” NetChoice works to ensure a bright digital future for free enterprise and expression. Meanwhile, the Internet Accountability Project offers a conservative voice for government efforts to rein in big tech before it’s too late. The Hauenstein Center and the Acton Institute were proud to welcome Carl Szabo, vice president and general counsel at NetChoice, and Josh Hammer, counsel and policy advisor at the Internet Accountability Project, for a lively discussion on the implications of America’s tech sector.
Progressive/Conservative Summit: Panel Isms A Cultural Clash of Left and Right Hauenstein Center 2021-10-11 | Ideology at the root? At a time when democratic norms are pushed in the name of partisan gain, join us as we must seek to understand the underlying philosophies that inform progressivism and conservatism.A conservative, a progressive, and a libertarian walk onto a stage. They engage in robust discussion. No, that is not a joke. 2020 brought forth issues long plaguing the nation, from the inequalities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic to the election conspiracies fueled by polarizing social media platforms, if not politicians themselves. As Americans increasingly write off those they disagree with as “the other” on these and other issues, we lose vital opportunities to seek understanding and find areas of actionable common ground. The gap between left and right continues to swell, and fractures within the Democratic and Republican parties have forced Americans to ask: what’s now, and what’s next for these movements?The Hauenstein Center, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, and the Progressive Women’s Alliance are proud to reconvene for the 2021 Progressive Conservative Summit. Jane Coaston, the host of The Argument podcast, sets the stage for good-faith debate on Friday evening. On Saturday, David French, senior editor at The Dispatch, and Matthew Yglesias, co-founder of Vox, examine what’s now and what’s next for conservatives and progressives alike. Panel sessions included discussions on the 2020 Census and Election results, offering thoughts for the shifting coalitions and cultural clashes among America’s left and right. The Summit concluded with a discussion between French, Yglesias, and Coaston.
Progressive/Conservative Summit: Panel Shifting Coalitions and the Future of the American Electorate Hauenstein Center 2021-10-11 | How will shifting demographics impact future elections, and what impacts will be had on the legislative process? Join our morning panel as they discussed insights from the 2020 Census and Election. A conservative, a progressive, and a libertarian walk onto a stage. They engage in robust discussion. No, that is not a joke. 2020 brought forth issues long plaguing the nation, from the inequalities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic to the election conspiracies fueled by polarizing social media platforms, if not politicians themselves. As Americans increasingly write off those they disagree with as “the other” on these and other issues, we lose vital opportunities to seek understanding and find areas of actionable common ground. The gap between left and right continues to swell, and fractures within the Democratic and Republican parties have forced Americans to ask: what’s now, and what’s next for these movements?The Hauenstein Center, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, and the Progressive Women’s Alliance are proud to reconvene for the 2021 Progressive Conservative Summit. Jane Coaston, the host of The Argument podcast, sets the stage for good-faith debate on Friday evening. On Saturday, David French, senior editor at The Dispatch, and Matthew Yglesias, co-founder of Vox, examine what’s now and what’s next for conservatives and progressives alike. Panel sessions included discussions on the 2020 Census and Election results, offering thoughts for the shifting coalitions and cultural clashes among America’s left and right. The Summit concluded with a discussion between French, Yglesias, and Coaston.
Matthew Yglesias: Progressive/Conservative Summit: Whats Now and Whats Next for Progressivism Hauenstein Center 2021-10-11 | A conservative, a progressive, and a libertarian walk onto a stage. They engage in robust discussion. No, that is not a joke. 2020 brought forth issues long plaguing the nation, from the inequalities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic to the election conspiracies fueled by polarizing social media platforms, if not politicians themselves. As Americans increasingly write off those they disagree with as “the other” on these and other issues, we lose vital opportunities to seek understanding and find areas of actionable common ground. The gap between left and right continues to swell, and fractures within the Democratic and Republican parties have forced Americans to ask: what’s now, and what’s next for these movements?The Hauenstein Center, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, and the Progressive Women’s Alliance are proud to reconvene for the 2021 Progressive Conservative Summit. Jane Coaston, the host of The Argument podcast, sets the stage for good-faith debate on Friday evening. On Saturday, David French, senior editor at The Dispatch, and Matthew Yglesias, co-founder of Vox, examine what’s now and what’s next for conservatives and progressives alike. Panel sessions included discussions on the 2020 Census and Election results, offering thoughts for the shifting coalitions and cultural clashes among America’s left and right. The Summit concluded with a discussion between French, Yglesias, and Coaston.
David French: Progressive/Conservative Summit: Whats Now and Whats Next for Conservatism Hauenstein Center 2021-10-11 | A conservative, a progressive, and a libertarian walk onto a stage. They engage in robust discussion. No, that is not a joke. 2020 brought forth issues long plaguing the nation, from the inequalities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic to the election conspiracies fueled by polarizing social media platforms, if not politicians themselves. As Americans increasingly write off those they disagree with as “the other” on these and other issues, we lose vital opportunities to seek understanding and find areas of actionable common ground. The gap between left and right continues to swell, and fractures within the Democratic and Republican parties have forced Americans to ask: what’s now, and what’s next for these movements?The Hauenstein Center, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, and the Progressive Women’s Alliance are proud to reconvene for the 2021 Progressive Conservative Summit. Jane Coaston, the host of The Argument podcast, sets the stage for good-faith debate on Friday evening. On Saturday, David French, senior editor at The Dispatch, and Matthew Yglesias, co-founder of Vox, examine what’s now and what’s next for conservatives and progressives alike. Panel sessions included discussions on the 2020 Census and Election results, offering thoughts for the shifting coalitions and cultural clashes among America’s left and right. The Summit concluded with a discussion between French, Yglesias, and Coaston.
Jane Coaston: Progressive/Conservative Summit: The Importance of Good-Faith Debate Hauenstein Center 2021-10-11 | A conservative, a progressive, and a libertarian walk onto a stage. They engage in robust discussion. No, that is not a joke. 2020 brought forth issues long plaguing the nation, from the inequalities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic to the election conspiracies fueled by polarizing social media platforms, if not politicians themselves. As Americans increasingly write off those they disagree with as “the other” on these and other issues, we lose vital opportunities to seek understanding and find areas of actionable common ground. The gap between left and right continues to swell, and fractures within the Democratic and Republican parties have forced Americans to ask: what’s now, and what’s next for these movements?The Hauenstein Center, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, and the Progressive Women’s Alliance are proud to reconvene for the 2021 Progressive Conservative Summit. Jane Coaston, the host of The Argument podcast, sets the stage for good-faith debate on Friday evening. On Saturday, David French, senior editor at The Dispatch, and Matthew Yglesias, co-founder of Vox, examine what’s now and what’s next for conservatives and progressives alike. Panel sessions included discussions on the 2020 Census and Election results, offering thoughts for the shifting coalitions and cultural clashes among America’s left and right. The Summit concluded with a discussion between French, Yglesias, and Coaston.
Jane Coaston, David French, and Matthew Yglesias Progressive/Conservative Summit Keynote Hauenstein Center 2021-10-08 | One nation, indivisible? Join us for the culmination of this year’s Summit as our keynote presenters shared the stage for a roundtable discussion exploring opportunities for actionable common ground.A conservative, a progressive, and a libertarian walk onto a stage. They engage in robust discussion. No, that is not a joke. 2020 brought forth issues long plaguing the nation, from the inequalities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic to the election conspiracies fueled by polarizing social media platforms, if not politicians themselves. As Americans increasingly write off those they disagree with as “the other” on these and other issues, we lose vital opportunities to seek understanding and find areas of actionable common ground. The gap between left and right continues to swell, and fractures within the Democratic and Republican parties have forced Americans to ask: what’s now, and what’s next for these movements?The Hauenstein Center, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, and the Progressive Women’s Alliance are proud to reconvene for the 2021 Progressive Conservative Summit. Jane Coaston, the host of The Argument podcast, sets the stage for good-faith debate on Friday evening. On Saturday, David French, senior editor at The Dispatch, and Matthew Yglesias, co-founder of Vox, examine what’s now and what’s next for conservatives and progressives alike. Panel sessions included discussions on the 2020 Census and Election results, offering thoughts for the shifting coalitions and cultural clashes among America’s left and right. The Summit concluded with a discussion between French, Yglesias, and Coaston.
Peter C. Cook Leadership Academy Alumni Panel: Leading at the Intersection Hauenstein Center 2021-10-04 | At the end of last year, President Mantella urged us to work at the intersection of different fields as “that is where knowledge is created.” Beyond just our local community, increasing globalization, connectedness, diversity, and collaboration have been at the forefront of conversations about leadership. With these conversations come the questions: How can leaders think beyond their sectors to creatively and sustainably solve problems? What leadership competencies are needed to excel at these intersections? One of the greatest sources of knowledge on these timely questions comes from the personal and professional experience of those who have come before us.Moderated by Peter C. Cook Leadership Academy (CLA) alumnus DeMario Bell (2016), the third annual CLA Alumni Panel will feature esteemed alumni as they shared with our new cohort of fellow candidates how they successfully navigate through these intersections to demonstrate ethical and effective leadership. We warmly welcome Danielle Harris (2011), Carol Reiss (2014), and Lawrence Williams (2017) back to campus for our first Wheelhouse Talk of the semester.
Akhil Reed Amar: Constitution Day Celebration Hauenstein Center 2021-09-30 | Since its ratification in 1788, the Constitution has served as a beacon to democratic government and civic engagement. As a result, interpretations over the scope of the document continue today, much as they did in the 1780s when everyday citizens and politicians alike worked to answer the weighty questions of a young Republic: should the nation’s borders be expanded, and if so, will slavery be allowed to spread? New Worlders like Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison were notable architects of this grand unionist blueprint. Still, other founders whose names are less prominent today also offered essential ideas and images. Borrowing from his new book, The Words That Made Us: America’s Constitutional Conversation, 1760 – 1840, Professor Akhil Amar offers a guide for those seeking to understand America’s Constitution today and the men who built it. In honor of Constitution Day, and on behalf of Grand Valley State University, the Hauenstein Center, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, and Grand Valley State University’s Political Science Department were proud to welcome Akhil Amar to Grand Rapids to discuss The Words That Made Us.
