Women's History Month kicks off with summit for middle, high school students
Keynote speaker Sharnell James challenged participants to be unapologetically themselves.
Mar 9, 2026
Welcome to the Hauenstein Center
As a PRESIDENTIAL STUDIES center, we routinely invite authors and historians to share their research and works. Topics include presidential history, American democracy, and celebrations of national holidays like Constitution Day, Veterans Day, and Presidents’ Day.
The PETER C. COOK LEADERSHIP ACADEMY is a leadership development program for GVSU students, offering a cohort of 60 students a year unique opportunities for reflection, engagement, and learning with and from a diverse cohort of their peers throughout the academic year.
The COMMON GROUND INITIATIVE is West Michigan’s premier forum for the promotion of civic engagement and curiosity on the issues facing our region, nation, and world. The initiative invites leaders and scholars to engage in dialogue across divides and model the common ground approach for our community.
Upcoming Events
See Jane Run: How Women Politicians Matter for Young People
March 19, 2026 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Women elected to public office not only shape policy but also influence young people’s ideas about leadership and democracy. Join us for an engaging conversation with political scientist Christina...
Open Minds Book Club: On Civil Disobedience
April 1, 2026 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
For the April 2026 session of Open Minds, we will be reading and discussing On Civil Disobedience, edited by Roger Berkowitz and featuring essays from Hannah Arendt and Henry David Thoreau. "Together...
The Spy and the State: The History of American Intelligence
April 9, 2026 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Jeff Rogg explores the tension between liberty and security in American history, showing how national intelligence has both protected the nation and challenged civil liberties from the Revolutionary...
Programming Suggestions
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GVNext News Coverage
Presidential historian returns for Presidents Day talk
One of the nation’s leading scholars of presidential history will return to Grand Valley on February 16 to explore how U.S. presidents shape public opinion and, in turn, influence the nation’s military and foreign policy decisions.
Feb 10, 2026
Honors College's Daniel Williams to highlight leadership lessons at lecture series
Williams, one of Grand Rapids’ most influential young leaders, will his share insights during the Frederik Meijer Lecture Series and Wheelhouse Talks.
Nov 4, 2025