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.
February 16, 2026 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
At our Presidents’ Day Luncheon, Jeff Engel will explore how American leaders have defined and justified their enemies across history and how those evolving ideas continue to shape the nation’s...
February 18, 2026 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
For the February 2026 session of Open Minds, we will be reading and discussing Who is Government : The Untold Story of Public Service edited by Michael Lewis. "Michael...
February 26, 2026 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
The 2026 midterm elections will likely be decided on one topic alone: affordability. Join us as we host a panel of experts from across the political spectrum who will discuss affordability...
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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
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
Led by moderator Hank Meijer, the bipartisan panel will explore NATO’s position on the world stage as it deals with the complex international issues shaping its future.
Oct 23, 2025
