Lisa M. Perhamus was the inaugural Padnos/Sarosik Endowed Professor of Civil Discourse at Grand Valley State University and now serves as the inaugural director of the university’s Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse.  In addition to her directorship, she is a professor in the Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies at Grand Valley.

Earning her Ph.D. from the University of Rochester in Curriculum Studies, her Masters in Sociology from The New School for Social Research, and her Bachelor of Arts degree from William Smith College with a double major in English and Religious Studies, Lisa’s interdisciplinary background continues to inspire her current civil discourse work. She grounds herself in the idea that every person has a right to be understood, and through her teaching, scholarship, and service, Lisa seeks ways to elevate people’s stories in the face of societal barriers that often silence people.

Whether leading a civil discourse training in the community or facilitating group dialogue in the classroom, Lisa’s storytelling approach to civil discourse aims to foster mutual understanding through humanizing dialogue rather than divisive debate.

Originally from upstate NY, Lisa enjoys spending time with family and friends; working in her intergenerational garden; and going on backpacking adventures.

Lisa Perhamus is available via email or phone at [email protected] or (616) 331-6736.

Britlynn Veliz is the Student Fellow for the Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse.

Britlynn is currently a junior at Grand Valley State University. She is studying Advertising and Public Relations with a minor in Marketing. In addition to Student Fellow, she is a peer mentor for Laker Familia and an account executive at GVSU’s student-run communications firm, GrandPR. A quote she lives by is, “There is only one way to avoid criticism: do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing” by Elbert Hubbard. Britlynn enjoys trying new cafes and meeting with friends in her spare time. 

Britlynn can be reached via email at [email protected]

Samantha Rypstra is a Professional Support Staff member in the Brooks College Dean’s Office. As part of her role, she allocates time to support the Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse and its events and initiatives

A proud Laker alum, Samantha graduated from GVSU in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental and Sustainability Studies through Brooks College. As a student, she volunteered with student organizations, including the Soil and Water Conservation Society and completed a semester-long study abroad experience in San José, Costa Rica. She also participated in a fellowship with the West Michigan Environmental Action Council, where she deepened her commitment to community-centered environmental advocacy. Before joining the Brooks College staff, Samantha worked at the GVSU Padnos International Center, where she supported global learning experiences for students.

Outside of work, Samantha enjoys traveling, being outdoors, and aspires to visit as many national parks as she can.

Samantha can be reached via email at [email protected] or by phone at (616) 331-3366

Elamin Gasim Ibrahim Gasim provides support for the Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse and is also the Office Coordinator for the Kaufman Interfaith Institute. Growing up as a third-culture kid, "difference" was a constant, and the importance of dialogue, communication, and fostering communities of understanding has been central to his life journey.

He obtained a B.S. in Pharmacy from the University of Science and Technology, Omdurman, Sudan in 2011. Soon after graduating, he was quick to follow his passions by co-founding "Nas with Notepads," an entirely voluntary open-mic poetry initiative focused on empowering youth, self-expression, and freedom of speech in Khartoum, Sudan. He continued giving his time to the initiative until 2019 when he left Sudan. He participated in various youth leadership initiatives, including the Horn of Africa Leadership and Learning for Action and African Voices, both of which were initiatives that sought to connect civil service initiatives and artists (respectively) across South Sudan, Sudan, and Ethiopia.

As someone with a varied array of interests, you are likely to see Elamin walking around the city or on a trail near you. He also enjoys board games and will travel at every opportunity given.

Contact Elamin by email at [email protected] or calling (616) 331-5702.

Faculty Fellow (application process starting soon)

The Padnos/Sarosik Civil Discourse Network is a core group of dedicated volunteers who are experienced in dialogue and civil discourse and who serve as ambassadors for the Center. Network members support the Center’s commitment to foster better conversations for stronger communities through activities such as: Workshop planning and facilitation; speaking engagements; educational outreach initiatives; and support of event programming such as the annual public civil discourse symposium.

Brian Bowdle is a psychology professor at Grand Valley State University. He received his Ph.D. from Northwestern University and was part of the interdisciplinary Cognitive Science program at Indiana University before joining the faculty at GVSU. His research and teaching interests include psycholinguistics, moral psychology, political psychology, and the ways in which human behavior is driven by the interplay of cultural and evolutionary forces. Brian is a recipient of the Pew Teaching Excellence Award.

Alongside his activity in the Civil Discourse Network, Brian is a member of Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies’ Advisory Cabinet and a cohost of the Common Ground Initiative’s Open Minds Book Club. He has also served as a mentor for the Cook Leadership Academy. Outside of work, Brian enjoys music, nature, history, and exploring Michigan with his wife.

Justine Rau Kibet joins The Network as a social worker and professional support staff member. Prior to becoming a Laker, she served in leadership roles providing refugee resettlement services within the Greater Grand Rapids area. Among other things, she facilitated learning opportunities for staff, volunteers, and foster parents on topics such as cultural awareness, intercultural communication, and LGBTQ-inclusive support.

Justine developed a passion for the work of the Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse while providing administrative support to the program during her time in Brooks College. Currently serving as an executive assistant in the Office of the Provost, she brings a meticulous approach to planning activities and coordinating operations, ensuring all aspects and perspectives are carefully and thoughtfully considered. She enjoys editing across various types of content.

In her free time, you may find Justine at Latin dance events in the community, as she’s a founding board member of GR Salsa Social.

Megan Ferenczhalmy is currently a sophomore at Grand Valley State University. She is a double major studying General Business and Environmental and Sustainability studies. She is a member of the Frederik Meijer Honors College and a Cellist in the GVSU Symphony Orchestra and Cello studio. Additionally, she runs the civil discourse-centered club, Connections Through Conversation, serving as Vice President. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, cooking, making or listening to music, and reading.

MJ Creutz first became involved with GVSU’s civil discourse initiatives in 2014 as a student in the inaugural Detroit’s Public Dialogues course. She reconnected with the work in 2018 upon returning to campus professionally, serving on the Advisory Council and facilitating at the Center’s annual Symposiums before joining the Civil Discourse Network. 

MJ is an Associate Director for GVSU’s Office of Civil Rights and Title IX (OCRTIX), and civil discourse serves as the foundation to her work. She also applies civil discourse practices in her personal life when conflict arises to build trust and care with family and friends.

Outside of work, MJ enjoys trying new recipes, camping in northern Michigan, and walking around Grand Rapids to visit her favorite local spots for food and coffee like Sovengard and Morning Ritual.

Sarah Cox comes to the Civil Discourse Network with an extensive background in dialogue and a passion for teaching and learning. Her peace-informed commitments shape her approach to facilitation and guide her work with the Civil Discourse Network.

She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, Research, and Technology from Western Michigan University and is currently a faculty member in the Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies. Before joining Brooks College, Sarah held appointments in Grand Valley’s College of Education & Community Innovation where she worked in partnership with the W.K.  Kellogg/Battle Creek Public Schools program; WMU; Aquinas College; and Coleg Glan Hafren (Wales). 

Outside of work, Sarah enjoys walking her puppy, Maisie Grace; spending time outdoors; and sharing laughs with friends and family.

Stan Greene is an experienced executive coach with more than 40 years of expertise in leadership development, human resources, sales, marketing, and communications. In addition to his professional work, Stan has been an active community volunteer, contributing his insight to numerous non-profit organizations that enhance the quality of life in West Michigan. His commitment to connecting people to their passions and to each other makes his engagement with the Civil Discourse Network a natural extension to his long track record of constructive civic engagement.

Stan enjoys travel, a likely vestige of having lived in Germany for seven years as an Army brat. Ask him what it's like to have a high school commencement in a castle! Stan and his wife, Patrice, live in Saugatuck with their two French bulldogs, Mirabell, and Marcell.