The Spy and the State: The History of American Intelligence

Thursday, April 9, 2026
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus
Alumni, Community, Faculty, Staff, Students

Photo of Jeff Rogg standing in front of a car

Public debates about intelligence and surveillance have long reflected a tension between security and liberty in American democracy. Join us for a conversation with historian Jeff Rogg, who studies the history of U.S. intelligence and its relationship with the American public. Drawing on his research, Rogg will explore why Americans have often been wary of government intelligence activities while simultaneously participating in systems of surveillance, and how these contradictions have shaped the development of the U.S. intelligence community.

The program will also examine the role citizens play in the nation’s intelligence system, highlighting how public attitudes, technological habits, and civic understanding influence both the limits and possibilities of intelligence in a constitutional republic.

Program Schedule

5:30 p.m. Doors Open & Check-In Available
6:00 p.m. Program Begins
7:10 p.m. Audience Q&A
7:30 p.m. Program Concludes (Begin Book Sale/Signing & Dessert Reception)
8:00 p.m. Book Sale/Signing & Dessert Reception Concludes

Before You Go

Admission is free, but registration is required. Please check in when you arrive.
Open to the public! We welcome students, faculty, staff, and community to attend.
We offer a free Community Conversations dessert reception following the program to reflect and chat about what you heard.
Though we encourage in-person attendance, we continue to offer a virtual option at our events (check your confirmation email for a link).
This event takes place on GVSU's City Campus in downtown GR. Parking directions will be included in your confirmation email.

About the Hauenstein Center

Inspired by Ralph Hauenstein’s life of leadership and service, the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies is dedicated to raising a community of ethical, effective leaders for the twenty-first century.

Consider supporting our work and enjoying special benefits by purchasing a membership. Members receive special invitations to pre-event receptions at events, including this one!

More About the Center More About Membership

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Location Information

DeVos Center, Loosemore Auditorium

Contact Information

[email protected]

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This event was added to the calendar by Kahler Sweeney (sweenkah@gvsu.edu) on Thursday, December 4, 2025 and was last updated on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 11:40 a.m.

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