Welcome

Welcome to the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies at Grand Valley State University.

What do we do? We support Grand Valley students and their leadership development. We work to advance knowledge and build community in the following areas:

We are a PRESIDENTIAL STUDIES CENTER. Our special collection of works authored by American presidents has been called “a uniquely valuable resource” by the Library of Congress.  

We focus on LEADERSHIP in keeping with the vision of our founder and benefactor, COL Ralph W. Hauenstein, and his friendship with Peter C. Cook. Our primary mission is to foster ethical, effective leadership for the 21st century, and our Peter C. Cook Leadership Academy is at the core of that charge. 

We strive to prepare a new generation of leaders to deal effectively with diverse ideas and cultures through our COMMON GROUND INITIATIVE, a program unique in higher education. All of our conferences and events are free and open to the public.

 


Please join us in welcoming our new director!

Following a national search, Grand Valley announced the selection of Megan Rydecki as director of the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies.

Continuing reading here!

Colonel Ralph W Hauenstein - Michigan Military and Veterans Hall of Honor

On November 18, 2022, our namesake Colonel Ralph W. Hauenstein was inducted into the Michigan Military Veterans Hall of Honor.

This video is the entire ceremony. If you are only wanting to watch Ralph's section, skip ahead to 1:16:52.


Programming Suggestions

Have you ever listened to a podcast, watched or attended a lecture, read a book/article and wanted to bring the speaker/conversation to your community? Now’s your chance! The Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies wants your input on potential speakers, topics, and programs. We’re serious, we want to hear your ideas!

 Click here to fill out a suggestion form! 

Join our Mailing List!

Interested in learning more about The Hauenstein Center, our upcoming events and more? Join our mailing and email list!

 Click here to join!


Recent Past Events

Eyeing The Bench: A Supreme Court Panel

Eyeing The Bench: A Supreme Court Panel

Vice Admiral Sandra Stosz: Veterans Day Celebration

Vice Admiral Sandra Stosz: Veterans Day Celebration

John Kowal & Wilfred Codrington III: Constitution Day Celebration

John Kowal & Wilfred Codrington III: Constitution Day Celebration

Hal Brands: Russia, China, & Authoritarians

Hal Brands: Russia, China, & Authoritarians


GVNext News Coverage

Participants at a Talking Together event in the Eberhard Center are pictured laughing, many tables with people seated behind them. Screen pulled down at front of room

Panelists at Talking Together event will share views about repairing a divided country

Panelists from divergent backgrounds will lead discussion and share their views about repairing a divided country during the March 23 Talking Together events.

Mar 20, 2023

Brooke Oosterman with Housing Next delivers her presentation at Hauenstein Center event

Hauenstein Center panel discusses region's housing shortage, solutions

Grand Rapids and Kent County face a shortage of affordable housing that will have detrimental effects on the region's livability and appeal, unless more partnerships are nurtured and communities can implement strategies.

Mar 17, 2023

Megan Rydecki poses for a photo

New Hauenstein Center director has strong ties to organization

Following a national search, Megan Rydecki was selected as the Hauenstein Center's executive director in December. She began her new position in early January and brings extensive experience in leadership roles across several industries.

Mar 2, 2023

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Page last modified March 17, 2023