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 21^st 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.

Does Big Tech Equal Big Trouble? Thursday, October 21, 7 PM

The Telecommunications Act of 1996 marked the last comprehensive update to internet regulations. In the 25 years since its passing, the internet has grown dramatically. Tech companies, specifically the “Big Four” (Apple, Amazon, Facebook, and Google), have come to dominate the online market. On both sides of the aisle – albeit for different reasons – concerns over data privacy, election interference, free speech, and monopoly power run rampant. Earlier this year, the House introduced five bipartisan bills aimed at reining in big tech. From the halls of Congress to the homes of everyday Americans, citizens are asking, “does big tech equal big trouble?”

Deemed by Politico as Silicon Valley’s “most aggressive lobbying presence in Washington,” NetChoice works to ensure a bright digital future for free enterprise and expression. Meanwhile, the Internet Accountability Project offers a conservative voice for government efforts to rein in big tech before it’s too late. The Hauenstein Center and the Acton Institute are proud to welcome Carl Szabo, vice president and general counsel at NetChoice, and Josh Hammer, counsel and policy advisor at the Internet Accountability Project, for a lively discussion on the implications of America’s tech sector.

We will continue to offer a digital alternative for all of our events as we consider the health and safety of our members, students, and the community. We strongly encourage higher-risk populations to engage in our events virtually by visiting  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87222394732 or call in at US: +1 (929) 205-6099 Webinar ID: 872 2239 4732  to view the live broadcast.