Students have the opportunity to network and participate in vibrant downtown Grand Rapids through partnerships with the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, Library, and Museum; the Economics Club of Grand Rapids; the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan; the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce; and our accomplished alumni.

Students are offered the chance to engage in valuable public speaking training through Jennifer Maxson & Associates and are given the opportunity to practice their skills by speaking at Hauenstein Center events with as many as 600 people in attendance. In addition, students have a chance to pursue intensive leadership development through, Washington Campus Week, and other high-impact initiatives. Through hallmark events students meet nationally recognized speakers. Our fellow candidates have been face-to-face with four U.S. presidents, one U.S. Supreme Court Justice, two vice presidents, six first ladies, five secretaries of state, seven state governors, numerous business and nonprofit executives, multiple Pulitzer Prize winning writers, the world’s most decorated academic, a Grammy Award winner, and a national championship basketball coach.