Event Types
Presidential Studies
As a presidential studies center, Hauenstein Center programming routinely welcomes authors, historians, and presidential scholars to our stage to share their research and works. Programs include discussions on presidential history, our democracy, and celebrations of national holidays like Constitution Day, Veterans Day, and Presidents’ Day.
The Common Ground Initiative
The Common Ground Initiative is West Michigan’s premier forum for the promotion of civic engagement and intellectual curiosity on the issues facing our region, nation, and world. The Common Ground Event Series invites leaders and scholars to engage in dialogue across political and ideological divides and model the common ground approach for our community.
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Wheelhouse Talks
The Wheelhouse Talks are a signature program of the Peter C. Cook Leadership Academy. These events feature a brilliant group of regional, state, and national leaders spanning generations, fields, and experiences. Throughout the series, our speakers share their leadership journeys, lessons learned, and the values and philosophies that guide them today.
Past Events
2025-2026 Academic Year
Presidential Studies
September 3, 2025: Why World War II Still Matters featuring Garrett Graff
September 17, 2025: Making the Rules: The Presidency, the Courts, and the Constitution featuring Ilan Wurman
November 13, 2025: One Man's Freedom: The Struggle Over an American Ideal featuring Nicholas Buccola
Common Ground Initiative
October 2, 2025: Eyeing the Bench: Supreme Court Update
October 30, 2025: Our American Allies: Nato and the Future of U.S. Power
Wheelhouse Talks
November 7, 2025: The Wheelhouse Talks featuring Daniel Williams
2024-2025 Academic Year
Presidential Studies
September 17, 2024: Constitution Day: The Constitution vs. Democracy
October 10, 2024: How President Bill Clinton's Campaigns Reshaped Modern Presidential Politics
November 11, 2024: Veterans Day: Lisa Jaster
February 18, 2025: Presidents' Day Celebration
Common Ground Initiative
October 15, 2024: Progressive / Conservative Summit: The Myth of Left and Right
October 21, 2024: Election Foreign Policy Public Forum
March 13, 2025: Is the Party Over? The Present and Future of American Party Politics
April 10, 2025: Justice For All: Faith Leaders and the Non-Violent Fight Against Poverty
Wheelhouse Talk
October 11, 2024: Peter C. Cook Leadership Academy Alumni Panel
November 8, 2024: A Conversation with Dee Bradley Baker
January 24, 2025: Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Event with Joe Jones
February 21, 2025: Frederik Meijer Lecture Series featuring Vetr Health
April 24, 2025: Peter C. Cook Leadership Academy Celebration of Graduates
2023-2024 Academic Year
Presidential Studies
September 19, 2023: Constitution Day: Freedom From Religion or Freedom For Religion? with Vincent Phillip Muñoz
November 10, 2023: Celebration of Veterans Day: Lieutenant Jason Redman
February 20, 2024: Mourning the Presidents: Loss and Legacy in American Culture
March 14: 2024: King Hancock: The Radical Influence of a Moderate Founding Father
May 23, 2024: The Hidden Wounds of War Conference
Common Ground Initiative
September 7, 2023: Citizenship in Crisis: Re-Empowering The American Citizen with Victor Davis Hanson and Eric Liu
October 12, 2023: Citizens of the World: Global Citizenship & U.S. Foreign Relations
November 1, 2023: Pour le Peuple Documentary Screening
January 25, 2024: Bipartisan Policy Panel: Immigration
February 29, 2024: 2024 Progressive / Conservative Summit: Constitutional Reform
April 18, 2024: Reflections on Patriotism
Wheelhouse Talk
September 29, 2023: Faye Richardson-Green
October 27, 2023: Peter C. Cook Leadership Academy Alumni Panel
December 1, 2023: Stepping Into Leadership: Tricia Thomas
January 18, 2024: TaRita Johnson: Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration
February 20, 2024: Khalilah Burt Gaston
Looking For More?
Additional Hauenstein Center event recordings can be browsed on our YouTube channel!