Hauenstein Center at GVSU

Hauenstein Center at GVSU The Hauenstein Center at GVSU is dedicated to raising a community of ethical, effective leaders for the 21st century. presidents.

The Hauenstein Center is built on four cornerstones:

The COOK LEADERSHIP ACADEMY serves university students at all levels of their development. Emerging leaders strive to become more ethical and effective in their community through mentorships and constant engagement with experienced professionals. The Cook Leadership Academy within the Hauenstein Center has become one of the Midwest’s pre-eminen

t centers for the exploration and development of leadership excellence. Each year we host more than 60 WORLD-CLASS TALKS, debates, and conferences to inform citizens, leaders, and apprentice-leaders who seek to understand their role in solving the challenges that communities, states, and nations – past and present – have faced. www.gvsu.edu/hc- our interactive website - and our social media open a window to the world on the scholarship we have produced as a presidential studies center, and the programs we have offered through our leadership academy. Allpresidents’ 600 pages of videos, transcripts, and original scholarship are growing daily, and in seven years have drawn more than 25 million hits from around the globe. Front Page

Our BOOK COLLECTIONS have been recognized by the Library of Congress as “a uniquely valuable resource.” No other place on earth houses, in one room, all the books written by U.S. We are also proud to have one of the nation’s leading espionage and intelligence book collections. Learn More

Inspired by Ralph Hauenstein, we seek to provide a platform for emerging leaders in all three major sectors of public life – business, government, and non-profit. We promote civic engagement that (1) honors the Founders’ vision of a constitutional republic; (2) builds on existing democratic institutions that promote justice, freedom, opportunity, sustainable prosperity, and the rule of law; and (3) envisions the possibilities for creating better communities.

How did news of a revolution actually spread in 1776? Before social media or instant headlines, how did the colonies fin...
08/27/2026

How did news of a revolution actually spread in 1776? Before social media or instant headlines, how did the colonies find out the Declaration of Independence had been signed?

We’re kicking off our 2026–27 season by turning back the clock for A250. Join historian Emily Sneff for a deep dive into the real story of how the founding document was told, shared, and received.

🗓️ Tuesday, September 1, 2026
🕠 6:00pm
🏫 GVSU City Campus, Loosemore Auditorium
💰 Free, registration required at gvsu.edu/hc/declaration

The team at the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies wishes all the best to our inaugural Future Presidents of Ame...
08/18/2026

The team at the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies wishes all the best to our inaugural Future Presidents of America cohort as they head back to their seven respective school districts this fall. We were blown away by the curiosity, critical thinking, knowledge, and kindness that they displayed during our camp earlier this year.

Please keep an eye out for these incredible individuals as they continue in their leadership journeys. Our future is in good hands!

It's been a fantastic summer, but we're thrilled to be kicking off our 2026-27 program year with our first event on Sept...
08/12/2026

It's been a fantastic summer, but we're thrilled to be kicking off our 2026-27 program year with our first event on September 1. In the spirit of A250, we are returning to our founding and examing the Declaration of Independence and how its story was told with author and historian, Emily Sneff.

This look at the past is sure to inform our future. Invite a friend and make plans to join us!

🗓️ Tuesday, September 1, 2026
🕠 6:00pm
🏫 GVSU City Campus, Loosemore Auditorium
💰 Free, registration required at gvsu.edu/hc/declaration

08/10/2026

“After all, our institutions are made up of those who serve in them. If you have faith in the people, in the individuals, then you can trust the greater entity”.

CLA Fellow Colette Maurer shared her leadership minute about how institutions can create growth for our country.

07/28/2026

“True leadership is about creating respect through your actions, your work ethic, and your willingness to take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way”.

CLA Fellow Genna Wright shared her leadership minute about being authentic in leadership, and how that can empower our communities.

How do you stay authentic in your leadership?

07/15/2026

“If we want to stand any chance in creating a more equitable economic world, we need more leaders.”

CLA Fellow Gino Gonzales shared their leadership minute about how making a positive change requires kind leadership in all of us.

07/09/2026

“We need our leaders in the middle…of our institutions, of our government, we need them at the cross of our alliances.”

CLA Lead Fellow Grace Loftus shared her leadership minute on leaders who build connections and serve as the glue that brings people together to drive change.

How do you bring people together to create positive change?

07/04/2026
06/30/2026

“...Leadership is not about standing apart but about creating conditions for others to participate fully.”

CLA fellow Makayla Andersen shared her leadership minute about how we as citizens engage in democracy.

Address

401 Fulton Street W
Grand Rapids, MI
49504

Telephone

+16163312770

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