Previous Events Archive

Thursday, April 22, 2021

Dr. Paul Isely | Rob Cleveland | Jim Hettinger

Dr. Paul Isely, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs in the Seidman College of Business at Grand Valley State University, took a close-up look at the impact of COVID-19 on our economy and what we can expect as the pandemic comes to an end. He was joined by local panelist Rob Cleveland, president of Cornerstone Alliance; and Jim Hettinger, president & CEO of Jim Hettinger Urban Development Services, LLC. They discussed the local impact and economic outlook for southwest Michigan. The program was moderated by Speakers Series Vice President Julie Cowie.

Watch the video – The Pandemic Economy and Beyond, Professor Paul Isely

The Speakers Series of South Haven launched its 2021 season on February 18 with a presentation focused on the “Inside Story of the Virus and the Vaccine” by Dr. H. Clifford Lane, M.D., Deputy Director of the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Disease. View a recording of the online event (below).

Here’s some photos from the event.

Dr. Lane provided his findings on the virus, where it came from, how it got started, and how it spread so quickly and broadly throughout the United States. He shared stories about what he learned about the virus during his trip to China in February 2020 as one of two U.S. scientists to tour five different cities to get a first hand look at the epidemic. We heard his expert opinion on the vaccine and how it combats the virus, how it differs from other vaccines and how it was developed so quickly. We also heard his views on what we have learned to prevent future pandemics and how the method used to develop this vaccine can be utilized in the future as we encounter new diseases.

The Speakers Series collaborated with the Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College to present this event at no charge to the public.

This event was sponsored through the generosity of Spectrum Health Lakeland, The Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College, Kiwanis of South Haven, Rotary of South Haven, and Bronson South Haven Hospital.

The Speakers Series Board is busy developing a future schedule of events.

Oct 17, 2019

by David Myers
Professor of Psychology, Hope College

In a confusing era of alternative facts, fake news and civic leaders imposing fictions on reality, Myers presented lively and engaging insights. He gave examples of popular and potent false beliefs and explained how they develop.

He also examined possible biases–and successful remedies–within his own field of psychological science.

Here’s some photo’s from the event.

Watch the Video – Smart Thinking In A Post Truth Age by David Myers

Video by Richard Brunvand

September 19, 2019

by Jennifer Granholm

As part of the 2019 Speaker Series of South Haven, former Governor Jennifer Granholm spoke on Top Trends Affecting Michigan.

Since leaving office in 2011 Jennifer Granholm has been involved in numerous projects such job growth in clean energy, information technology, sustainability, climate change, and the development of public policy. Paired with her eight years experience as Governor and four as Attorney General, Granholm’s perspective posed a compelling look at Michigan’s future.

Watch the Video – Top Trends Affecting Michigan, Jennifer Granholm

Video by Richard Brunvand

Thursday, May 9, 2019

by Peter Annin

“The Great Lakes Compact: A Decade of Lessons Learned”

Acknowledged as the preeminent journalist writing about the Great Lakes, Peter Annin presented at the Speaker Series for a second time. He was the very first presenter when the series was launched in April 2015. This time he reviewed the successes and challenges to the Great Lakes Compact agreement.

The presentation “The Great Lakes Compact: A Decade of Lessons Learned” by Peter Annin was well attended. Here’s some photos from the event.