The Speakers Series Board is busy developing a future schedule of events.
Previous Events Archive
2025
Nuclear Power – Risks & Rewards, Dr. Max Vanatta
Nuclear Power – Risks & Rewards, Dr. Max Vanatta
2024
A Public Heath Approach to Solving Gun Violence in Michigan, Natasha Bagdasarian, MD, MPH
Voices from across the Aisle, Debbie Dingell, Fred Upton, reporter Rick Albin moderator
Using Media Literacy to Navigate the Promise and Perils of Artificial Intelligence, Sue Ellen Christian, Professor WMU
Is Climate Change Affecting Lake Michigan? Dr. Drew Gronewold
2023
Cannabis…the Good, the Bad and the Ugly, Jennifer Rigterink, Asst. Director MML
American Health Care. The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. A Call for a New Model. Randy Oostra, DM, FACHE
Challenges to Democracy: The Growth of Autocracy in the World, Dr. Joel Toppen
The World According to Xi: Should US Fear China’s Rise? Dr. Ann Chih Lin
2022
How Technology Both Increases Polarization and Builds Bridges, Dr. Lisa Schirch
Game Changing Advances in Medicine, Medical Geneticist Dr. Caleb Bupp, MD
Best place to live in 2050? Michigan! Best-Selling Author Parag Khanna
The Roots of Russian – American Discord, Professor Dr. Jim Butterfield
2021
What Went Wrong in Afghanistan? Professor Dr. Joel Toppen
Michigan Business Recovery, Executive Editor Kelley Root
The Pandemic Economy and Beyond, Dr. Paul Isely | Rob Cleveland | Jim Hettinger
The Inside Story of the Virus and the Vaccine, Dr. H. Clifford Lane, M.D.
2020
We regret the 2020 Speakers Series presentations were canceled because of the COVID pandemic.
2019
Smart Thinking in a Post Truth Age, Psychologist David Myers
Top Trends Affecting Michigan, Governor Jennifer Granholm
The Great Lakes Water Wars Continue, Journalist Peter Anin
Affordable Housing: Obstacles and Solutions, Advocate Ryan Kilpatrick
Smart Thinking in a Post Truth Age, Psychologist David Myers
Top Trends Affecting Michigan, Governor Jennifer Granholm
The Great Lakes Water Wars Continue, Journalist Peter Anin
Affordable Housing: Obstacles and Solutions, Advocate Ryan Kilpatrick
2018
Reflections on Leadership and Perseverance, Mayor Dennis Archer
Michigan Mid-Term Election Issue, Journalist Phil Power
While Black People Slept, Professor Fred Johnson
Foreign Policy Challenges in 2018 and Beyond, Diplomat Jack Segal
A Road Map to Long Term Economic Recovery, Economist Marci Rossell McCarthy
2017
Bold Ideas for Better Schools, Educator Yvonne Caamal Canul
Mid East Issues, Professor Ebrahim Moosa
Immigration and Our Future, Entrepreneur Bing Goei
Making Michigan Work Even Better, Journalist Jack Lessenberry
Is College the Best Choice?, Educators Dr. Jean Norris and Michael Norris
The Supreme Court in the Crosshairs, Professor David Ryden
2016
Fake News 2016, Author A. Brad Schwartz
The Case for Sentencing and Prison Reform, Advocate Joe Haveman
Reconnecting with Nature in a Digital World, Educator Erik Mollenhauer
Why Can’t We All Just Get Along?, Journalist Rick Albin, Dr. J.H. “Joe” Schwarz, Joan Bauer
Saving the Great Lakes: Water Quality Issues, EPA Senior Advisor Cameron Davis, Sr.
2015
Fighting Crime and Building Good Community Relations, U.S. Attorney Patrick Miles
The Case of Economic Optimism, Economist Marci Rossell McCarthy
Transformative Changes Ahead for Americans, Health Care Advocate Jamie Orlikoff
Water Tension and the Great Lakes Compact, Journalist Peter Annin
Smart Thinking In A Post Truth Age
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
Top Trends Affecting Michigan
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
The Great Lakes Water Wars Continue
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.
Ryan Kilpatrick, “Affordable Housing”
Thursday, April 11, 2019
by Ryan Kilpatrick
Ryan Kilpatrick, now executive director at Housing Next of Grand Rapids, spoke on Affordable Housing: Obstacles and Solutions in Lake Shore Communities.
Kilpatrick worked from 2009 to 2014 in Douglas before becoming a community assistance team member for the Michigan Economic Development Corp. covering Region 4, which includes Allegan and Ottawa counties.
Ryan Kilpatrick explored the many ways in which 50 years of federal, state, and local policy decisions have contributed to the shortage of affordable housing. He then focused on a variety of local and regional solutions including such factors as transportation, community design, connectivity, and quality of life.
The presentation “Affordable Housing” by Ryan Kilpatrick was well attended. Here’s some photos from the event.
Reflections on Leadership and Perseverance
Thursday, May 24, 2018
by Dennis Archer
Former Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer and member of the Michigan Supreme Court offered his inspiring perspective on perseverance and leadership. Widely known for his political service, Archer also had a distinguished legal career as a respected judge, first black president of the American Bar Association, and one of the 100 Most Powerful Attorney’s in The U.S.
The presentation “Reflections on Leadership and Perseverance” by Dennis Archer was well attended. Here’s some photos from the event.
Watch the Video – Reflections on Leadership and Perseverance, Dennis Archer
Video by Richard Brunvand
