Grand Forum
Grand Forum is a member-based educational program for adults 55 years and older who are eager to both learn and engage with peers. Grand Forum provides an opportunity for members to meet in an academic setting for the purpose of intellectual stimulation and social exchange.
Members come from a variety of backgrounds and areas, and include GVSU alumni, staff, faculty, retirees and community members from all educational backgrounds. The diversity of the group leads to thought-provoking and challenging questions and discussion about timely topics.
Fall 2024 + Spring 2025 Seminar Dates
Fall 2024:
Tuesday, October 8, 2024
Thursday, October 10, 2024
Monday, October 21, 2024
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Spring 2025:
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Thursday, May 15, 2025
Additional Opportunities
Events
Class of 1974 Golden Reunion
November 2, 2024 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Alumni Homecoming Tailgate
November 2, 2024 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Student Scholars Day
April 9, 2025 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Speaker and Program Archive
Past Grand Forum programs are recorded and made available to all Grand Forum Members. Please reach out to Grand Forum ([email protected]) to receive the access link.
Spring 2024
Technology and AI with Milos Topic
Michigan POW Camps in WWII with Gregory Sumner
The U.S. Supreme Court: The Changing Legacy of the "Least Dangerous Branch" with Devin Schindler
Real Cop: A Memoir of a Career Street Officer with David Leonard
On Sacred Ground – A Pre-European an Early Grand Rapids History with Dan VanMeurs
Grand Action 2.0 with Kara Wood
Euphoria - GVSU Student a cappella group
Beckering Family Carillon Tower Presentation/Performance with Julianne Vanden Wyngaard
Fall 2023
The State of Policing in Grand Rapids with Chief Eric Winstrom
West Michigan’s Economy after COVID and Beyond with Dr. Paul Isely
Comrade King withJeffrey Kelly Lowenstein and Khulu Radebe
Fatal Crossing: The Mysterious Disappearance of Northwest Flight 2501 in Lake Michigan with Valerie van Heest
The Mayor, the Maestro, and the Mansion with Carol Dodge
Grand Valley State University Update with President Philomena V. Mantella
The Reclaiming of Muskegon Lake with Dr. Alan Steinman
Wisdom of Animals: A Nature-led Journey into the Heart of Transformational Leadership with Dr. Patrick Bishop
Spring 2023
Chinese Thought with Peimin Ni
The Holocaust and the Impact on Grand Rapids with Robert Franciosi
Protecting Trees from Invasive Species with Lawrence Burns and Alexandra Locher
Critical Race Theory Part 1 with Fred Johnson
The NCAA and GVSU Athletics: Today and Into the Future with Keri Becker
Critical Race Theory Part 2 with Fred Johnson
State of Grand Rapids with Mayor Bliss
Islamophobia with Coeli Fitzpatrick
Fall 2022
Locally Grown Food and the Grand Valley Farm with Michael
Hinkle, GVSU Farm Manager and Educator
Dutch Art History with Henry Luttikhuizen
Frances Perkins and the Women Behind the New Deal with GVSU
Professor Dr. Judy Whipps
The Grand Haven Bank Robbery with Judge David Buter
The State of the University with GVSU President Philomena
V. Mantella joined by Fatma Mili, Provost and Executive Vice
President for Academic Affairs
Senior Leadership Team Panel including:
Laura Aikens, Vice President for University Development
Stacie Behler, Vice President and Chief Public Affairs and
Communications Officer
Jesse Bernal, Chief of Staff to the
President & Vice President for Inclusion and Equity
Jenny
Hall- Jones, Vice President for Student Affairs
Milos Topic, Vice
President for Information Technology and Chief Digital Officer
Cryptocurrency with Aaron Sundman, Digital Specialist, Amway
Mathias Alten Artwork Tour in the George and Barbara Gordon
Gallery with Henry Matthews, Former Director of Galleries and
Collections, GVSU
Membership
55+
Members must be 55 years or older
$150
Annual cost per person
Learn
Access to 16 special lectures per year
Community
Join a fantastic social network
Programming Sample
Enjoy these two sample Grand Forum programs from the past year! These videos showcase what Grand Forum strives for: an opportunity to learn from an expert in a specific area and then the ability for Grand Forum members to ask questions and converse with others.
Grand Action 2.0 with Kara Wood
The Mayor, the Maestro, and the Mansion - Carol Dodge
“The Grand Forum provides a way to return to the classroom for those who no longer have to worry about choosing a profession or preparing to enter it. And it is only proper that a University reach out with such an educational program to so many eager students.”
—
Dave Seibold, Founding Member
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Grand Forum for?
The Grand Forum is an educational outreach program for adults 55 and older who are eager to learn, love to meet new people, and enjoy discussing impactful topics with their peers.
How much does it cost?
Membership for the Grand Forum is $150 per person per year. For this moderately priced membership fee, Grand Forum provides access to a series of special lectures. These intellectually stimulating programs are taught by community leaders, faculty from area colleges and universities as well as experts from a variety of diverse disciplines. Programming will take place in-person at GVSU’s downtown campus and will also be available virtually through a Zoom webinar.
What can I expect?
In addition to spending time with friends, you'll have plenty of opportunities to make new ones. As a member, you are invited to attend sixteen (16) in-person special programs throughout the year. Members come from a variety of backgrounds and areas, such as alumni, GVSU retirees and community members. The diversity of the group leads to thought-provoking and challenging questions and comments after the presentation.
What is expected of me?
Through presentations and discussions, the Grand Forum provides a broad spectrum of stimulating programs in a setting that encourages lively discussion. An interest in learning is an essential part of your membership. You will also need to RSVP for each event you wish to attend.
Do I have to live in the Grand Rapids area?
Grand Forum programs are made available to members in a hybrid format. Members can choose to attend presentations in person or can tune in online.
