Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse
As a gift from Shelley E. Padnos and Carol Sarosik, the Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse in the Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies promotes engagement with the concepts and tools of civil discourse. Through the initiatives of this program, Grand Valley hopes to strengthen the commitment to informed, peace-based, and respectful dialogue across the campus community and the neighboring areas of West Michigan.
Kaufman Interfaith Institute
The Kaufman Interfaith Institute at Grand Valley State University offers a broad range of programming that advances equity and belonging for persons of all religious, secular, and spiritual identities by fostering human connection, interfaith understanding, and collective transformation on campus and in the wider West Michigan community. The spirit of the Kaufman Institute is represented by the cooperative programs hosted throughout the community to inspire, inform, and promote belonging. These events bring together diverse voices and worldview traditions to elevate individual experiences and stories, with the goal of promoting interfaith cooperation and pluralism. Whether it is working with others in the community to convene a healthy discussion about polarizing issues or organizing celebrations that welcome all and encourage learning through differences, the institute grounds its mission in relationship-building.
Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies
"In the 20th century, I saw with my own eyes the worst that leaders are capable of. In the 21st century, I want to encourage the best leadership possible so that the world will be better for my children's children." - Ralph W. Hauenstein
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.
WGVU Public Media
The mission of WGVU Public Media is to connect with communities using the strengths of public media to educate, inform, inspire and entertain. WGVU’s vision is for an improved quality of life for all members of the community through access to high-quality cultural, educational and entertaining content built upon authentic relationships, recognizing our true strength lies in our ability to work together.