Ralph Hauenstein
Ralph Hauenstein | |
---|---|
Fort Wayne, Indiana, U.S. | |
Died | January 10, 2016 Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S. | (aged 103)
Occupation(s) | Businessman, newspaper editor |
Years active | 1935–2015 |
Spouse | Grace Byrnes (m.1932–2007; her death)[1] |
Children | 3 |
Ralph Hauenstein (March 20, 1912 – January 10, 2016) was an American philanthropist, army officer and business leader, best known as a newspaper editor. His leadership has produced institutions such as the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies at Grand Valley State University, the Hauenstein Parkinsons and Neuroscience Centers at Saint Mary's Hospital and the Grace Hauenstein Library at Aquinas College.
Early life
Born in
After two and one-half years on active duty, Hauenstein returned to civilian life and became city editor of the
Post-war leadership and service
After the war, Hauenstein saw opportunities to build bridges between the United States and Europe devastated by war. He went into international trade and partnered with European enterprises to provide goods and services to consumers in Europe, the Middle East, and elsewhere where democracies were struggling. He underwrote a modern bakery in Haiti, providing jobs for hundreds of workers and thousands of individual distributors at a difficult time in that nation's history. He also set up a school in Florida that taught people from developing countries how to run a fully automated bakery and provide good jobs in their local economy.[4]
Hauenstein's leadership and service, however, went beyond the private sector. During the Dwight D. Eisenhower administration, Hauenstein served as a consultant on the President's Advisory Commission. He also served as an auditor at the Second Vatican Council in Rome and was part of the team that supervised the first free elections in Russia with the Jamestown Foundation in 1996.
Philanthropy
Hauenstein contributed to numerous charitable causes. His philanthropic efforts can be seen in higher education institutions in the West Michigan area: at Grand Valley State University, his contribution made possible the founding of the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies, whose mission is to inspire a new generation of leaders devoted to public service. The Grace Hauenstein Library is a prominent fixture on the Grand Rapids campus of Aquinas College.
Hauenstein's philanthropy extended into the field of medicine. In December 2003, Hauenstein contributed $2 million to Saint Mary's Health Care to jump start a $15 million campaign to create a comprehensive Neurosciences Center on the campus. From this initial donation—and efforts to raise more money—the Mercy Health Hauenstein Neuroscience Center is a leader in the fight against this disease.[5] Hauenstein was also one of three board members who established the Van Andel Institute for Medical Research in Grand Rapids and was one of its trustees.
Later life and death
In 2013, Hauenstein donated $1 million to the Hauenstein Center in celebration of its 10th anniversary.
Leadership positions
- Colonel-United States Army
- Trustee-Van Andel Research Institute
- Trustee-Gerald R. Ford Foundation
- Trustee-Jamestown Foundation
- Founder-Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies
- Founder-Hauenstein Parkinson's Center
- President/chairman-Werner Lehara Corporation
- President-Serra International
Awards
Hauenstein was inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa - The National Leadership Honor Society as an honoris causa initiate at Grand Valley State University in 2012. In 2013 he was honored with the Laurel Crowned Circle Award, the society's highest honor.
Publications
Hauenstein, along with Donald Markle, authored a book about his role in the Allied efforts during World War II. Intelligence Was My Line: Inside Eisenhower's Other Command was published in 2005 by Hippocrene Books.[10]
References
- ^ Jennifer Morrison (1912-02-20). "Hauenstein, Ralph W." Learning to Give. Retrieved 2016-01-11.
- ^ "Ford honored with Hauenstein Fellowship award". Grand Valley State University. Archived from the original on 2 September 2011. Retrieved 21 March 2011.
- ISBN 0781811171
- ^ "Ralph Hauenstein honored for a lifetime of military and intelligence service" EducationNews.org 24 April 2006
- ^ "Saint Mary’s to Develop New Neurosciences Center on Campus" Saint Mary's Health Care Latest News Releases
- ^ Nichols, Mike. "Philanthropist donates $1M to university for leadership". Grand Rapids Business Journal. Retrieved 9 December 2013.
- ^ "Ralph Hauenstein". Ralph Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies. Grand Valley State University. 2012-03-20. Archived from the original on 2012-08-03. Retrieved 2012-03-28.
- ^ "Ralph Hauenstein passes away at age 103". Woodtv.com. January 10, 2016. Retrieved January 10, 2016.
- ^ "Honor guard, Catholic bishop lead Ralph Hauenstein funeral tribute". MLive.com. Retrieved 2016-02-04.
- ISBN 0781811171