One of South Haven’s special attributes is a remarkably high-quality Speaker Series, delving into the issues shaping our lives. The volunteer and donor funded group welcomes expert speakers several times each year, with only a nominal admission fee asked of attendees. The leadership torch of the organization is being passed for 2025, as detailed in a statement from the Speaker Series Board:
The South Haven Speakers Series announces the appointment of Elaine Stephens as its new president. Stephens succeeds Mark Odland, a founding member of the Series, who served as president for ten years and is retiring from the board. The series also bids farewell to Carole Hodgman, another retiring founding member.
“Mark and Carole have helped guide the SHSS since its founding. We owe them a great debt of gratitude for everything they have done for the community,” Stephens said.
Stephens, also a founding member of the Speakers Series, has a Ph.D. in education and began her career as a first-grade teacher and retired as a college professor in teacher education.
“We have dynamic board of directors dedicated to enriching our community with outstanding speakers on significant issues” she said while naming three new members, all who are South Haven residents:
- Amy Fracker, Executive Director of the South Haven Mitten Museum, brings over 30-years in nonprofit leadership to the board. She has extensive expertise with several Michigan organizations in fundraising, program development, organizational change, and administration. Her priority is access to high-quality art experiences for all community members.
- Michael McCarthy, a national best-selling author, has been featured in historical documentaries and podcasts and is author of a new book, Behold: Poems. He is best known in South Haven for his book, Ashes Under the Water: The SS Eastland and the Shipwreck that Shook America. Previously he wrote for The Wall Street Journal for more than two decades.
- James Windell, a writer, editor, and reporter, has published 40 books on parenting, child psychology, grief and loss, and criminal justice. He was a Family Court psychologist and taught criminal justice classes for 25 years. He has been editor of The Michigan Psychologist for almost 20 years and is currently a reporter for The South Haven Beacon.
New SH Speakers Series President Elaine Stephens
Stephens also announced the themes for the 2025 lineup of presentations as the Series enters its 11th year.
- Nuclear Power…the risks and rewards
- Immigration…the search for compassionate solutions.
- Inflation and National Debt…. the future of the U.S. economy.
- Globalism vs. Isolationism
- Naming rights, gambling, high paid college players … the new face of college sports
The dates and speakers are to be announced.
Speakers’ Series programs are held on the South Haven Campus of Lake Michigan College. There is a 6:30 p.m. wine and cheese reception, followed by the presentation at 7 p.m. Admission is $10, and students attend free of charge.
The South Haven Speakers Series is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Approximately three-quarters of the Series budget comes from donors. Further information can be found at the Series website – southhavenspeakersseries.org.
