The South Haven Speakers Series is laying its plans for the upcoming season of programs.
Kalamazoo Promise architect Dr. Janice Brown and South Haven city council member Dave Flack have joined the Board of the South Haven Speakers Series.
Brown is a former Kalamazoo superintendent of schools and considered the architect of the nationally recognized Kalamazoo Promise which is a generous, community-supported foundation that provides up to 100 percent college tuition and expenses for graduates of Kalamazoo Public Schools. Dr. Brown continues to serve as chair of the Promise and is sought after across the country to share the story of its success — a model now being replicated in communities nationwide.
Ward 3 city council member Flack is a retired Ford Motor Company professional. He and his wife moved to South Haven in 2023. In addition to serving on City Council, he is a member of the Harbor Commission and is active in several community organizations. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University and an MBA from Western Michigan University.
Elaine Stephens has been elected to a second term as president of the Speakers Series. Joan Bauer will be Vice President, Dave Murphey Treasurer and Jim Windell Secretary. Series founder Bob Copping is Chairman.
Other members of the board include Dick Brunvand, Angelica Gallegos-Dickerson, and Janice Varney.
The 2026 season opens Thursday, April 30 with a former ambassador discussing the importance of Ukraine and Eastern Europe. It will be followed on May 14 with an astronomer describing how bright lights endanger starry nights and our environment.
The fall series continues Thursday, October 22 with an award-winning professor exploring the promises and perils of artificial intelligence. The season concludes on Thursday, November 19. This evening’s topic explores the art of getting along in a deeply divided and troubled society by a best-selling writer and journalist.
All presentations are held on the South Haven Campus of Lake Michigan College. Refreshments are available at 6:30 pm followed by the speaker at 7 p.m. Admission is $10, and students attend free of charge.
