Peter Hoekstra (R-Holland), a former U.S. Representative from Michigan’s second congressional district and current candidate for the U.S. Senate, will speak at Ferris State University’s Williams Auditorium on Tuesday, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. The topic of Hoekstra’s presentation is, “American Leadership Redefined in a Post-9/11 Environment.”
Hoekstra served in the U. S. House of Representatives from 1993 to 2011. He was the ranking member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. The House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence is the primary U.S. House of Representatives committee responsible for oversight of the U.S. Intelligence Community.
“That history alone qualifies Congressman Hoekstra as a leading expert on issues dealing with 9/11,” said Richard Griffin, a professor of Political Science at Ferris and campus coordinator of both the American Democracy Project and Political Engagement Project. “While on the Ferris State University campus, he will participate in a full schedule as he engages students, faculty and staff.”
Hoekstra’s visit is one of a series of on-campus activities sponsored by ADP and PEP to mark the 10th anniversary of the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Griffin noted that Hoekstra’s Ferris visit will be an active one that includes stops in classrooms and his public presentation in Williams Auditorium.
“His activities include meeting with faculty and staff, visiting with students in the classroom and the public presentation focusing upon the lessons learned by the nation since 9/11,” Griffin said.
Hoekstra, who served nine terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, is campaigning for the seat held by U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Lansing).
During his time in the U.S. House of Representatives, Hoekstra visited Ferris in November 2009 as he toured campus facilities and learned more about how Ferris is meeting the needs of the new economy and manufacturing opportunities, the retraining/retooling of industry and the environment. He toured the Granger Center for Construction and HVACR and ended his visit to campus as he visited with Ferris President David Eisler.