|
The original version of this release did not contain the photos mentioned in the note to editors; those pictures now are attached. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Feb. 23, 2018
Contact: Sandra Clark (Michigan History Center), 517-335-2712
Michigan Historical Commission honors Ralph W. Hauenstein for lifetime commitment to history, leadership development
Ralph W. Hauenstein (1912-2016) said of his experiences in World War II, “In the twentieth century, I saw with my own eyes the worst that leaders are capable of. In the twenty-first century, I want to encourage the best leadership possible so that the world will be better for my children’s children.”
 Mr. Hauenstein’s understanding that history is an essential part of developing effective leaders and good citizens prompted the Michigan Historical Commission to name him the recipient of the Milliken/Adams/Kelley Award.
The award ceremony took place Thursday evening at the Gerald R. Ford Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan, during a special presentation by H.W. Brands, the Jack S. Blanton Senior Chair in History at the University of Texas at Austin, about Henry Clay of Kentucky, Daniel Webster of Massachusetts and John C. Calhoun of South Carolina – the three statesmen who dominated national politics in the early 19th century.
At the end of his presentation, Dr. Brands spoke about Mr. Hauenstein and introduced Joseph Calvaruso, chair of the Michigan Historical Commission, who then presented the award to Brian Hauenstein, a grandson of the honoree who was representing the family. The event was sponsored by the museum and the Grand Valley State University Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies.
The commission created the award in 2013, its centennial year, to recognize lengthy and visionary public service to the cause of Michigan history. It is based on the careers of Gov. William G. Milliken, Michigan Historical Commissioner Elizabeth Sparks Adams and Michigan Attorney General Frank Kelley. The award honors individuals who have taken, in Gov. Milliken’s words, “the long view of what is best for the state and its cultural resources.”
“Ralph Hauenstein was an outstanding public servant who lived in extraordinary times,” Calvaruso said. “For his years of making and being a part of history, educational efforts for future generation, volunteer service and extraordinary support for preserving history, the Michigan Historical Commission unanimously agreed to bestow Col. Hauenstein with the 2017 William G. Milliken/Elizabeth S. Adams/Frank J. Kelley Award.”
Previous Milliken/Adams/Kelley Award honorees include William Clay Ford (2014) for his work with The Henry Ford in Dearborn, Kerry Chartkoff (2015) for her work as the Michigan State Capitol historian, and R.D. Musser, Jr. (2016) for his efforts to save the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.
A legacy of leadership
Mr. Hauenstein joined the Army in 1935. After receiving his commission as second lieutenant, he became the commander of an African-American Civilian Conservation Corps camp near Cadillac, Michigan. Returning to civilian life, he was editor of the Grand Rapids Herald for a short time before returning to active duty in 1940.
During World War II, Hauenstein became chief of intelligence in the Army’s European theater under Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower. He received the French Croix de Guerre with Palm and the Legion of Honor, as well as the Order of the British Empire for his heroism during the war.
After the war, Mr. Hauenstein established Tri-Continental Trading Company to help build economic bridges between the U.S. and Europe. The business provided goods and services to consumers in Europe, the Middle East, South America, the Caribbean, and elsewhere where democracies and free-market economies were struggling. He also owned Werner Lehara of Grand Rapids, a food equipment manufacturer that brought Goldfish crackers, Andes mints, Windmill cookies and many other foods to the American consumer.
As a philanthropist, Mr. Hauenstein invested in all three major sectors of public life – business, government and nonprofit. He underwrote a modern bakery in Haiti, which provided jobs for hundreds of workers and thousands of individual distributors at a difficult time in that nation’s history. He contributed to several educational and medical organizations in West Michigan, including supporting the founding of Grand Valley State University’s Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies, with the mission of inspiring future generations of public service leaders.
“Ralph Hauenstein served his country with bravery, honor and integrity,” Calvaruso said. “His contributions to Michigan’s history and to our country are marked by grace, devotion and determination; a life well lived and an incredible legacy for future generations.”
The Michigan Historical Commission was authorized in 1913 by Gov. Woodbridge Nathan Ferris for the purpose of managing the state’s history affairs. Today, Michigan Historical Commission members are appointed by the governor. They oversee two award programs, the second of which is the Gov. John B. Swainson Award that recognizes state, county, municipal or township employees who have contributed to the preservation of Michigan history. The commission also approves Michigan Historical Markers. To learn more about the Michigan Historical Commission, visit www.michigan.gov/mhcommission.
/Note to editors: Accompanying photos, courtesy of the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies at Grand Valley State University, www.gvsu.edu/hc, are available below for download. Caption information follows.
RWH-A01-P11.jpg: Pictured here in 1944, Ralph Hauenstein worked tirelessly until his death in January 2016 at the age of 103.
RWH-A07-P21.jpg: Ralph Hauenstein and President Gerald Ford met in high school, when they played football for rival teams. They became lifelong friends, as seen here around 1976./
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.
|
