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Room blocks are available at several Ann Arbor hotels for your stay during the Reunion weekend. Check out a listing, including the reservation deadlines. Also, a full listing of suggested accommodations in Ann Arbor is available, too. (Note: Ford School room blocks are not available at all of the accommodations on this listing.)
Limited metered parking is available on Oakland and Monroe Streets. Also, parking, for a cost, is available at U-M campus visitor lots and Ann Arbor public lots. U-M campus visitor structure W13, Student Activities Building (400 Thompson Street) and public Forest Street Structure are the closest to Weill Hall.
Alumni Territory Homecoming Tailgate on Ferry Field.
In 2023, participants played lawn games, danced, and enjoyed face painting, rock climbing, and food from Slows Bar BQ. U-M’s cheerleading squad, Men’s Glee Club, dance team, and marching band performed at the event, and there were several guest speakers as well.
For more information please visit: https://alumni.umich.edu/athletics/homecoming-tailgate/
Make a gift! This year the Ford School Reunion falls very close to the 50th anniversary of Gerald Ford becoming president of the United States. Please consider making a special gift this year honoring his legacy of integrity and public service, and to help support Ford School a students and faculty pursuing these same ideals.
Alumni Reunion 2024
Please join us September 13-14 in Ann Arbor
Attendees will have the opportunity to (re) connect with other alumni, students, and faculty, view works by political cartoonist Pat Oliphant, and attend a panel discussion about the Nixon pardon with John Dean, Barbara McQuade, and Jill Wine-Banks. Informal class gatherings and opportunities to meet with past and current student organization leaders will take place too. Review the full agenda below!
Friday, September 13, 2024
2 - 3:30 p.m. | Reunion check-in and Open House - Becky Blank Great Hall (Weill Hall)
Grab a Washtenaw Dairy donut and stroll through the Becky Blank Great Hall, take in Pat Oliphant's political cartoon exhibit, and learn about the current programs and initiatives at the Ford School. Take a tour of Weill Hall and meet current students. Stop in to see a former professor or two or meet some new scholars. Shop Ford School merchandise at the Spirit Store!
Open House featured programs and initiatives:
- Applied Social Policy Internship and Research Experience (ASPIRE) program: A collaborative project between the Youth Policy Lab and Spelman and Morehouse colleges.
- BA Program: Hear about exciting new career service offerings and what our graduates are up to.
- Center for Racial Justice: Learn about the new visiting fellows and programming available.
- Leadership Initiative: Jennifer Niggemeier will present coaching updates and more!
- Policymaker engagement: New ways the Ford School is partnering with elected officials.
- Poverty Solutions: Learn about new research and pilot programs impacting social policy.
3:30 - 4 p.m. | State of the School and Staebler Award Recognition - Annenberg Auditorium (Weill Hall)
Meet and hear from Dean Celeste Watkins-Hayes about her priorities for the coming year. The Staebler Award recipient will be formally recognized as well.
4:30 - 6:30 p.m. | An assessment of the Nixon pardon event and Reception - Annenberg Auditorium, Becky Blank Great Hall, and Stern Plaza (Weill Hall)
After being vilified, and then lionized as a great act of patriotism, in this era of seeming impunity, what is the significance of that unique, historical pardon?
University of Michigan law professor and former U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade, former Watergate prosecutor Jill Wine-Banks, John Dean (virtually), and other speakers will discuss its significance. Reception to follow.
6:30 p.m. | Alumni and student organization social gathering - Local watering hole
Find your people! Were you a member of one of the Ford School's active student organizations?
Current members of Students of Color in Public Policy (SCPP), Out in Public, and others are excited to meet with alumni over a social hour. Gather with your former and current members to network and socialize over drinks and snacks.
Saturday, September 14, 2024
12 p.m. | Michigan vs. Arkansas State Football Game - Michigan Stadium
Cheer on the national champions as they take on the Red Wolves of Arkansas State at the Big House.
