Alumni & friends | Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy

Alumni & friends

A connected community to each other, and to the world.

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A powerful network, a shared vision

Our alumni bring it all—their vision, passion, and knowledge—to the next generation of policy leaders by joining panel discussions, sharing professional achievements, providing career advice, conducting mock interviews, critiquing student resumes, hosting interns, hiring graduates, and more.

And we encourage alumni to continue their own professional development and learning through networking with each other, taking part in Ford School events, like PolicyTalks that "take them back to the classroom," and workshops and services offered by the U-M Alumni Association.

This summer, connect with alumni and students at an event or online.

Four photos of Ford School students, alums, and fellows wearing Ford School and U-M spirit apparel

Summer social media challenge

Complete 3 tasks for a chance to win a swag bag

1. Follow us on social media.
2. Update your contact information: https://fordschool.umich.edu/stay-connected/update and your LinkedIn profile.
3. Go to the Ford School LinkedIn Group and introduce yourself by posting a selfie in your Michigan gear at a local landmark or your workplace. Don't forget to add your degree and grad year!
Join the alumni LinkedIn group
Student support

Donate to the student support fund

Your continued support makes this exceptional education and training possible for all students. Any amount helps!
Donate now
Students and alumni networking at the Ford School's DC trip
Student support

Sign up for office hours (fall '25)

Help students expand their networks. Sign up to provide guidance and advice to students looking to find an internship or job.
Photo of students participating in an eviction policy & design workshop
Student support

Hiring?

If your organization is hiring (for an internship, early, mid, or senior talent), please share that via our LinkedIn group or email [email protected].
Ongoing support for alumni

Looking for career resources/support after a job transition or loss?

1. Check out the continually updated Alumni Career Resources document.
2. Reach out to the Career Services team by email at [email protected]
3. Join virtual Alumni Drop-in hours (information and link in the Resources Doc)
Alumni Career Resources, Spring 2025

Active alumni

700

Alumni engage with students, give, and attend events in 2023.

Alumni gifts

315

Gifts were made in July 2019-July 2020 from nearly 400 donors.
Watch

Leveraging the USDA to tackle nutrition insecurity and systemic racism in the food system

Deputy Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Ford School alumna (MPP '92), Stacy Dean, will speak about her journey from U-M and the Ford School to becoming a policy and budget analyst, and now her role at USDA.
Watch the talk
Community

2024 Worldwide Ford School Spirit Day

Each July, Ford School alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends gather in the name of President Ford on or near his birthday (on July 14!) to socialize, network, and most importantly celebrate what binds us together - our collective Ford School experiences.
View the photos
Community

Connecting in DC

This year's annual Ford School event in Washington, DC featured an engaging policy talk with renowned public management scholar Don Moynihan on the topic of "The administrative state under new leadership" and a networking reception with alumni and students - a highlight for attendees!
View the photos

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