Ford50 | Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy

Ford50: Commemorating an exceptional presidency

Fifty years ago, at a time of great division and turbulence in the U.S., Gerald R. Ford was sworn in as the 38th president of the United States.

President Ford's legacy is very much alive here at the Ford School of Public Policy, and we are proud to bear his name. The values that distinguished him remain so relevant to policy students: his lifelong commitment to principled public service, his integrity, and his ability to connect across differences to forge consensus.

In many ways, members of the Ford School community—our alumni, students, and friends—are carrying on President Ford’s living and lasting legacy through our dedication to the public good.

This year, the Ford School commemorates 50 years since President Ford took office with public events, contests (with great prizes!), and other fun ways to celebrate.

Attendees of 2023 Spirit Day in Chicago gathered outside, smiling and holding maize signs that read #FORDSPIRIT
Community event

Spirit Day - July 11

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.
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Striped maize background with a photo of President Ford on the right and a copy of the Ford School logo on the left
Community event

Ford School Reunion

Fordies came together during homecoming weekend for a distinguished panel discussion examining the Nixon Pardon, informal class gatherings, and more.
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Photo of Stacy Dean (MPP '92)
Contests & prizes!

“Wear one, share one!” photo contest

Stacy Dean (MPP '02) was the winner for her entry of USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack.
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Writing challenge

Essay contest seeks to put Ford's presidency in the current context

Current and incoming Ford School students and recent graduates were given a challenge: to write an original essay on the relevance of Gerald R. Ford in today's politics. Kelly Rogers Victor, MPP/MPH '24, was awarded first prize. Aiswarya Padmanabhan, MPP ‘25, was awarded second place. Anna Pomper, MPP '24, was awarded third place.
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Jim Mcintire
Staebler Award winner

Jim McIntire’s legacy of public service

This year, the Ford School Alumni Board honored James L. McIntire (MPP ’78) with the 2024 Neil Staebler Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes outstanding professional achievement in public service and a commitment to the mission and values of the Ford School.
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Events

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Gerald R. Ford at the Nixon hearing
Sep 13 2024

An assessment of the Nixon pardon

4:30 pm
Gerald R. Ford at the Nixon hearing
Aug 8 2024

Nixon resignation anniversary - "The Day that Rocked America - And Began a New Era

6:30 pm
Gerald R. Ford with his family
Jul 14 2024

Gerald R. Ford wreath-laying

12:00 pm
Steady and True

In praise of public servants

Our spring 2024 edition of State & Hill uplifts voices from our community to illustrate the value of a professional, well-trained, dedicated workforce—serving us all in federal, state, and local governments across the U.S. We present eight MPP alums: professional, creative problem solvers who have dedicated their careers to federal and local government service. Read also the perspectives of five of our faculty members who share why public sector leadership matters and how they challenge our students to make difficult tradeoffs and get the facts right.
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Images of alumni featured in the Alumni Voices section of our Spring 2024 State & Hill magazine
Ford legacy

A man of enormous integrity: How the Ford School got its name

In December 1977, at the annual party of the Institute of Public Policy Studies (IPPS), a young graduate student named James McIntire (MPP ’78) found...
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Weill Hall entrance with "Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy" etched into the glass