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.

“Wear one, share one!” photo contest

Please join us in commemorating this anniversary by proudly wearing one of our Ford50 buttons at commencement, school events, or at your internships and jobs. Better yet, encourage someone else to wear one, and tell them about the Ford School while you’re at it! Snap a photo of an influential public servant or leader wearing a Ford50 button, and you could win two tickets to watch our national championship football team take on Oregon or Northwestern.
Gerald R. Ford with his family
“ "I have not sought this enormous responsibility, but I will not shirk it ... I believe that truth is the glue that holds government together, not only our Government, but civilization itself. That bond, though strained, is unbroken at home and abroad.

Gerald R. Ford in his first address to the American people as president.

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. Find a location near you to celebrate. More information coming soon!
Learn more
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 - September 13

Connect with fellow Fordies during homecoming weekend and join us for a distinguished panel discussion examining the Nixon Pardon. More information coming soon about reunion events and how to purchase football tickets to watch our National Champions take on Arkansas State.

Events

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Gerald R. Ford with his family
Jul 14 2024

Gerald R. Ford wreath-laying

12:00 pm
Gerald R. Ford at the Nixon hearing
Aug 8 2024

Nixon resignation anniversary

12:00 pm
Gerald R. Ford cheering in front of a crowd
Aug 9 2024

50th anniversary of Ford swearing-in

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.
Read the issue
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