Dear Alumni and Friends:
On July 12—what would have been President Ford’s 99th birthday—the Ford School once again celebrated Worldwide Ford School Spirit day . From Ann Arbor to San Francisco to Tokyo, Ford School students, alums, faculty, and friends gathered to network, share stories, and toast our school’s namesake. It was a wonderful time to catch up and see just how far afield the school’s influence goes.
In some ways, Spirit Day was a harbinger of celebrations to come. On Thursday, October 11, the U-M community will pay tribute to the life and legacy of former first lady, Betty Ford . Mrs. Ford was a path-breaking public figure whose profound influence on U.S. culture and society continues to resonate.
Special guest Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker will deliver the keynote policy lecture, with tributes from President Mary Sue Coleman, Michael Ford, and others, along with a performance by Miki Orihara, a principal dancer in the Martha Graham Dance Company. It promises to be a very special occasion. The event begins at 3:00 pm at Rackham Auditorium. If you will be in the Ann Arbor area, I hope to see you there. And if you’re not, please tune in to our live webcast at www.fordschool.umich.edu .
In this edition of ‘the Ford School Feed,’ find out how to self-nominate for the Alumni Board , how Michigan’s local government leaders responded to CLOSUP’s survey on the emergency manager law , and what two alums are doing to bolster economic development in Detroit.
In June, we announced the addition of distinguished political scientist Allan Stam to our faculty. We’ve now got more great faculty news: noted economists Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers have joined our community . Betsey’s appointment began last month; Justin, who will have a joint appointment in the Ford School and the Economics Dept., begins in January 2013. We’re excited to have them with us. And in September, Elisabeth Gerberbecame the Jack L. Walker Professor of Public Policy —a great honor bestowed by the U-M Board of Regents that reflects her exceptional contributions to the field and to the University. Congratulations, Liz!
There’s much more inside . Please stay in touch, and I thank you for your commitment to the Ford School.
Sincerely,
Susan M. Collins
Joan and Sanford Weill Dean of Public Policy