School officially named for Ford

By Yael Kohen

Daily Staff Reporter

Sixty-five years after Gerald Ford graduated from the University, the former president returned to campus yesterday, bringing with him a legacy of public service as well as friends, family and former members of his administration.

Ford's experiences and lifetime achievements were recognized by the University as he accepted the honor of having the School of Public Policy renamed after him.

Despite a stroke suffered while attending the Republican National Convention in Philadelphia last month, the fragile Ford mustered up enough energy to travel to Ann Arbor for the Hill Auditorium ceremony.

"I'm profoundly grateful," Ford said after a parade of esteemed state and University officials, including Gov. John Engler, University President Lee Bollinger, Public Policy Dean Rebecca Blank and University Regent Rebecca McGowan, spoke of the former president's legacy.

Many state politicians were in the audience, and among the family, friends and some former members of his administration who shared in the event including his wife, Betty, and former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, who assured the audience his warm sentiments described a man he considers not just an employer but a friend.

Kissinger, as keynote speaker at yesterday's ceremony, spoke of Ford's personal qualities as an attribute in leading the nation during the tumultuous period after Richard Nixon resigned from office and in his dealings with the foreign policy conflicts in the Soviet Union, Middle East and China.

"We have never had a more self-effacing president - a president who has thought more of public service than of himself," Kissinger said.

Bollinger also stressed Ford's strengths as a leader and mentor for Public Policy students who will study in the school that bears his name.

"President Ford is known for what is most important in public policy - character," Bollinger said, adding that this quality is an example of the many ideals that the School of Public Policy hopes to instill in its students.

Bollinger emphasized the need to carry with the school the legacy of one of the University's most famous graduates.

While Bollinger focused on his vision for expanding the school, Kissinger spoke of the practical difficulties students will face when they leave the academic arena for the outside world.

"When you're on the outside you can pick your subject. You can work on it as long as you choose. You are responsible primarily to yourself ... and you have the great privilege of changing your mind and going back to the library and writing another book," Kissinger said. "As a policy maker you're always under pressure. You don't pick your subject - the subject presents itself."

Ford seemed sincerely grateful for yesterday's honor and promised to avoid reminiscing about his University days too much so as not bore audience members, he said. But he did speak fondly of his days on campus, emphasizing that his education continued even after graduating.

Ford said he is still learning, and at 87-years-old he just learned how to access the Internet and "surf the Web."

"Your America may not look the same as mine, ... but amidst so much that is new, I hope this generation doesn't lose" it's sense of America, Ford said.

Last November, the University Board of Regents agreed to the renaming of the school not only to honor Ford but to make a concerted effort to increase the prestige and recognition of the school.

In honor of the occasion, the Public Policy classes were canceled yesterday so students and faculty could partake in the honor.

"Whether we agree with (Ford's) policies, we do aspire to his commitment and dedication to public service," Public Policy student Rinku Shah said.

JOYCE LEE/Daily