Kaltura Video
John Ciorciari: The Path Forward in Afghanistan
Annual events
Worldwide Ford School Spirit Day
Worldwide Ford School Spirit Day brings alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends together to celebrate their Ford School spirit the Thursday before President Ford's birthday (July 14). Browse the photos from Worldwide Ford School Spirit Day activities from all over the world in 2023, 2022, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, and 2012, and watch recordings of the 2020 alumni conversation, "Black Lives Matter Movement: From Understanding to Action" and the 2021 panel discussion, "Leading through crisis."
2024 Ford School Spirit Day
The next Spirit Day is Thursday, July 11, 2024. Check back for more details in the coming months!
Policy event and networking reception in DC
Each winter, the Ford School travels with its MPP and MPA students to Washington, DC, so students can attend a series of alumni and employer panels to learn more about policy-relevant careers in our nation's capital. As part of the trip, a student-alumni networking reception is held in the evening for alumni in the DC area to hear from a Ford School faculty member or other invited guest, and to network with current students and each other.
The 2020, Professor John Ciorciari, director of WDC and IPC, delivered "The Path Forward in Afghanistan."
Due to the pandemic in 2021, the Ford School did not host this annual event in Washington, DC. Rather, Graduate Career Services planned a three day virtual career expo for graduate students January 12-14 and as part of it, a trivia and networking night for alumni and students to test their Ford School knowledge, while networking and socializing with each other. Alumni shared their professional insights and tips with students and also had the opportunity to connect with one another. Read more about this year's January Graduate Student Expo here.
To be involved in the DC trip as a panelist or table host, contact Elisabeth Johnston at [email protected].
Additional events
Homecoming
Homecoming weekend is a special time in Ann Arbor. See how we celebrated in 2023, with a Policy Talks with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimodo and a special reception for new Ford School Dean, Celeste Watkins-Hayes. Details for 2024 Homecoming will be posted in early 2024.
Ford School reunion
Every five years, the Ford School hosts an all-school reunion for alumni to gather at Weill Hall to reconnect with each other and re-engage with the life of the school. Save the date for our next Ford School Reunion in fall 2024! View photos from the most recent reunion, which took place October 4-5, 2019 and included a masterclass with former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
The Centennial Reunion
The Ford School celebrated 100 years of policy impact, October 31-November 1, 2014 with a commemorative Policy Talks lecture with Steven Levitt, Open House, Deans' Panel, and tailgate and football game at the Big House. Alumni, faculty, staff, and Ford School friends enjoyed two memorable days, which served as the culmination of the Ford School's centennial year celebration. Learn more about the centennial celebrations.
