Alumni & friends | Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy

Alumni & friends

A connected community to each other, and to the world.

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A powerful network, a shared vision

Our alumni bring it all—their vision, passion, and knowledge—to the next generation of policy leaders by joining panel discussions, sharing professional achievements, providing career advice, conducting mock interviews, critiquing student resumes, hosting interns, hiring graduates, and more.

And we encourage alumni to continue their own professional development and learning through networking with each other, taking part in Ford School events, like PolicyTalks that "take them back to the classroom," and workshops and services offered by the U-M Alumni Association.

This summer, connect with alumni and students.

Jim Mcintire

Staebler Award

Nominate an outstanding Ford School alum

Do you know of a Ford School graduate whose leadership, service, and impact deserve recognition? Submit a nomination for the Neil Staebler Distinguished Alumni Service Award by June 19.
Nominate an alum
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Ford School Spirit Day

Save the date for the 16th annual Worldwide Ford School Spirit Day on July 9! 

Each July, our Ford School community of alums, students, faculty, staff, and friends around the world gather near President Ford's birthday (July 14!) to socialize, network, and most importantly, celebrate what binds us together - our shared Ford School experiences. Find an event near you.

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Student support

Donate to the student support fund

Your continued support makes this exceptional education and training possible for all students. Any amount helps!
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Student support

Sign up to connect

Be a resource for students to expand their networks. Sign up to provide guidance and advice to students by doing office hours.
Fill out the form to sign up for office hours
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Student support

Hiring?

If your organization is hiring (for an internship, early, mid, or senior talent), please share that via our LinkedIn group or email [email protected].
Ongoing support for alumni

Are you looking for career resources and support after a job transition or loss?

1. Check out the continually updated Alumni Career Resources document.
2. Reach out to the Career Services team by email at [email protected].
3. Join virtual Alumni Drop-in hours (information and link in the Resources Doc).
Alumni Career Resources, Spring-Summer 2026

Active alumni

650

Alumni engage with students, give, and attend events in 2026.

Alumni gifts

511

Gifts made from July 2025-May 2026 from 208 donors.
Commencement

“Be courageous”: the Ford School celebrates the Classes of 2026

More than 170 graduates crossed the stage at Hill Auditorium on May 3, marking a milestone moment for the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy Classes of 2026.
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Community

An aMAIZE-ing day of giving

On March 18, the Ford School community raised more than $75,000 to support Ford School students as part of U-M's annual Giving Blueday celebration.
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Community

Connecting in DC

Over 80 undergraduate and graduate students traveled to Washington, DC, for the Ford School's annual Career Exploration Days, bringing together current and future generations of policymakers for lively conversations about the policy landscape and professional opportunities. 100+ DC-area alumni attended the policy talk with Samuel Bagenstos on the topic of Congressional power.
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