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
a group of people gathered to celebrate ford school spirit day 2025

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.

A group of fans at a University of Michigan event gather for a group selfie, with a person in the foreground holding out a phone. Everyone is wearing casual clothing, many sporting school colors and logos. A "Go Blue" banner is visible in the scene.
Featured event

2026 Homecoming

Oct 16-17, 2026, All Day
Weill Hall, Michigan Stadium
Purchase Homecoming football tickets in the Ford School section by July 1. 
Learn more
Photo of a crowd walking into Michigan Stadium.
Three graduates in academic regalia, smiling joyfully during a graduation ceremony. The person in the center wears a black cap and gown adorned with a colorful stole, flanked by two individuals, one also in cap and gown and the other in a formal blue outfit.
Student support

Donate to the student support fund

Your continued support makes this exceptional education and training possible for all students. Any amount helps!
Donate now
Students and alumni networking at the Ford School's DC trip
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
Photo of students participating in an eviction policy & design workshop
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
The Career Services team at the 2025 DC Trip

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.
four students celebrating in their graduation robes
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.
Learn more
Three graduates in academic regalia, smiling joyfully during a graduation ceremony. The person in the center wears a black cap and gown adorned with a colorful stole, flanked by two individuals, one also in cap and gown and the other in a formal blue outfit.
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.
View the full story
Undergrad at the 2025 DC Trip
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.
View the photos
Naomi Goldberg
“ Alumni giving sends a strong message to students and prospective students: that we’re committed to the school and that we value the education we received.

Naomi Goldberg (MPP '08), former Alumni Board Chair

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