As part of the continued Centennial Celebrations for President Gerald R. Ford, former First Ladies Barbara Bush & Laura Bush visited Grand Rapids to help commemorate Betty Ford’s 95th Birthday during the America’s First Ladies Conference.

President Ford wanted to recognize and encourage thoughtful, insightful, and enterprising work by journalists. The 2013 Awards for Reporting on the Presidency and on National Defense continue that tradition. Corinne Reilly was presented with the 2012 award by Chris Matthews and Steve Ford.

On November 9th, The Foundation’s board of trustees met with area business and community leaders to share a vision aimed at creating global access to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum’s and Library’s exhibits and documents through the funding of a $15 million dollar capital campaign.

One of President Ford’s greatest strengths as a leader was his self-confidence and sense of security around others. The advisers he appointed included a large number of extremely bright, capable people who would go on after the Ford administration to render further outstanding services and successes.