GERALD FOR
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By ANDREW GROSSMAN
Daily StaffReporter
University alum and former
President Gerald Ford, who sought
to restore trust in the presidency
in the aftermath of one of the most
scandal-ridden administrations
in American history,; died at his
home in Rancho Mirage, Calif. on
Dec. 26. He was 93.
When asked in 1995 what his
greatest accomplishment was as
president, Ford said it was "heal-
ing America."
And heal America he did. Ford's
honest Midwestern demeanor
calmed a nation beset by a deep
unease after the traumas of Viet-
nam and Watergate.
Ford was never elected to the
presidency or vice presidency.
us aium
)t his roots
It was Ford's first experience
with alcohol.
Ford was also a member of
Michigamua, the elite senior soci-
ety. He would continue to partici-
pate in the society as an alum, even
during and after his presidency.
Ford turned down offers to play
for the Green Bay Packers and the
Detroit Lions after graduation.
Instead, he headed east to Yale
University, where he was an assis-
tant football coach and student at
the law school.
After serving in the Navy dur-
ing World War II, Ford returned
to Grand Rapids and opened a law
firm. He was elected to Congress
from Michigan's 5th District in
1948, a seat he held until assuming
the vice presidency.
Ford remained close to the Uni-
versity throughout his life.
He spoke at the University's
commencement ceremony in
May 1974 and kicked off his re-
election campaign in September
1976 in front of a crowd of more
than 15,000 at Crisler Arena. He
returned to Ann Arbor to speak at
forums and conferences through-
out his retirement.
Since 1977. Ford has held the
1976 election
Now, the p
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TAKING A
SECOND LOOK
The evolution of
the Daily's views
of Ford
Page 4C