Grand Rapids, MI - 1:00pm

Creating a Culture of Excellence

Captain John Meier discussed many of the technical advances of the new Ford aircraft carrier and the new efficient interior design. He explained how the new ship will be able to launch aircraft more quickly while costing less to maintain, saving the Navy a projected $4 billion over the ship's 50-year life span.

Grand Rapids, MI - 11:00am

Creating a Culture of Excellence

Captain John Meier discussed many of the technical advances of the new Ford aircraft carrier and the new efficient interior design. He explained how the new ship will be able to launch aircraft more quickly while costing less to maintain, saving the Navy a projected $4 billion over the ship's 50-year life span.

Grand Rapids, MI - 11:00am

Creating a Culture of Excellence

Captain John Meier discussed many of the technical advances of the new Ford aircraft carrier and the new efficient interior design. He explained how the new ship will be able to launch aircraft more quickly while costing less to maintain, saving the Navy a projected $4 billion over the ship's 50-year life span.

Ann Arbor, MI - 3:00pm

Religion and Watergate

Religious historian David Holmes spoke to a rapt audience on Religion and Watergate: The Religious Faith and Practice of Richard M. Nixon and Gerald R. Ford. Professor Holmes recounted the events of Watergate that led to the resignation of Nixon and the rise of Ford to the presidency, and discussed Nixons childhood immersion in the Quaker religion and Fords strong and lifelong participation in the Episcopal church. David Holmes, the winner of numerous teaching awards, is Mason Professor of Religion Emeritus at the College of William & Mary. He is the author of The Faiths of the Postwar Presidents: From Truman to Obama (2012), and The Faiths of the Founding Fathers (2006).

Ann Arbor, MI - 3:00pm

Religion and Watergate

Religious historian David Holmes spoke to a rapt audience on Religion and Watergate: The Religious Faith and Practice of Richard M. Nixon and Gerald R. Ford. Professor Holmes recounted the events of Watergate that led to the resignation of Nixon and the rise of Ford to the presidency, and discussed Nixons childhood immersion in the Quaker religion and Fords strong and lifelong participation in the Episcopal church. David Holmes, the winner of numerous teaching awards, is Mason Professor of Religion Emeritus at the College of William & Mary. He is the author of The Faiths of the Postwar Presidents: From Truman to Obama (2012), and The Faiths of the Founding Fathers (2006).

Ann Arbor, MI - 1:00pm

Religion and Watergate

Religious historian David Holmes spoke to a rapt audience on Religion and Watergate: The Religious Faith and Practice of Richard M. Nixon and Gerald R. Ford. Professor Holmes recounted the events of Watergate that led to the resignation of Nixon and the rise of Ford to the presidency, and discussed Nixons childhood immersion in the Quaker religion and Fords strong and lifelong participation in the Episcopal church. David Holmes, the winner of numerous teaching awards, is Mason Professor of Religion Emeritus at the College of William & Mary. He is the author of The Faiths of the Postwar Presidents: From Truman to Obama (2012), and The Faiths of the Founding Fathers (2006).

Ann Arbor, MI - 1:00pm

Religion and Watergate

Religious historian David Holmes spoke to a rapt audience on Religion and Watergate: The Religious Faith and Practice of Richard M. Nixon and Gerald R. Ford. Professor Holmes recounted the events of Watergate that led to the resignation of Nixon and the rise of Ford to the presidency, and discussed Nixons childhood immersion in the Quaker religion and Fords strong and lifelong participation in the Episcopal church. David Holmes, the winner of numerous teaching awards, is Mason Professor of Religion Emeritus at the College of William & Mary. He is the author of The Faiths of the Postwar Presidents: From Truman to Obama (2012), and The Faiths of the Founding Fathers (2006).

Ann Arbor, MI - 11:00am

Religion and Watergate

Religious historian David Holmes spoke to a rapt audience on Religion and Watergate: The Religious Faith and Practice of Richard M. Nixon and Gerald R. Ford. Professor Holmes recounted the events of Watergate that led to the resignation of Nixon and the rise of Ford to the presidency, and discussed Nixons childhood immersion in the Quaker religion and Fords strong and lifelong participation in the Episcopal church. David Holmes, the winner of numerous teaching awards, is Mason Professor of Religion Emeritus at the College of William & Mary. He is the author of The Faiths of the Postwar Presidents: From Truman to Obama (2012), and The Faiths of the Founding Fathers (2006).

Ann Arbor, MI - 11:00am

Religion and Watergate

Religious historian David Holmes spoke to a rapt audience on Religion and Watergate: The Religious Faith and Practice of Richard M. Nixon and Gerald R. Ford. Professor Holmes recounted the events of Watergate that led to the resignation of Nixon and the rise of Ford to the presidency, and discussed Nixons childhood immersion in the Quaker religion and Fords strong and lifelong participation in the Episcopal church. David Holmes, the winner of numerous teaching awards, is Mason Professor of Religion Emeritus at the College of William & Mary. He is the author of The Faiths of the Postwar Presidents: From Truman to Obama (2012), and The Faiths of the Founding Fathers (2006).

Grand Rapids, MI - 3:00pm

King: A Reflection on the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

King: A Reflection on the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a combination of spirituals and writings commemorating the life of Dr. King, warmed up the auditorium on a cold February night in Grand Rapids. The piano, played by Stanley Waldon was a stunning accompaniment to the verbose voices of tenor Wally Tett, bass-baritone Daniel Washington and tenor George Shirley. Narration by playwright Sandra Seaton was interspersed with Shirley's performance. The program brought the audience through a musical journey of King's life. This program was underwritten by Hank and Liesel Meijer.

Grand Rapids, MI - 3:00pm

King: A Reflection on the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

King: A Reflection on the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a combination of spirituals and writings commemorating the life of Dr. King, warmed up the auditorium on a cold February night in Grand Rapids. The piano, played by Stanley Waldon was a stunning accompaniment to the verbose voices of tenor Wally Tett, bass-baritone Daniel Washington and tenor George Shirley. Narration by playwright Sandra Seaton was interspersed with Shirley's performance. The program brought the audience through a musical journey of King's life. This program was underwritten by Hank and Liesel Meijer.

Grand Rapids, MI - 1:00pm

King: A Reflection on the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

King: A Reflection on the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a combination of spirituals and writings commemorating the life of Dr. King, warmed up the auditorium on a cold February night in Grand Rapids. The piano, played by Stanley Waldon was a stunning accompaniment to the verbose voices of tenor Wally Tett, bass-baritone Daniel Washington and tenor George Shirley. Narration by playwright Sandra Seaton was interspersed with Shirley's performance. The program brought the audience through a musical journey of King's life. This program was underwritten by Hank and Liesel Meijer.

Grand Rapids, MI - 1:00pm

King: A Reflection on the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

King: A Reflection on the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a combination of spirituals and writings commemorating the life of Dr. King, warmed up the auditorium on a cold February night in Grand Rapids. The piano, played by Stanley Waldon was a stunning accompaniment to the verbose voices of tenor Wally Tett, bass-baritone Daniel Washington and tenor George Shirley. Narration by playwright Sandra Seaton was interspersed with Shirley's performance. The program brought the audience through a musical journey of King's life. This program was underwritten by Hank and Liesel Meijer.

Grand Rapids, MI - 11:00am

King: A Reflection on the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

King: A Reflection on the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a combination of spirituals and writings commemorating the life of Dr. King, warmed up the auditorium on a cold February night in Grand Rapids. The piano, played by Stanley Waldon was a stunning accompaniment to the verbose voices of tenor Wally Tett, bass-baritone Daniel Washington and tenor George Shirley. Narration by playwright Sandra Seaton was interspersed with Shirley's performance. The program brought the audience through a musical journey of King's life. This program was underwritten by Hank and Liesel Meijer.

Grand Rapids, MI - 11:00am

King: A Reflection on the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

King: A Reflection on the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a combination of spirituals and writings commemorating the life of Dr. King, warmed up the auditorium on a cold February night in Grand Rapids. The piano, played by Stanley Waldon was a stunning accompaniment to the verbose voices of tenor Wally Tett, bass-baritone Daniel Washington and tenor George Shirley. Narration by playwright Sandra Seaton was interspersed with Shirley's performance. The program brought the audience through a musical journey of King's life. This program was underwritten by Hank and Liesel Meijer.

Ann Arbor, MI - 3:00pm

Creating a Culture of Excellence – Captain John Meier, Commanding Officer, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78)

In a wide-ranging presentation at the Library, Captain John Meier discussed many of the technical advances of the new Ford aircraft carrier and the more efficient interior design within the same hull as the Nimitz class carriers. The new ship will be able to launch aircraft more quickly while costing less to maintain, saving the Navy a projected $4 billion over the ship's 50-year life span. Captain Meier spoke with enthusiasm and pride about the ship and the very great challenge of selecting and building the crew. He stressed that in selecting the crew, the content of their personal character is key, adding that one can teach skills, but character is core. He uses his leadership philosophy to shape every aspect of the culture of life on board, viewing himself as a steward of Americas sons and daughters.

Ann Arbor, MI - 3:00pm

Creating a Culture of Excellence – Captain John Meier, Commanding Officer, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78)

In a wide-ranging presentation at the Library, Captain John Meier discussed many of the technical advances of the new Ford aircraft carrier and the more efficient interior design within the same hull as the Nimitz class carriers. The new ship will be able to launch aircraft more quickly while costing less to maintain, saving the Navy a projected $4 billion over the ship's 50-year life span. Captain Meier spoke with enthusiasm and pride about the ship and the very great challenge of selecting and building the crew. He stressed that in selecting the crew, the content of their personal character is key, adding that one can teach skills, but character is core. He uses his leadership philosophy to shape every aspect of the culture of life on board, viewing himself as a steward of Americas sons and daughters.

Ann Arbor, MI - 1:00pm

Creating a Culture of Excellence – Captain John Meier, Commanding Officer, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78)

In a wide-ranging presentation at the Library, Captain John Meier discussed many of the technical advances of the new Ford aircraft carrier and the more efficient interior design within the same hull as the Nimitz class carriers. The new ship will be able to launch aircraft more quickly while costing less to maintain, saving the Navy a projected $4 billion over the ship's 50-year life span. Captain Meier spoke with enthusiasm and pride about the ship and the very great challenge of selecting and building the crew. He stressed that in selecting the crew, the content of their personal character is key, adding that one can teach skills, but character is core. He uses his leadership philosophy to shape every aspect of the culture of life on board, viewing himself as a steward of Americas sons and daughters.

Ann Arbor, MI - 1:00pm

Creating a Culture of Excellence – Captain John Meier, Commanding Officer, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78)

In a wide-ranging presentation at the Library, Captain John Meier discussed many of the technical advances of the new Ford aircraft carrier and the more efficient interior design within the same hull as the Nimitz class carriers. The new ship will be able to launch aircraft more quickly while costing less to maintain, saving the Navy a projected $4 billion over the ship's 50-year life span. Captain Meier spoke with enthusiasm and pride about the ship and the very great challenge of selecting and building the crew. He stressed that in selecting the crew, the content of their personal character is key, adding that one can teach skills, but character is core. He uses his leadership philosophy to shape every aspect of the culture of life on board, viewing himself as a steward of Americas sons and daughters.

Ann Arbor, MI - 11:00am

Creating a Culture of Excellence – Captain John Meier, Commanding Officer, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78)

In a wide-ranging presentation at the Library, Captain John Meier discussed many of the technical advances of the new Ford aircraft carrier and the more efficient interior design within the same hull as the Nimitz class carriers. The new ship will be able to launch aircraft more quickly while costing less to maintain, saving the Navy a projected $4 billion over the ship's 50-year life span. Captain Meier spoke with enthusiasm and pride about the ship and the very great challenge of selecting and building the crew. He stressed that in selecting the crew, the content of their personal character is key, adding that one can teach skills, but character is core. He uses his leadership philosophy to shape every aspect of the culture of life on board, viewing himself as a steward of Americas sons and daughters.

Ann Arbor, MI - 11:00am

Creating a Culture of Excellence – Captain John Meier, Commanding Officer, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78)

In a wide-ranging presentation at the Library, Captain John Meier discussed many of the technical advances of the new Ford aircraft carrier and the more efficient interior design within the same hull as the Nimitz class carriers. The new ship will be able to launch aircraft more quickly while costing less to maintain, saving the Navy a projected $4 billion over the ship's 50-year life span. Captain Meier spoke with enthusiasm and pride about the ship and the very great challenge of selecting and building the crew. He stressed that in selecting the crew, the content of their personal character is key, adding that one can teach skills, but character is core. He uses his leadership philosophy to shape every aspect of the culture of life on board, viewing himself as a steward of Americas sons and daughters.

Online - 3:00pm

Richard Norton Smith – On His Own Terms: A Life of Nelson Rockefeller Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor

Acclaimed historian, Richard Norton Smith, thrilled full houses as he shared story after story about Nelson Rockefeller, an heir to the famous Rockefeller fortune, flamboyant governor of New York, and ultimately President Gerald Fords Vice President. Talking about his spellbinding book: On His Own Terms: A Life of Nelson Rockefeller, Smith vividly captured the soaring optimism, polarizing politics and inner turmoil of one of the twentieth centurys most significant politicians, businessmen, and philanthropists. Richard Norton Smith is the former Director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum. Smith was a eulogist at funeral services of Gerald R. Ford and Betty Ford. He also served as a White House intern during the Presidency of Gerald R. Ford.

Online - 3:00pm

Richard Norton Smith – On His Own Terms: A Life of Nelson Rockefeller Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor

Acclaimed historian, Richard Norton Smith, thrilled full houses as he shared story after story about Nelson Rockefeller, an heir to the famous Rockefeller fortune, flamboyant governor of New York, and ultimately President Gerald Fords Vice President. Talking about his spellbinding book: On His Own Terms: A Life of Nelson Rockefeller, Smith vividly captured the soaring optimism, polarizing politics and inner turmoil of one of the twentieth centurys most significant politicians, businessmen, and philanthropists. Richard Norton Smith is the former Director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum. Smith was a eulogist at funeral services of Gerald R. Ford and Betty Ford. He also served as a White House intern during the Presidency of Gerald R. Ford.

Online - 1:00pm

Richard Norton Smith – On His Own Terms: A Life of Nelson Rockefeller Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor

Acclaimed historian, Richard Norton Smith, thrilled full houses as he shared story after story about Nelson Rockefeller, an heir to the famous Rockefeller fortune, flamboyant governor of New York, and ultimately President Gerald Fords Vice President. Talking about his spellbinding book: On His Own Terms: A Life of Nelson Rockefeller, Smith vividly captured the soaring optimism, polarizing politics and inner turmoil of one of the twentieth centurys most significant politicians, businessmen, and philanthropists. Richard Norton Smith is the former Director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum. Smith was a eulogist at funeral services of Gerald R. Ford and Betty Ford. He also served as a White House intern during the Presidency of Gerald R. Ford.

Online - 1:00pm

Richard Norton Smith – On His Own Terms: A Life of Nelson Rockefeller Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor

Acclaimed historian, Richard Norton Smith, thrilled full houses as he shared story after story about Nelson Rockefeller, an heir to the famous Rockefeller fortune, flamboyant governor of New York, and ultimately President Gerald Fords Vice President. Talking about his spellbinding book: On His Own Terms: A Life of Nelson Rockefeller, Smith vividly captured the soaring optimism, polarizing politics and inner turmoil of one of the twentieth centurys most significant politicians, businessmen, and philanthropists. Richard Norton Smith is the former Director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum. Smith was a eulogist at funeral services of Gerald R. Ford and Betty Ford. He also served as a White House intern during the Presidency of Gerald R. Ford.

Online - 11:00am

Richard Norton Smith – On His Own Terms: A Life of Nelson Rockefeller Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor

Acclaimed historian, Richard Norton Smith, thrilled full houses as he shared story after story about Nelson Rockefeller, an heir to the famous Rockefeller fortune, flamboyant governor of New York, and ultimately President Gerald Fords Vice President. Talking about his spellbinding book: On His Own Terms: A Life of Nelson Rockefeller, Smith vividly captured the soaring optimism, polarizing politics and inner turmoil of one of the twentieth centurys most significant politicians, businessmen, and philanthropists. Richard Norton Smith is the former Director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum. Smith was a eulogist at funeral services of Gerald R. Ford and Betty Ford. He also served as a White House intern during the Presidency of Gerald R. Ford.

Online - 11:00am

Richard Norton Smith – On His Own Terms: A Life of Nelson Rockefeller Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor

Acclaimed historian, Richard Norton Smith, thrilled full houses as he shared story after story about Nelson Rockefeller, an heir to the famous Rockefeller fortune, flamboyant governor of New York, and ultimately President Gerald Fords Vice President. Talking about his spellbinding book: On His Own Terms: A Life of Nelson Rockefeller, Smith vividly captured the soaring optimism, polarizing politics and inner turmoil of one of the twentieth centurys most significant politicians, businessmen, and philanthropists. Richard Norton Smith is the former Director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum. Smith was a eulogist at funeral services of Gerald R. Ford and Betty Ford. He also served as a White House intern during the Presidency of Gerald R. Ford.

Online - 3:00pm

Richard Norton Smith – On His Own Terms: A Life of Nelson Rockefeller Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor

Acclaimed historian, Richard Norton Smith, thrilled full houses as he shared story after story about Nelson Rockefeller, an heir to the famous Rockefeller fortune, flamboyant governor of New York, and ultimately President Gerald Fords Vice President. Talking about his spellbinding book: On His Own Terms: A Life of Nelson Rockefeller, Smith vividly captured the soaring optimism, polarizing politics and inner turmoil of one of the twentieth centurys most significant politicians, businessmen, and philanthropists. Richard Norton Smith is the former Director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum. Smith was a eulogist at funeral services of Gerald R. Ford and Betty Ford. He also served as a White House intern during the Presidency of Gerald R. Ford.

Online - 3:00pm

Richard Norton Smith – On His Own Terms: A Life of Nelson Rockefeller Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor

Acclaimed historian, Richard Norton Smith, thrilled full houses as he shared story after story about Nelson Rockefeller, an heir to the famous Rockefeller fortune, flamboyant governor of New York, and ultimately President Gerald Fords Vice President. Talking about his spellbinding book: On His Own Terms: A Life of Nelson Rockefeller, Smith vividly captured the soaring optimism, polarizing politics and inner turmoil of one of the twentieth centurys most significant politicians, businessmen, and philanthropists. Richard Norton Smith is the former Director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum. Smith was a eulogist at funeral services of Gerald R. Ford and Betty Ford. He also served as a White House intern during the Presidency of Gerald R. Ford.

Online - 1:00pm

Richard Norton Smith – On His Own Terms: A Life of Nelson Rockefeller Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor

Acclaimed historian, Richard Norton Smith, thrilled full houses as he shared story after story about Nelson Rockefeller, an heir to the famous Rockefeller fortune, flamboyant governor of New York, and ultimately President Gerald Fords Vice President. Talking about his spellbinding book: On His Own Terms: A Life of Nelson Rockefeller, Smith vividly captured the soaring optimism, polarizing politics and inner turmoil of one of the twentieth centurys most significant politicians, businessmen, and philanthropists. Richard Norton Smith is the former Director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum. Smith was a eulogist at funeral services of Gerald R. Ford and Betty Ford. He also served as a White House intern during the Presidency of Gerald R. Ford.

Online - 1:00pm

Richard Norton Smith – On His Own Terms: A Life of Nelson Rockefeller Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor

Acclaimed historian, Richard Norton Smith, thrilled full houses as he shared story after story about Nelson Rockefeller, an heir to the famous Rockefeller fortune, flamboyant governor of New York, and ultimately President Gerald Fords Vice President. Talking about his spellbinding book: On His Own Terms: A Life of Nelson Rockefeller, Smith vividly captured the soaring optimism, polarizing politics and inner turmoil of one of the twentieth centurys most significant politicians, businessmen, and philanthropists. Richard Norton Smith is the former Director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum. Smith was a eulogist at funeral services of Gerald R. Ford and Betty Ford. He also served as a White House intern during the Presidency of Gerald R. Ford.

Online - 11:00am

Richard Norton Smith – On His Own Terms: A Life of Nelson Rockefeller Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor

Acclaimed historian, Richard Norton Smith, thrilled full houses as he shared story after story about Nelson Rockefeller, an heir to the famous Rockefeller fortune, flamboyant governor of New York, and ultimately President Gerald Fords Vice President. Talking about his spellbinding book: On His Own Terms: A Life of Nelson Rockefeller, Smith vividly captured the soaring optimism, polarizing politics and inner turmoil of one of the twentieth centurys most significant politicians, businessmen, and philanthropists. Richard Norton Smith is the former Director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum. Smith was a eulogist at funeral services of Gerald R. Ford and Betty Ford. He also served as a White House intern during the Presidency of Gerald R. Ford.

Online - 11:00am

Richard Norton Smith – On His Own Terms: A Life of Nelson Rockefeller Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor

Acclaimed historian, Richard Norton Smith, thrilled full houses as he shared story after story about Nelson Rockefeller, an heir to the famous Rockefeller fortune, flamboyant governor of New York, and ultimately President Gerald Fords Vice President. Talking about his spellbinding book: On His Own Terms: A Life of Nelson Rockefeller, Smith vividly captured the soaring optimism, polarizing politics and inner turmoil of one of the twentieth centurys most significant politicians, businessmen, and philanthropists. Richard Norton Smith is the former Director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum. Smith was a eulogist at funeral services of Gerald R. Ford and Betty Ford. He also served as a White House intern during the Presidency of Gerald R. Ford.

Ann Arbor, MI - 3:00pm

President Ford’s Pardon of Richard M. Nixon: a 40-Year Retrospective

Ken Gormley, Dean of Law at Duquesne University recounted the gripping story of President Fords unexpected pardon of Richard Nixon, revealing facts that are largely unknown to history. Sharing these facts, Gormley adds that, indeed, those who questioned President Fords decision may reevaluate that assessment. The program included clips of Benton Becker, who served as Special Counsel to President Ford and was personally sent by Ford to California to negotiate the terms of the Pardon with Richard Nixon. The evening also featured a special Tom Brokaw recollection piece about this dramatic moment in American history, and Gormleys own filmed interview with President Ford. This interview, occurring several years before Fords death, included the former president discussing his reasons for pardoning Nixon, knowing that it might cause him to lose the presidency in 1976. These dramatic events formed the subject of an informative and fascinating discussion.

Ann Arbor, MI - 3:00pm

President Ford’s Pardon of Richard M. Nixon: a 40-Year Retrospective

Ken Gormley, Dean of Law at Duquesne University recounted the gripping story of President Fords unexpected pardon of Richard Nixon, revealing facts that are largely unknown to history. Sharing these facts, Gormley adds that, indeed, those who questioned President Fords decision may reevaluate that assessment. The program included clips of Benton Becker, who served as Special Counsel to President Ford and was personally sent by Ford to California to negotiate the terms of the Pardon with Richard Nixon. The evening also featured a special Tom Brokaw recollection piece about this dramatic moment in American history, and Gormleys own filmed interview with President Ford. This interview, occurring several years before Fords death, included the former president discussing his reasons for pardoning Nixon, knowing that it might cause him to lose the presidency in 1976. These dramatic events formed the subject of an informative and fascinating discussion.

Ann Arbor, MI - 1:00pm

President Ford’s Pardon of Richard M. Nixon: a 40-Year Retrospective

Ken Gormley, Dean of Law at Duquesne University recounted the gripping story of President Fords unexpected pardon of Richard Nixon, revealing facts that are largely unknown to history. Sharing these facts, Gormley adds that, indeed, those who questioned President Fords decision may reevaluate that assessment. The program included clips of Benton Becker, who served as Special Counsel to President Ford and was personally sent by Ford to California to negotiate the terms of the Pardon with Richard Nixon. The evening also featured a special Tom Brokaw recollection piece about this dramatic moment in American history, and Gormleys own filmed interview with President Ford. This interview, occurring several years before Fords death, included the former president discussing his reasons for pardoning Nixon, knowing that it might cause him to lose the presidency in 1976. These dramatic events formed the subject of an informative and fascinating discussion.

Ann Arbor, MI - 1:00pm

President Ford’s Pardon of Richard M. Nixon: a 40-Year Retrospective

Ken Gormley, Dean of Law at Duquesne University recounted the gripping story of President Fords unexpected pardon of Richard Nixon, revealing facts that are largely unknown to history. Sharing these facts, Gormley adds that, indeed, those who questioned President Fords decision may reevaluate that assessment. The program included clips of Benton Becker, who served as Special Counsel to President Ford and was personally sent by Ford to California to negotiate the terms of the Pardon with Richard Nixon. The evening also featured a special Tom Brokaw recollection piece about this dramatic moment in American history, and Gormleys own filmed interview with President Ford. This interview, occurring several years before Fords death, included the former president discussing his reasons for pardoning Nixon, knowing that it might cause him to lose the presidency in 1976. These dramatic events formed the subject of an informative and fascinating discussion.

Ann Arbor, MI - 11:00am

President Ford’s Pardon of Richard M. Nixon: a 40-Year Retrospective

Ken Gormley, Dean of Law at Duquesne University recounted the gripping story of President Fords unexpected pardon of Richard Nixon, revealing facts that are largely unknown to history. Sharing these facts, Gormley adds that, indeed, those who questioned President Fords decision may reevaluate that assessment. The program included clips of Benton Becker, who served as Special Counsel to President Ford and was personally sent by Ford to California to negotiate the terms of the Pardon with Richard Nixon. The evening also featured a special Tom Brokaw recollection piece about this dramatic moment in American history, and Gormleys own filmed interview with President Ford. This interview, occurring several years before Fords death, included the former president discussing his reasons for pardoning Nixon, knowing that it might cause him to lose the presidency in 1976. These dramatic events formed the subject of an informative and fascinating discussion.

Ann Arbor, MI - 11:00am

President Ford’s Pardon of Richard M. Nixon: a 40-Year Retrospective

Ken Gormley, Dean of Law at Duquesne University recounted the gripping story of President Fords unexpected pardon of Richard Nixon, revealing facts that are largely unknown to history. Sharing these facts, Gormley adds that, indeed, those who questioned President Fords decision may reevaluate that assessment. The program included clips of Benton Becker, who served as Special Counsel to President Ford and was personally sent by Ford to California to negotiate the terms of the Pardon with Richard Nixon. The evening also featured a special Tom Brokaw recollection piece about this dramatic moment in American history, and Gormleys own filmed interview with President Ford. This interview, occurring several years before Fords death, included the former president discussing his reasons for pardoning Nixon, knowing that it might cause him to lose the presidency in 1976. These dramatic events formed the subject of an informative and fascinating discussion.

Ann Arbor, MI - 3:00pm

Howard Willens

The Library presented its first public program of the fall season, featuring Howard Willens, former Warren Commission staff member and author of History Will Prove Us Right: Inside the Warren Commission Report on the Assassination of John F. Kennedy,published in 2013. Then-Congressman Gerald Ford was one of the seven members of the Commission, appointed by President Lyndon Johnson. Of the many books written about the Kennedy assassination, Willens' book is the only one written about the Commission by someone who was part of the three-person management team that supervised the largest criminal investigation ever conducted in the United States. His book is based on extensive personal journal entries made during the course of their investigation, and provides a unique perspective that illustrates the Commission's processes and deliberations. The program, which commemorated the 50th anniversary of the issuance of the Warren Commission Report on September 25, 1964, held a full house audience in rapt attention as Mr. Willens detailed the thoroughness of the Commission's work.