Past Events
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October 8 Thursday
Ann Arbor, MI - 11:00am
The Strategist: Brent Scowcroft and the Call of National Security
: Professor Bartholomew Sparrow spoke to an attentive audience at the Library on his new biography of Brent Scowcroft, a much admired and respected national security adviser and strategist, entitled The Strategist: Brent Scowcroft and the Call of National Security. In his talk, Professor Sparrow shared insights about Scowcroft's family background, educational achievements, military service, and personal traits that allowed him to rise to the highest levels of government and succeed as a trusted aide and confidant to several Presidents and national security adviser under Presidents Gerald R. Ford and George H.W. Bush. Bartholomew Sparrow is Professor of Government at the University of Texas at Austin. He received a Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation Research Travel Grant in 2008, which he used to conduct research at the Library for his Scowcroft biography. -
Ann Arbor, MI - 11:00am
The Strategist: Brent Scowcroft and the Call of National Security
: Professor Bartholomew Sparrow spoke to an attentive audience at the Library on his new biography of Brent Scowcroft, a much admired and respected national security adviser and strategist, entitled The Strategist: Brent Scowcroft and the Call of National Security. In his talk, Professor Sparrow shared insights about Scowcroft's family background, educational achievements, military service, and personal traits that allowed him to rise to the highest levels of government and succeed as a trusted aide and confidant to several Presidents and national security adviser under Presidents Gerald R. Ford and George H.W. Bush. Bartholomew Sparrow is Professor of Government at the University of Texas at Austin. He received a Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation Research Travel Grant in 2008, which he used to conduct research at the Library for his Scowcroft biography.
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May 20 Wednesday
Online - 3:00pm
Al From What’s Missing in Presidential Politics?
Al From is founder of the Democratic Leadership Council and considered by many to be one of the countrys leading political strategists. He spoke at both the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum this spring on political strategy in general and his book, The New Democrats and the Return to Power. Red Cavaney, chairman of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, joined Mr. From in a fascinating discussion of presidential campaign philosophy, political polarization, the often unheard middle, and moving forward with political courage. -
Online - 3:00pm
Al From What’s Missing in Presidential Politics?
Al From is founder of the Democratic Leadership Council and considered by many to be one of the countrys leading political strategists. He spoke at both the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum this spring on political strategy in general and his book, The New Democrats and the Return to Power. Red Cavaney, chairman of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, joined Mr. From in a fascinating discussion of presidential campaign philosophy, political polarization, the often unheard middle, and moving forward with political courage. -
Online - 1:00pm
Al From What’s Missing in Presidential Politics?
Al From is founder of the Democratic Leadership Council and considered by many to be one of the countrys leading political strategists. He spoke at both the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum this spring on political strategy in general and his book, The New Democrats and the Return to Power. Red Cavaney, chairman of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, joined Mr. From in a fascinating discussion of presidential campaign philosophy, political polarization, the often unheard middle, and moving forward with political courage. -
Online - 1:00pm
Al From What’s Missing in Presidential Politics?
Al From is founder of the Democratic Leadership Council and considered by many to be one of the countrys leading political strategists. He spoke at both the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum this spring on political strategy in general and his book, The New Democrats and the Return to Power. Red Cavaney, chairman of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, joined Mr. From in a fascinating discussion of presidential campaign philosophy, political polarization, the often unheard middle, and moving forward with political courage. -
Online - 11:00am
Al From What’s Missing in Presidential Politics?
Al From is founder of the Democratic Leadership Council and considered by many to be one of the countrys leading political strategists. He spoke at both the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum this spring on political strategy in general and his book, The New Democrats and the Return to Power. Red Cavaney, chairman of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, joined Mr. From in a fascinating discussion of presidential campaign philosophy, political polarization, the often unheard middle, and moving forward with political courage. -
Online - 11:00am
Al From What’s Missing in Presidential Politics?
Al From is founder of the Democratic Leadership Council and considered by many to be one of the countrys leading political strategists. He spoke at both the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum this spring on political strategy in general and his book, The New Democrats and the Return to Power. Red Cavaney, chairman of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, joined Mr. From in a fascinating discussion of presidential campaign philosophy, political polarization, the often unheard middle, and moving forward with political courage.
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May 6 Wednesday
Grand Rapids, MI - 3:00pm
Ken Walsh Celebrity in Chief: A History of the Presidents and the Culture of Stardom
A familiar face was seen at both the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum in May. Ken Walsh, White House Correspondent for U.S. News and World Report, Gerald R. Ford Journalism Prize winner, and author of numerous books on the presidency and life in the White House, made a return visit to Michigan. He spoke in both Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor about his most recent book, Celebrity in Chief: A History of the Presidents and the Culture of Stardom. Following each program, Mr. Walsh signed his book and visited with guests. -
Grand Rapids, MI - 3:00pm
Ken Walsh Celebrity in Chief: A History of the Presidents and the Culture of Stardom
A familiar face was seen at both the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum in May. Ken Walsh, White House Correspondent for U.S. News and World Report, Gerald R. Ford Journalism Prize winner, and author of numerous books on the presidency and life in the White House, made a return visit to Michigan. He spoke in both Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor about his most recent book, Celebrity in Chief: A History of the Presidents and the Culture of Stardom. Following each program, Mr. Walsh signed his book and visited with guests. -
Grand Rapids, MI - 1:00pm
Ken Walsh Celebrity in Chief: A History of the Presidents and the Culture of Stardom
A familiar face was seen at both the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum in May. Ken Walsh, White House Correspondent for U.S. News and World Report, Gerald R. Ford Journalism Prize winner, and author of numerous books on the presidency and life in the White House, made a return visit to Michigan. He spoke in both Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor about his most recent book, Celebrity in Chief: A History of the Presidents and the Culture of Stardom. Following each program, Mr. Walsh signed his book and visited with guests. -
Grand Rapids, MI - 1:00pm
Ken Walsh Celebrity in Chief: A History of the Presidents and the Culture of Stardom
A familiar face was seen at both the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum in May. Ken Walsh, White House Correspondent for U.S. News and World Report, Gerald R. Ford Journalism Prize winner, and author of numerous books on the presidency and life in the White House, made a return visit to Michigan. He spoke in both Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor about his most recent book, Celebrity in Chief: A History of the Presidents and the Culture of Stardom. Following each program, Mr. Walsh signed his book and visited with guests. -
Grand Rapids, MI - 11:00am
Ken Walsh Celebrity in Chief: A History of the Presidents and the Culture of Stardom
A familiar face was seen at both the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum in May. Ken Walsh, White House Correspondent for U.S. News and World Report, Gerald R. Ford Journalism Prize winner, and author of numerous books on the presidency and life in the White House, made a return visit to Michigan. He spoke in both Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor about his most recent book, Celebrity in Chief: A History of the Presidents and the Culture of Stardom. Following each program, Mr. Walsh signed his book and visited with guests. -
Grand Rapids, MI - 11:00am
Ken Walsh Celebrity in Chief: A History of the Presidents and the Culture of Stardom
A familiar face was seen at both the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum in May. Ken Walsh, White House Correspondent for U.S. News and World Report, Gerald R. Ford Journalism Prize winner, and author of numerous books on the presidency and life in the White House, made a return visit to Michigan. He spoke in both Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor about his most recent book, Celebrity in Chief: A History of the Presidents and the Culture of Stardom. Following each program, Mr. Walsh signed his book and visited with guests.
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April 30 Thursday
Grand Rapids, MI - 3:00pm
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 - 3:00pm
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 - 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 - 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.
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March 17 Tuesday
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).
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January 13 Tuesday
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.
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November 24 Monday
College Station, TX - 12:00am
Laughs and Love Highlight 2014 Vintner Dinner and Wine Auction
A night of raucous laughs provided by conservative comedic darling Dennis Miller, and love for the 41st President of the United States, George H.W. Bush, marked the annual fundraiser for George Bush Presidential Library Foundation held Thursday night.Three generations of Bush Family members, including President Bush, Barbara Bush, Neil Bush and his wife and son, Maria and Pierce Bush, packed the ballroom at the Royal Sonesta hotel for the Foundation's most successful event to date.Over a sumptuous meal paired with six world-class wines, guests including Senator Ted Cruz and wife Heidi, and former Houston Texans defensive coordinator Wade Phillips and his wife Laurie, paid tribute to President Bush and raised more than $650,000 for the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M and the Foundation.The annual Vintner Dinner and Wine Auction featured a variety of great wines in its silent and live auctions, including a one-of-a-kind 5-litre 2012 Kosta Browne Winery Gaps Crown Pinot Noir, etched with a silhouette of President and Mrs. Bush, luxurious excursions to Kennebunkport, ME, and Sonoma County, CA, and 41 bottles of exclusive Mot Hennessy Champagne. Dcor was provided by Richard Flowers and The Events Company.View Photos -
College Station, TX - 12:00am
Laughs and Love Highlight 2014 Vintner Dinner and Wine Auction
A night of raucous laughs provided by conservative comedic darling Dennis Miller, and love for the 41st President of the United States, George H.W. Bush, marked the annual fundraiser for George Bush Presidential Library Foundation held Thursday night.Three generations of Bush Family members, including President Bush, Barbara Bush, Neil Bush and his wife and son, Maria and Pierce Bush, packed the ballroom at the Royal Sonesta hotel for the Foundation's most successful event to date.Over a sumptuous meal paired with six world-class wines, guests including Senator Ted Cruz and wife Heidi, and former Houston Texans defensive coordinator Wade Phillips and his wife Laurie, paid tribute to President Bush and raised more than $650,000 for the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M and the Foundation.The annual Vintner Dinner and Wine Auction featured a variety of great wines in its silent and live auctions, including a one-of-a-kind 5-litre 2012 Kosta Browne Winery Gaps Crown Pinot Noir, etched with a silhouette of President and Mrs. Bush, luxurious excursions to Kennebunkport, ME, and Sonoma County, CA, and 41 bottles of exclusive Mot Hennessy Champagne. Dcor was provided by Richard Flowers and The Events Company.View Photos
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November 19 Wednesday
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.