[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 128 (Wednesday, September 17, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1829]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CELEBRATING THE SITE DEDICATION OF THE GERALD R. FORD SCHOOL OF PUBLIC 
                                 POLICY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 17, 2003

  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the site 
dedication of the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the 
University of Michigan, which is located in my district.
  This University has always been at the vanguard of education, 
research, and preparing the best minds in the nation to confront the 
problems of this world. In 1916 the Institute of Public Administration 
was founded as one of the first schools to prepare students for the 
challenges of the public sector. It was reorganized as the Institute of 
Public Policy in 1968, and the curriculum expanded to include economic 
analysis, political science and quantitative methods. In 1995, the 
Institute was reestablished as an independent school within the 
University of Michigan--the School of Public Policy, which was renamed 
for my dear friend President Gerald R. Ford in 1999. President Ford is 
the only U.S. President from Michigan and the only president to 
graduate from this University. He took office at a dark hour in our 
nation's history and restored its faith in the Presidency through his 
wisdom, his courage, and his integrity.
  The Ford School is guided by the expertise of Dean Rebecca M. Blank, 
a former advisor to President Clinton. She leads a small, close-knit 
community that fosters academic rigor, intellectual curiosity, and 
vigorous debate. Regular luncheon meetings and special presentations 
draw people together for discussion of pressing policy problems. A wide 
range of student activities--from soccer teams to lecture series--
creates a lively and energetic environment. Students serve on all 
decision-making committees and play an important role in Ford School 
governance.
  Public policy is a multidisciplinary field and the Ford School is 
home to several multidisciplinary research centers. The Center for 
Local, State, and Urban Policy Research (CLOSUP) and the National 
Poverty Research Center are housed at the Ford School. Their work gives 
policy makers, from Lansing to Washington, DC, accurate analysis and 
innovative ideas on society's most pressing problems.
  Most importantly, this school prepares our nation's leaders. It takes 
the best minds from across the country and helps to focus their 
energies to making this world a better place. This school seeks 
solutions to our most intractable problems, and ennobles those who have 
the calling of patriotism, selflessness, and leadership. It is a 
testament to our great state, our great university, and our great 
former president, Gerald Ford.
  Mr. Speaker, the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy is a 
tremendous asset both to the University and the state of Michigan. I 
ask that you and all of my colleagues rise to congratulate the school 
on this important event.

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