Congratulations to all of this year’s high school and collegiate graduates! 

In June of 1975, President Gerald Ford was a proud parent as his daughter Susan graduated from the all-girls high school Holton-Arms. The President gave the commencement address at the Holton graduation ceremony on June 5.

While at Holton, Susan’s favorite subjects were English and Biology, and she also had an interest in photography. She graduated with a B average and had some advice for her father’s commencement speech. Susan recommended that the President not talk too long, tell any jokes, or talk about her or his life at her age.

President Ford disobeyed one of Susan’s suggestions, opening his remarks with a joke referencing his notorious Air Force One stumble. “I may have slipped and tumbled down those steps in Salzburg, Austria, last week,” he said, “but today I assure you I’m walking on clouds.” 

Ford continued his speech with a more serious tone, noting the changing times of the 1970s: “As young women, you are coming of age in an exciting time. You have options now open to you that until recently were closed. Several of you will attend formerly all male universities. Some will choose careers once reserved for men only. Others will pioneer in fields opened up by our advancing technology. But all of you will have more freedom than ever to pursue new opportunities and new challenges.”

Journalists were onsite to document the graduation ceremony, and news coverage noted that President Ford had tears in his eyes as Susan received her diploma. 

Author: Lauren White