2025 and then: Former President Gerald Ford spoke to Lipscomb students 40 years ago

It’s not every day a former president of the United States comes to speak to a group of students at a university. Still, for David Lipscomb College students on Nov. 4, 1985, that just so happened to be the case.

On Nov. 4, 1985, former President Gerald Ford spoke during a special 2 p.m. chapel service in McQuiddy Gymnasium at the invitation of Lipscomb donors Alvin and Sally Beaman. The entire Lipscomb community, including students from kindergarten through the graduate program, was in attendance.

Ford spoke to the students about his optimism in them and how he knew they would do great things in and for the future.

“Today’s young people will do better than their parents because the students are better educated, have a better outlook and better opportunities,” Ford said.

He spoke directly to the hopes and character of the students before him, offering messages of confidence in their generation.

“I honestly believe I know something about the quality of character of our younger generation during this decade,” he said. “So I can say to the older generations that I am proud of today’s college student.

“America is on the move,” he said. “There is a new dedication to spirit, to religious conviction, and dedication. And therefore, I am optimistic about the future of this country.”

Craig Bledsoe, director of the Ph.D. Leadership and Policy Studies Program, says he remembers that day and how it affected students then and today.

“He talked about the need to respect people’s opinions, and that’s a message that resonates true today,” Bledsoe said.

Bledsoe said that Ford spoke often to college students after his presidency.

“He spent a lot of time talking to campuses,” Bledsoe said. “He had a great deal of optimism about students in America, but also said we should continue to respect others’ beliefs,” Bledsoe said.

Bledsoe said that day for the students was exciting.

“It was great to have him, and it was a great opportunity for students. I was very excited for students to get to hear him speak, and I hope they were inspired.”