University of Michigan to host 'Life and Legacy of Betty Ford' at Rackham Auditorium

The University of Michigan is hosting a tribute to former first lady Betty Ford.

"The Life and Legacy of Betty Ford, a University of Michigan Celebration" takes place Thursday afternoon at Rackham Auditorium. The free event is open to the public.

Scheduled events include a keynote policy lecture by Susan G. Komen for the Cure's founder Nancy Brinker. School President Mary Sue Coleman and others will give remarks. And Miki Orihara of the Martha Graham Dance Company is scheduled to perform.

The tribute also will be streamed on the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy's website.

Betty Ford died in 2011. President Gerald Ford died in 2006. They lived in Rancho Mirage, Calif., for decades. Their hometown was Grand Rapids.