Growing up as the president’s son has its perks, and so does be a Hollywood actor. For those who have wondered what it would be like to live in America’s spotlight, Steven Ford will give the inside details of what life is like as a White House resident and as a Hollywood star.
Ford, a teenager when his father became the 38th president of the United States, will share his insights on leadership in his talk “Learning Leadership from the President” at the Union College Leadership Symposium held during chapel time on Tuesday, September 22.
His life in the public eye has given Ford a unique perspective, and as a motivational speaker, he believes in the inspirational power of family values, integrity, and character.
Ford enlivens his speeches with personal experiences, including details of living through the Nixon pardon and overcoming alcoholism, humorous anecdotes revolving around his ten Secret Service Agents, and details about life as a movie star. People are shaped by stories, and Ford’s, with the ups, downs, and in-betweens, helps positively shape his audience.
An actor for 20 years, Ford appears in more than 30 films including hits such as Black Hawk Down, Contact, Heat, Armageddon, Eraser, Starship Troopers, When Harry Met Sally and many television appearances on popular TV shows such as J.A.G., Suddenly Susan, Walker—Texas Ranger and Dr. Quinn—Medicine Woman.
The former president’s son is no newcomer to Nebraska. His father was actually born in Omaha. Despite still having ties to the Cornhusker State, Ford is only now embarking on his first visit to the College View community and Union College campus.
In his talk, Ford will share anecdotes about living in the White House, inside stories and examples from his life focusing on character and leadership, and his personal struggle with alcoholism.
Now sober for 22 years, Ford recounts how his battle with alcoholism impacted him and how he came to a point when he needed to rethink his life. With the grace of God and the 12-step program, Ford underwent a life changing transformation.
“I always like the audience to walk away and rethink their lives, to challenge themselves,” Ford explained. He hopes his audiences are inspired to take charge of their lives and become the heroes of their own personal stories.
Ford visits prisons, halfway houses, and other public service establishments to share his story and a lesson his parents shared with him. “A lesson my parents taught me is you add more value to your life by service to others,” he explained.
Ford also serves on the board of trustees for the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation.
The Leadership Symposium will take place in
By Stefani Leeper, student writer