Ann Arbor, MI, October 22, 2026 – The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library is pleased to welcome author Kathleen Kornahrens who will present a one-hour program on her book “Bring Me Men…” Brought Women: Marching with the First Female Cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy, on November 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the library, 1000 Beal Ave., Ann Arbor, MI. Over fifty years ago, a groundbreaking moment changed the course of history. On October 7, 1975, President Gerald Ford signed Public Law 94-106, opening enrollment to women at US service academies.

Half a century later, Kathleen Kornahrens will tell of her experience as a member of the first class to include women at the US Air Force Academy. Colonel Gail Colvin, USAF (Ret.) will join her as they examine the legacy of President Ford's signature.

“One of President Ford's greatest legacies is his support of women, and I'm so pleased the Ford Library & Museum is hosting this program to commemorate this fact,” said Brooke Clement, Director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum. Kathleen Utley Kornahrens is one of only 97 women who graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy’s first co-ed class in 1980. She served in the active-duty Air Force as a Computer Systems Development Officer. She continued in service as a teacher and
community volunteer.

Col. Gail Benjamin Colvin, USAF (Ret) graduated in the U.S. Air Force Academy’s first co-ed class. She served for 30 years in the active-duty Air Force in various roles. She currently serves as the Academy’s Chief of Staff. Following the program, there will be a book signing and dessert reception. The event is free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged: www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov/events

About the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum Opened to the public in April 1981, the Gerald R. Ford Library houses archival materials on the life, career, and presidency of Gerald Ford, the president of the United States from 1974 to 1977. Visitors are invited to explore free, temporary exhibits and programs. Part of the presidential library system of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), a federal agency, the Ford Library is located on the north campus of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. The Gerald R. Ford Museum, located in downtown Grand Rapids, allows visitors to experience highlights from the lives of President Gerald Ford, the 38th President of the United States (1974–1977), and his wife, Betty Ford. For more information, visit www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov.

About the National Archives the National Archives and Records Administration is the nation's record keeper. It safeguards and manages the official records of the U.S. Government, ensuring the documentation of our nation's history. For more information, visit www.archives.gov. About the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation fosters increased awareness of the life, career, values and legacy of America’s 38th President. It does so through activities designed to promote the high ideals of integrity, honesty, and candor that defined President Ford’s extraordinary career of public service. The Foundation promotes the ideals, values, commitment to public service and historical legacy of President Gerald R. Ford and further promotes greater civic engagement and recognition of integrity wherever it exists in the public arena. It supports permanent and changing exhibits designed to promote historical literacy; conferences; educational outreach and other programs, both scholarly and popular.