Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics facts for kids
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| Established | 2003 |
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Academic affiliation
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University of Kansas |
| Director | Audrey Coleman |
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U.S.
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The Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics, often called the Dole Institute, is a special place at the University of Kansas. It was started by Bob Dole, who was a U.S. Senator from Kansas and ran for president in 1996.
The institute opened on July 22, 2003, which was Bob Dole's 80th birthday. It's a big building, about 28,000 square feet, and it holds many of Dole's important papers. The institute is designed to be for everyone, no matter their political party. It often hosts events with famous politicians from both major parties.
The Dole Institute has a special event called the Dole Lecture every April. A well-known national figure talks about current politics or important issues. Each September, the institute also gives out the annual Dole Leadership Prize, which includes a $25,000 award. There's also a Presidential Lecture Series where experts, historians, and even former presidents talk about the highest office in the country.
In 2017, Elizabeth Dole, Bob Dole's wife, also gave her career papers to the institute's archives. The current director of the institute is Audrey Coleman.
Contents
Exploring the Dole Institute: Cool Features and Gifts
The Dole Institute has many unique parts, inside and out. Many of these features were gifts from different people and groups.
Outside the Building: Paths and Ponds
The path leading to the main entrance is made of special bricks. Many of these bricks honor World War II veterans. More bricks are added as people buy them.
- Polly's Pond is a large reflecting pool, about 32,000 square feet. It looks a bit like the famous Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C. A fountain sits in the middle of the pond. Polly Bales from Logan, Kansas, gifted this pond.
- The Kansas State Seal is a huge replica, 14 feet tall, of the official Kansas State Seal. It sits on the front of the building. This seal was a gift from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. It's thought to be the biggest Kansas State Seal around!
Inside the Building: Galleries and Halls
The Darby Gallery is the main lobby when you walk into the Dole Institute. It has a beautiful stained-glass window, a map of Kansas on the floor, and the start of the museum exhibit. This gallery was a gift from the family of former Kansas Senator Harry Darby.
- The Russell Window is a huge stained-glass artwork, 20 feet by 12 feet. It shows the landscape of Russell, Kansas, which is Bob Dole's hometown, and other towns like it. Senator Dole gave this window in memory of his parents.
- The Kansas Granite Floor Map is a 19-foot map of Kansas made from red granite on the floor. It has brass stars marking three important towns in Senator Dole's life: Russell, Topeka, and Lawrence. The Billings family gifted this map.
Hansen Hall is the main exhibit area at the Dole Institute. It's a gift from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. This hall has 20 different exhibits all around it. The ceiling is very tall, reaching 36 feet at one end. This hall is used for exhibits, public talks, meetings, and dinners. It features a giant stained-glass flag, a memorial from the World Trade Center, and a replica of the U.S. Capitol Dome.
- The Old Glory in Stained Glass is a massive 29-foot stained-glass American flag. It's believed to be the largest stained-glass flag in the world! University of Kansas alumni Forrest and Sally Hoglund gifted this display.
- The World Trade Center Memorial has two 11½-foot columns saved from the Twin Towers after 9/11. These beams are displayed behind glass with a special plaque. University of Kansas alumni Fred and Virginia Urban Merrill gifted these columns.
- The U.S. Capitol Dome is a 12-foot replica of the dome on the U.S. Capitol building. Senators Bob and Elizabeth Dole gifted this dome. It's often used as a background for events held in Hansen Hall.
The Rhodes Conference Room is a private meeting room. It has a wall covered with awards that Senator Dole received. Roland and Winona Rhodes gifted this room.
The Simons Media Room was a gift from the Simons Family. This room has an exhibit about the 1976 presidential election. It's also used for smaller events at the Dole Institute.
Getting Involved: Student Activities
The Dole Institute offers many cool activities for students.
- The Student Advisory Board is a group of students who are interested in helping their community, government, and politics. They meet regularly and host programs like discussion groups and "pizza and politics" sessions. They've had many important journalists and politicians as guests.
- Discussion groups are led by Dole Fellows. Each week, they focus on a different topic with an expert in that field. These small groups let students learn directly from experts.
- Pizza and politics sessions bring University of Kansas students together with experts from around the country for informal lunchtime talks.
The Dole Institute also hosts the Youth Civic Leadership Institute for high school students.
Each year, the institute gives out special awards to students:
- The Robert E. Hemenway Public Service Award goes to a student leader who is respected by their friends and works to improve civic life at the University of Kansas.
- The Robert J. Dole Service to Country Award is for a student on the Student Advisory Board who is committed to public service and shows leadership.
- The Elizabeth Dole Award is also for a Student Advisory Board member. This award recognizes someone who supports student culture, connects education with future goals, and participates in civic engagement.
Special Lectures and Awards
The Dole Institute hosts several important lecture series and gives out awards to honor leaders.
Dole Lecture Speakers
Many famous people have given the Dole Lecture, sharing their thoughts on important topics. Past speakers include:
- Bill Clinton (2004)
- Bob Dole (2005)
- Tom Brokaw (2008)
- Bob and Elizabeth Dole (2009)
- Trent Lott and Tom Daschle (2023)
...and many other important figures.
Dole Leadership Prize Winners
The Dole Leadership Prize honors people who show great leadership. Winners have included:
- Rudy Giuliani (2003)
- Lech Wałęsa (2005)
- John Lewis (2007)
- George H. W. Bush (2008)
- Nelson Mandela (2013)
- Bill Clinton (2015)
- Juan Manuel Santos (2022)
...and many other inspiring leaders.
Presidential Lecture Series
This series brings in top experts to talk about the U.S. presidency. They discuss presidents, their decisions, and how the office has changed over time. Many historians and former White House staff have spoken.
Elizabeth Dole Women in Leadership Lecture
This lecture series focuses on women who are leaders. It features inspiring women who have made a difference in public service and other fields.
- Elizabeth Dole (2017)
- Sharice Davids (2019)
- Diana M. Holland (2020)
...and other notable women.
