Remembering Senator Robert J. Dole

Colleagues,

Yesterday we learned of the passing of Senator Robert J. Dole, a towering figure in American politics who leaves behind a legacy of leadership and public service. On behalf of the entire university, I offer my condolences to Senator Dole’s family, friends and colleagues.

Senator Dole will be remembered nationally as a giant of the U.S. Senate and a man who was involved in virtually every major piece of federal legislation in the second half of the 20th Century. Of course, KU has enjoyed a special relationship with the Senator through our Dole Institute of Politics, which was conceived by Senator Dole and Chancellor Robert Hemenway as a policy institute that would engage the public and enable students to discover how they might best serve their neighbors and their nation. Today, the Dole Institute continues to fulfill the Senator’s vision of a bipartisan forum dedicated to public service, leadership and the concept of politics as an honorable profession.

In the days ahead, I encourage you to learn more about Senator Dole’s life through the Dole Institute’s memorial page, or by visiting the institute in person. Additionally, I want to remind faculty and staff that the Dole Institute remains an outstanding resource for classroom instruction, student engagement, public programming and research.

Please join me in remembering a great Kansan and honoring his life by continuing his legacy of leadership and public service.

Respectfully,

Doug

Douglas A. Girod
Chancellor