The Dole Leadership Prize
The Dole Leadership prize is a bipartisan award presented to an individual or nonprofit whose public service leadership demonstrates the importance of and inspires others to be engaged in political and civic affairs. The award carries a $25,000 prize that is directed to the charity of the recipient’s choice.
Previous Recipients of the Dole Leadership Prize
Dole Leadership Prize
Sandra Day O'Connor
October 25, 2024
The Dole Institute of Politics will award the 2024 Dole Leadership Prize to Sandra Day O'Connor, former Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court and founder of the nonprofit educational organization iCivics, at a public program on October…
President Juan Manuel Santos
September 21, 2022
The Dole Institute of Politics will honor Juan Manuel Santos, former President of Colombia with the 2022 Dole Leadership Prize.The Dole Leadership Prize is a bipartisan award presented annually to an individual who demonstrates the importance of…
Dr. Temple Grandin
December 11, 2019
The Dole Institute of Politics will honor advocate for autistic persons and Professor of Animal Science Temple Grandin with the 2019 Dole Leadership Prize.“Temple Grandin is a trailblazer,” Dole Institute Director Bill Lacy said. “She not only…
James A. Baker III
November 07, 2018
The Dole Institute of Politics will honor former U.S. Secretary of State James A. Baker III with the 2018 Dole Leadership Prize. Baker served in senior government positions under three U.S. presidents, including as the nation’s 61st secretary of…
Tom Harkin, U.S. Senator
October 29, 2017
The Dole Institute is proud to honor U.S. Senator Tom Harkin with the 2017 Dole Leadership Prize. Harkin represented Iowa in the U.S. Congress for more than four decades, including 30 years as a U.S. Senator. As a young senator, Harkin crafted the…
Nancy Kassebaum, U.S. Senator
September 17, 2016
Longtime Senate colleagues and friends Bob Dole and Nancy Kassebaum take the stage at the Dole Institute to discuss Congress when they served, the state of Congress today and contemporary politics. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ap9LtcT39L0
William J. Clinton, 42nd President of the United States
November 23, 2015
President Bill Clinton accepted the 2015 Dole Leadership Prize, presented by the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics, for his work balancing the budget and practicing bipartisanship while in office. As president, Clinton led the U.S. to the longest…
John D. Kemp, president & CEO of The Viscardi Center
December 14, 2014
The Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics honored John D. Kemp, president & CEO of the Viscardi Center, with the 2014 Dole Leadership Prize. The prize was awarded during an interview with Mr. Kemp, who uses his own life with a disability to…
Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa
October 27, 2013
The Dole Institute of Politics was proud to honor Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa, as the 2013 Dole Leadership Prize recipient. Mandela's great-grandson, Luvuyo Mandela, accepted the prize on the former president's behalf. The…
Wounded Warrior Project
October 14, 2012
With the mission to honor and empower Wounded Warriors, Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) is the hand extended to encourage warriors as they achieve new triumphs. WWP was the recipient of the 2012 Dole Leadership Prize. Wounded Warriors, a WWP…
Viktor Yushchenko, former President of Ukraine
September 19, 2011
Viktor Yushchenko, former President of Ukraine, received the 2011 Dole Leadership Prize.“We are honored to give the Dole Leadership Prize to such a great cultural and revolutionary icon,” said Bill Lacy, director of the Dole Institute.…
Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War II (WASP)
October 03, 2010
In 2010, the Dole Institute of Politics awarded the Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War II with the Dole Leadership Prize for their courage and contributions during the war.About World War II Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP)Between 1942…
Donna Shalala, former Health and Human Services Secretary
September 28, 2009
Donna Shalala received the 2009 Dole Leadership Prize for her long record of public service, including acting as co-chair of the Commission on Care for Returning Wounded Warriors with former Sen. Bob Dole. Chosen in 2007 by President George W. Bush,…
George H.W. Bush, 41st President of the United States
November 16, 2008
George H.W. Bush received the 2008 Dole Leadership Prize for his long career in public service.Continuing a family tradition of public service, Bush enlisted in the Navy on his 18th birthday. As a Navy pilot, Bush flew 58 combat missions during World…
John Lewis, U.S. Congressman and Civil Rights activist
October 21, 2007
Congressman John Lewis received the 2007 Dole Leadership Prize for his courageous leadership in the Civil Rights Movement and his commitment to creating positive change through the political system.Lewis has dedicated his life to protecting human…
Howard H. Baker, Jr., U.S. Senator (2006 Prize Recipient)
April 22, 2007
Former Senate Majority Leader Howard Baker received the 2006 Dole Leadership Prize for his leadership in the Senate, as White House Chief of Staff, and as Ambassador.Senator Baker began his long and distinguished career in public service in 1943 when…
Lech Wałęsa, former President of Poland
September 22, 2005
Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Former President of Poland, Leader of Solidarity
George McGovern, U.S. Senator
September 13, 2004
George McGovern received the 2004 Dole Leadership Prize for his bipartisan leadership style, including his work with Bob Dole to pass significant, bipartisan legislation in the Senate.A native of South Dakota, McGovern had spent much of his life in…
Rudy Giuliani, former Mayor of New York City
July 21, 2003
Former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani received the inaugural Dole Leadership Prize for his valiant leadership during the September 11 attacks in 2001.A graduate of New York University Law School, Giuliani carved a distinguished career in the federal…
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