Throughout the spring season, the Dole Institute hosted timely discussions with leading figures on historical and contemporary shifts in politics, governance, and civic life. These programs, in addition to many other student opportunities, brought unique perspectives to help students and members of the public alike learn how to navigate new challenges.
Obama White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel and Trump '24 alum Alex Latcham speak at the first Dole Forum program in Washington, D.C.
Our programming throughout the spring gave audiences insights into historical and contemporary shifts in politics, governance, and civic life, all of which helped us move through new challenges and build new relationships to address them.
Former Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates meets with members of the Dole Institute Student Advisory Board ahead of his discussion on U.S.-China relations.
Public educator Sharon McMahon signs books and speaks with guests after the 2025 Elizabeth Dole Women in Leadership Lecture.
Former Dole staffers Rod DeArment, Sheila Burke, and Robert Lighthizer speak about Sen. Dole's leadership at the 2025 Dole Lecture.
Dole Fellow Matt Beat poses with history content creator André Dutra following their discussion on federalism.
Dole Fellow and public educator Matt Beat developed the spring’s Discussion Group series, “Exactly How Much Power Does an American President Have?” Over the course of five programs, he spoke with fellow public educators, experts, and practitioners about how the power of the presidency has evolved since the ratification of the Constitution, and how it is shared with each branch of government, the states, and citizens themselves.
Assistant Archivist Alex Adelmund speaks with a guest viewing the newest special exhibit from the Dole Archives, "Dole & Dr. K."
In April, the Robert and Elizabeth Dole Archives and Special Collections debuted its new special exhibit, “Dole & Dr. K: A Story of Loss and Recovery Turned Advocacy for Armenia.” Featuring original artifacts from the Dole Archives, the exhibit tells the story of how a young Bob Dole was connected to Armenian surgeon Dr. Hampar Kelikian. Over the course of seven surgeries in as many years, “Dr. K” shared his story of loss and recovery around the 1915 Armenian Genocide—inspiring Dole as he worked to reimagine his future and build a new life.
Kelikian’s lessons resonated with Dole in the decades following as he entered public service. Throughout his time in the U.S. Senate, Dole championed Armenia, including calling for official recognition of the Armenian Genocide – despite long adds and competing national interests.
Members of the Student Advisory Board celebrate their win at the University of Chicago Institute of Politics Policy Challenge Super Bowl with former Senator Jon Tester.
Student opportunities are a cornerstone of the Dole Institute’s mission. This spring, both the Institute and the Student Advisory Board engaged with KU students, the Lawrence community, and peers from institutions around the country.
Members of the Student Advisory Board and students at the KU School of Journalism pose for a photo at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C. ahead of the start of their Journalism Bootcamp session.
Jim "Mr. Stinky Feet" Cosgrove performs live music with young children at the 2025 Easter Egg Roll with Dole.
This is only a glimpse into the work conducted at the Dole Institute. Stay up to date with news from the Dole Institute, upcoming events, features, and more by following us on social media and subscribing to our newsletter, The Digital Dole Institute.
Explore more highlights from previous semesters and seasons on our website by clicking the link below.
The Dole Institute is committed to universal accessibility in all programs and resources. We are in the process of making all of our web projects fully accessible. An accessible version of the material represented on this site will be made available upon request. Please contact us at doleinstitute@ku.edu to request the material be made available in an accessible format, or for general assistance.