Aug. 1, 2006

Bob Dole, Washburn University (Kan.)
Basketball
Graduated - 1952
Major - Law

Robert "Bob" Dole has been called "a towering figure" and "the most enduring Republican leader of the twentieth century."  Senator Dole has a distinguished record of public service that has made a tremendous positive impact on America.  After obtaining his law degree from Washburn University (Kan.) in 1952, he worked as a county attorney. In 1960 he was elected as a Republican to the U.S. House of Representatives and served four terms (1961-69); he was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1968. He was chairman of the Republican National Committee (1971-73), and in 1976 Dole was President Gerald Ford's running mate.

A bona fide war hero who still bears the scars of his heroism in his disabled right arm, the former GOP national chairman is a five-term veteran of the Senate.  As Senate majority leader, both in the mid-1980s and again in the mid-1990s, Dole has earned a reputation as a savvy politician.   

Dole earned a coveted spot on the University of Kansas basketball under legendary coach Phog Allen.  Dole studied Law at KU, but his studies were interrupted by the start of World War II.  Dole was awarded two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star with an Oak Cluster for military service.  After the war, Dole continued to study law; he attended the University of Arizona from 1948-1951 before earning his degree from Washburn.

Since leaving public elective office, Senator Dole continues to take an active leadership role in a wide range of public policy and charitable causes. Recent projects include serving as Chairman of the National World War II Memorial, completed and dedicated in 2004, serving as Chairman of the International Commission on Missing Persons, and co-chairing with former President Clinton a foundation to assist the spouses and children of the victims of the 9-11 terrorist attack and serving as President of the Federal City Council.

In 1997, Dole received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his service in World War II and Congress.

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