page_title: Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics
section_title: Features and gifts
hierarchical_section_title: Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics / Features and gifts
caption_attribution_description: English: A photograph of the Dole Institute of Politics in July 2017.
context_page_description: The Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics, often shortened to the Dole Institute, is a nonpartisan political institution located at the University of Kansas and founded by the former U.S. Senator from Kansas and 1996 Republican presidential candidate Bob Dole. Opened on July 22, 2003, Dole's 80th birthday, the institute's $11.3 million, 28,000-square-foot facility houses Dole's papers and hosts frequent political events. The institute is officially non-partisan and has sponsored on-campus programs featuring prominent politicians of both major parties. The institute sponsors the Dole Lecture, which is given in April and features a prominent national figure addressing some aspect of contemporary politics or policy. The institute awards the annual Dole Leadership Prize each September, which includes a $25,000 cash award. The Presidential Lecture Series features the nation's leading presidential scholars, historians, journalists, and others including former Presidents, cabinet officers, and White House staff members who discuss the nation's highest office in ways that combine scholarly rigor with popular access.
context_section_description: The Exterior of the building features a path leading to the main entrance which is paved with commemorative bricks, many of which are dedicated in memory of World War II veterans. The area continues to expand as additional personalized bricks are purchased. Other external features include Polly's Pond and the Kansas State Seal.
  Polly's Pond is a 32,000 sq ft (3,000 m²) reflecting pool reminiscent of the Washington, D.C. Tidal Basin. A water fountain is located in the center of the pool in front of the Dole Institute. Polly's Pond is a gift from Polly Bales of Logan, Kansas.
  The Kansas State Seal is a 14-foot (4.3 m) replica of the Kansas State Seal which crowns façade of the building. The Kansas State Seal is a gift from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation of Logan, Kansas. It is believed to be the largest Kansas State Seal.
  The Darby Gallery is the main lobby of the Dole Institute. It features the Russell Window, the Kansas Granite Floor Map, and the beginning of the museum exhibit. The Darby Gallery is a gift from the family of former Kansas United States Senator Harry Darby.
  The Russell Window is a 20-foot (6.1 m) by 12-foot (3.7 m) stained-glass work of art evoking the landscape of Russell, Kansas (Dole's hometown) and similar Kansas towns. The Russell Window is a gift from the Senator in memory of his parents, Doran and Bina Dole.
  The Kansas Granite Floor Map is a 19-foot (5.8 m) red granite floor map of Kansas with brass stars symbolizing the three towns of Russell, Topeka, and Lawrence; all of these towns played an important role in Senator Dole's life. The Kansas Granite Floor Map is a gift from the Billings family.
  Hansen Hall is the main exhibit hall of the Dole Institute. It is a gift of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation of Logan, Kansas, is encircled by 20 separate exhibits. The dramatic ceiling slopes from 12 feet at the North end to 36 feet at the south end. The floor is laid with tile from Crossville, Tennessee. The hall serves as an exhibit space, public forum, and venue for meetings, programs, and dinners. It features the Old Glory in Stained Glass, the World Trade Center Memorial, and the U.S. Capitol Dome.
  The Old Glory in Stained Glass is a 29-foot (8.8 m) stained-glass American flag. It is believed to be the largest stained-glass flag in the world. The display is a gift from KU Alumni Forrest and Sally Hoglund.
  The World Trade Center Memorial consists of two 11½-foot (3.5 m) columns salvaged from the Twin Towers. The beams are displayed behind glass with an accompanying commemorative plaque. The columns are a gift from KU Alumni, Fred and Virginia Urban Merrill.
  The U.S. Capitol Dome is a 12-foot (3.7 m) replica of the U.S. Capitol Dome and is a gift from Senators Bob and Elizabeth Dole. The dome serves as a background for many of the events hosted in Hansen Hall at the Dole Institute of Politics.
  The Rhodes Conference Room is a private meeting and conference room which features a wall of awards received by to Senator Dole. The room is a gift from Roland and Winona Rhodes.
  The Simons Media Room is a gift from the Simons Family. The room hosts an independent exhibit featuring the 1976 presidential election and serves as a forum for many of the smaller events at the Dole Institute.
caption: The exterior of the Dole Institute of Politics; Polly's Pond and the Kansas State Seal.
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