The stage was set. The spotlight illuminated the three chairs on the stage at the Lied Center that were to be filled by former Sens. Bob and Elizabeth Dole and Bill Lacy, director of the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics.

Jonathan Earle, associate director of programming, introduced the political power-couple, who were welcomed to the stage with a standing ovation from the audience.

On Sunday, the Dole Institute hosted its annual Dole Lecture, which features prominent figures who address aspects of current politics or policy. This year’s lecture was titled, “Unlimited Partners.” The lecture was conducted in a question-and-answer format with Lacy asking questions for the first 45 minutes and students on the Dole Institute Student Advisory Board asking questions submitted by members of the committee for the last 30 minutes.

Lacy asked Bob Dole about what his days at the University were like when he was a student before he enlisted in the Army. Bob Dole immediately answered jokingly, “Well they weren’t going to class.” The audience erupted with laughter.

Bob Dole said that as an undergraduate he didn’t have much discipline and didn’t apply himself. He said that after serving in WWII he knew it was time to do something. He graduated from Washburn University Law School and went on to serve as an elected public official and became a volunteer for charitable causes, such as the World Food Programme and Americans with Disabilities. He offered advice to students who might be feeling overwhelmed and bogged down by their studies.

“When your back is against the wall and you know it is time for you to do something with your life, you can do it,” Bob Dole said. “It worked for me and I’m sure it will work for you.”

Lacy’s tone became somber when he asked the Doles about the recent death of Sen. John Kemp. Kemp was a former congressman and Bob Dole’s vice presidential running mate in 1996. Kemp died Saturday from cancer at the age of 73. Lacy asked the Doles to share a story or insight about Kemp.

“It’s heartbreaking,” Elizabeth Dole said. She said that a few months earlier, when she was running for re-election to the Senate, Kemp accompanied her on a bus through North Carolina. She said he was full of energy and enthusiasm and was a great example of an individual in public service who had a great passion for what he did.

Bob Dole said they received a phone call from Kemp about three weeks ago, during which Kemp told them that he had cancer and his prospects were not looking good.

“He was a good guy and a good friend,” Bob Dole said.

Lacy also addressed Elizabeth Dole’s career in public service. Lacy talked about how she is the only women to have served as a cabinet secretary in two federal departments under two presidents. She served in the U.S. Department of Transportation under Ronald Regan and the Department of Labur labor under George H.W. Bush. From 1991 to 1998, she served as president of the American Red Cross, the first women to hold that position since founder Clara Barton in 1881. Elizabeth Dole said she became involved in student government in high school and at Duke University, where during her senior year she served as student government president. She said being able to interact with students, faculty and alumni and mediate between all of their needs led her to choose a career in politics and public service.

“The whole world of public policy and politics was like a magnet to me,” she said.

Alex Rausch, Shawnee sophomore and an archivist for the Dole Institute, said at this point in his college career, he was feeling overwhelmed and that he wasn’t doing enough in his life. Rausch said hearing Bob Dole speak was a memorable moment for him.

“It’s something really special to me,” he said.

Questions from the community ranged from who made Bob Dole laugh the most during his time in the Senate, to what achievement Bob Dole was most proud of.

Bob Dole said Pat Roberts made him laugh a lot and that Ronald Reagan’s ability to laugh at himself was an admirable characteristic that positively influenced his career.

Bob Dole said raising $195 million for the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C., was his proudest achievement. He said he wanted to build the memorial in recognition of the people who served in the war.

Bob Dole said young people should not have any doubts about the United States. He said in his career, never had he received a letter from someone that said, “Bob, get me out of this country.” But, he said, he did receive thousands of letters saying, “Bob, can you get me into this country.”

“I’m very happy to be an American,” Bob Dole said.

The program closed with a special presentation in recognition of Chancellor Robert Hemenway and focused on his influence in building the Dole Institute.

— — Edited by Grant Treaster