From the Office of Public Affairs | http://www.news.ku.edu

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Contact: Jackson DeAndrea, Dole Institute of Politics, 785-864-4900, [email protected], @DoleInstitute

Dole Institute announces fall 2024 season programming

LAWRENCE — The Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas has announced its fall 2024 programming lineup, which features engaging, informative discussions featuring world-class practitioners and experts, including former Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, retired senior U.S. diplomat Susan Thornton, Washington Post associate editor and columnist Karen Tumulty, and Democratic and Republican former members of Congress.

“This historic election season provides many opportunities for rich discussions on ongoing shifts in political and campaign dynamics, the information landscape, and generational perspectives on leadership and policy at home and abroad,” said Audrey Coleman, director of the Dole Institute. “This fall’s headlining guests, fellows and partners will provide insights that address this complexity and move the political conversation forward.”

Elections and national politics

Bestselling author and journalist Sasha Issenberg will visit the institute at 7 p.m. Sept. 4 for a discussion on his new book, “The Lie Detectives: In Search for a Playbook for Winning Elections in the Disinformation Age.” Issenberg’s book presents a snapshot of politicians attempting to come to terms with a volatile social media landscape while running for political office. The University Honors Program and the Lawrence Public Library will partner with the institute for this program.

KU alumnus and lead political reporter of the Kansas City Star Jonathan Shorman will serve as a Fall 2024 Dole Fellow. Shorman covers politics and government in both Kansas and Missouri. He previously reported from the Kansas Statehouse for the Star and Wichita Eagle. His series, “Election 24,” will focus on upcoming elections in Kansas and throughout the nation. Shorman’s series will take place at 4 p.m. Wednesdays on Sept. 25, Oct. 9 and Oct. 23. Session topics and panelists are forthcoming.

Additionally, the institute will partner with the Association of the Former Members of Congress to host two Dole Fellows this season. The fellows, a Democrat and Republican, will moderate collegial discussions in their series, “Congress in the 21st Century,” which will be related to their congressional service, bipartisanship and topics at the top of students’ minds. The fellows, whose series will take place at 4 p.m. Wednesdays on Sept. 18, Oct. 30 and Nov. 13, will be named in the coming weeks.

Jerry Seib, former Washington executive editor of The Wall Street Journal and Dole Institute Visiting Fellow, will moderate two programs at the institute this season. At 7 p.m. Oct. 3, Chuck Hagel, former U.S. senator from Nebraska and secretary of defense, will join Seib for “The Candidates and America’s Role in the World,” where the two will discuss where the presidential candidates stand on the issues that affect our standing on the world stage. Then at 7 p.m. Oct. 17, Karen Tumulty, associate editor and columnist at The Washington Post, will join Seib for “The Growing Divide: Political Realignment in the Modern Era,” where the pair will provide an overview of the presidential campaign and how it’s reshaping the nation’s political landscape for years to come.

Finally, save the date for the institute’s biennial Post Election Conference, which will be held at the Dole Institute in November and December. The conference, held after general and midterm elections, brings together journalists, practitioners and experts to analyze campaigns and election results in Kansas and throughout the country. Shorman will moderate a panel on the Kansas elections Nov. 20. Seib and Dole Institute Director Emeritus Bill Lacy will co-moderate panels on national elections Dec. 11.

Featured partnerships

The Fort Leavenworth Series, which is presented in partnership with the Command and General Staff College’s Department of Military History at Fort Leavenworth, will continue this season with presentations highlighting “World Leaders in Wartime,” including Winston Churchill, Augustus the Strong, Abraham Lincoln and Vladimir Putin. The series provides free historical lectures to the public facilitated by world-class military history professors. This year’s series explores influential wartime leaders from medieval times to the present, detailing their achievements on and off the battlefield. Lectures are scheduled for the first Wednesday of each month at 3 p.m.

At 7 p.m. Oct. 10., the Dole Institute, in partnership with the KU Department of Political Science and their partners at the United States Heartland China Association, will host “China in the Heartland: Building a Balanced Approach.” Jack Zhang, assistant professor of political science at KU, will moderate the program. Zhang will be joined by Susan Thornton, a retired senior U.S. diplomat with decades of experience in Eurasia and East Asia, and Kyle Jaros, an associate professor at the University of Notre Dame.

Finally, the Dole Institute will partner with the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) to host a program at 10 a.m. Oct. 29 on structural democracy featuring policy experts from the BPC. The program will highlight the mechanisms by which American governmental institutions might be more efficient in meeting the needs of its citizens.

Signature programming

Attorneys and Dole Institute Visiting Fellows Ed Duckers and Pedro Irigonegaray will return to the institute for the popular program “The Counselors” at 6 p.m. Nov. 14. The program, which is a cross between a mock trial and a debate, will feature Duckers and Irigonegaray debating whether the military draft should be reinstated in the United States with the assistance of expert witnesses.

On Nov. 10, the institute will hold the Tribute to Veterans Gala. The annual event celebrates the nation’s veterans and their families with an evening of dancing and live music presented by the Moonlight Serenade Orchestra and a “Salute to Veterans” from students in the university’s Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs. While free and open to the public, reservations are required to attend.

Finally, the institute’s Dole Leadership Prize will be presented at 7 p.m. Oct. 24. The award is presented to an individual or group who demonstrates the importance of involvement in political and civic affairs. Additionally, the award carries a $25,000 prize to be directed to a nonprofit organization of the recipient’s choice. This year’s honoree will be announced later this season.

Ongoing special exhibits

These programs join the Dole Institute’s additional offerings this season, including multiple special exhibits on display through the end of the year. “ERA in the Heartland: Ratification and Reconsideration, 1973-1980,” a student-driven exhibit, explores the efforts to ratify and rescind the Equal Rights Amendment in Kansas utilizing archival materials from the Robert and Elizabeth Dole Archives and Special Collections. Additionally, through the Bolstering Elections Initiative with the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate, the institute is displaying “Election Administrators/Election Designers.” The exhibit, originally from the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford, chronicles the processes election administrators throughout the country undertake every election cycle to efficiently and securely administer an election. Both exhibits can be viewed while visiting the institute’s Museum & Galleries, which are open from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

Detailed information on all of this season’s programs, special events and exhibits — including updates on named fellows and panelists — can be found on the Dole Institute website. All programs will take place in person at the Dole Institute and will be available to watch live on the institute’s website and YouTube channel.

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KU News Service

1450 Jayhawk Blvd.

Lawrence KS 66045

[email protected]

http://www.news.ku.edu

Erinn Barcomb-Peterson, director of news and media relations, [email protected]

Today’s News is a free service from the Office of Public Affairs

From the Office of Public Affairs | http://www.news.ku.edu

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Contact: Christy Little Schock, KU News Service, [email protected]

University of Kansas announces summer-fall 2023, spring 2024 graduates from Kansas

LAWRENCE — The names of more than 6,500 graduates at the University of Kansas for summer and fall 2023 and spring 2024 have been announced by the University Registrar. Many graduates and candidates for degree celebrated by participating in KU Commencement, which took place May 12.

A list of summer and fall 2023 and spring 2024 graduates from Kansas is available online, listed by county, then city. Not all counties are represented. Summer 2024 degrees are conferred in early fall.

A list of all graduates, listed alphabetically, is also available.

Note: Not all graduates have made their name and hometown information publicly available.

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KU News Service

1450 Jayhawk Blvd.

Lawrence KS 66045

[email protected]

http://www.news.ku.edu

Erinn Barcomb-Peterson, director of news and media relations, [email protected]

Today’s News is a free service from the Office of Public Affairs

From the Office of Public Affairs | http://www.news.ku.edu

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Contact: Kevin McCarty, KU Libraries, 785-864-6428, [email protected], @KULibraries

KU Libraries announce centennial celebration of Watson Library with fall activities, website

LAWRENCE — A Jayhawk Boulevard landmark and perpetual place of discovery and welcome, Watson Library will celebrate 100 years at the heart of the KU community with a slate of fall activities and programs.

A centennial webpage listing celebration activities and information also features the history of the library and library leadership over the decades. The site’s interactive timeline scrolls through Watson’s significant moments, and a digital, student-designed 3D architectural model illustrates the library’s physical evolution.

Opening its doors in September 1924, Watson Library was named in honor of longtime librarian Carrie Watson. A remarkable figure in the evolution of KU libraries and a witness to the history of the university and the state of Kansas itself, Watson was the first woman for whom a KU academic building was named. She moved to Lawrence in 1858 when she was 6 months old, almost three years before Kansas would become a state. When Watson was 5 years old, she and her family experienced the raiding of Lawrence by William Quantrill’s pro-slavery forces, when much of Lawrence was burned.

Carrie Watson was a member of KU’s fifth graduating class of 10 students and began working for the university library in 1878 when it was a fledgling book collection in one corner of Old Fraser Hall. She later became KU’s first full-time university librarian and served as librarian emerita through 65 years of service.

Throughout Watson Library’s 100-year history, the needs of students and faculty have seen tremendous growth, change and necessary evolution that has not always proved easy or graceful. Many dedicated library leaders and generations of the university community have worked toward expansion and improvements, including five additions between 1938 and 1963, with the most recent renovation completed in 1982.

Today, with Watson Library as its central hub, KU Libraries houses more than 5.8 million items across six locations as the largest library collection in the state of Kansas. For generations of KU students, KU Libraries are a key entry point for the information and resources necessary for academic success. For faculty and staff, the libraries are partners in research and teaching and leaders in scholarly communication.

This fall, the Watson Centennial celebrations extend beyond the university’s flagship library with events and opportunities at other KU Libraries locations, including Kenneth Spencer Research Library and Anschutz Library.

Spencer Research Library will host the exhibit “Watson Library’s First 100 Years: Impacts, Innovations, and Renovations,” throughout the fall semester to showcase Watson-related materials in its exhibit space. Watson Library’s Haricombe Gallery will feature a digital exhibit of a timeline and visual materials, including original hand-drawn blueprints for the building. In addition to these semester-long exhibits, KU Libraries will host a series of events set to engage KU students, staff, faculty, alumni and Lawrence community members.

KU Dean of Libraries Carol Smith encourages all to join in the festivities.

“Watson Library has been a cornerstone of learning, growth and congregation at KU for the past century,” she said. “As we mark this milestone, we are thrilled to invite all to join us in celebrating Watson’s remarkable legacy. This centennial celebration is not only a reflection on our shared past, but also a vibrant gathering of the community to look forward to the next 100 years of discovery and innovation together.”

Unless otherwise noted, events are free and open to all on KU’s Lawrence campus as well as the greater surrounding communities.

Hawk Week Watson Library Open House

Aug. 26 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Watson Library Entrance
Jayhawks can explore library resources, play games and win centennial swag. The library will offer short, guided tours of the building at the top of each hour. The event is geared toward welcoming back students but is open to the community.

Cut a Rug: 1920s Dance Lessons

Aug. 27 | 6-6:45 p.m. | Watson Library 3 West
Step back in time and learn the iconic Charleston, the dance craze of the 1920s. Beginners to experienced dancers welcome. Spots are limited, and you must register in advance.

Watch it in Watson: Centennial Cinema

Aug. 28 | 7:30-10 p.m. | Watson Library 3 West
Watch a screening of “Chicago,” an Academy Award-winning musical comedy set in 1924. Prior to the show, make your own 1920s flapper head piece with help from KU Libraries Makerspace. Enjoy popcorn and refreshments. The event is geared toward welcoming back students, but it is open to the community.

Cut a Rug: 1920s Dance Lessons

Aug. 29 | 6-6:45 p.m. | Watson Library 3 West
Step back in time and learn the foxtrot, a favorite across dance floors of the 1920s. Beginners to seasoned dancers welcome. Spots are limited, and you must register in advance.

Makerspace Open House

Aug. 30 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Anschutz Library 203A-C
Learn about the space and the tools available, including 3D printing and podcasting equipment. Write a message for students 100 years from now or share notes that reflect our current era and your vision for the future. Submissions will be considered for inclusion in the Watson Centennial Time Capsule. The event is geared toward welcoming back students but open to the community.

Cut a Rug: 1920s Dance Lessons

Sept. 10 | 10-10:45 a.m. | Watson Library 3 West
Learn the iconic Charleston, the dance craze of the 1920s. Beginners to experienced dancers welcome. Spots are limited, and you must register in advance.

Cut a Rug: 1920s Dance Lessons

Sept. 12 | 10-10:45 a.m. | Watson Library 3 West
Step back in time and learn the foxtrot, a favorite across dance floors of the 1920s. All skill levels — beginners to seasoned dancers — are welcome. Spots are limited. Please register in advance to attend.

100th Birthday Cake

Sept. 19 | 11 a.m. | Anschutz Library
Stop by Anschutz Library for free birthday cake while it lasts.

Art on the Lawn

Sept. 25 | 4:30-6 p.m. | Watson Library front lawn
Capture the beauty of historic Watson Library through a guided art lesson. All skill levels are welcome to create a finished acrylic painting on canvas through a step-by-step process. Art supplies are provided. Spots are limited. Please register in advance.

Library Employee Reunion

Oct. 15 | 4:30-6 p.m. | Watson Library 3 West
Past and present KU Libraries employees will be invited to reconnect at a happy hour event.

Library on the Lawn

Oct. 23 | 2-5 p.m. | Watson Library front lawn
Enjoy an afternoon of lawn games, food trucks and live music from local bands in collaboration with KJHK. Activities for all ages.

Art on the Lawn

Nov. 6 | 3-4:30 p.m. | Watson Library front lawn
Capture the beauty of Watson Library through a guided art lesson. All skill levels are welcome to create a finished acrylic painting on canvas through a step-by-step process. Art supplies are provided. Spots are limited, and you must register in advance.

Watch it in Watson: Centennial Cinema

Nov. 12 | 7:30-10 p.m. | Watson Library 3 West
Join us for a screening of “The Great Gatsby,” the 2013 film based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel. Enjoy popcorn and refreshments.

Time Capsule Ceremony

Nov. 20 | 3-4 p.m. | Kenneth Spencer Research Library
Celebratory transfer of 2024 time capsule to University Archives, offering future Jayhawks a glimpse into our lives, culture and achievements 100 years from now.

Those outside the Lawrence area can take part in the festivities by sharing memories or stories of Watson Library via an online form.

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KU News Service

1450 Jayhawk Blvd.

Lawrence KS 66045

[email protected]

http://www.news.ku.edu

Erinn Barcomb-Peterson, director of news and media relations, [email protected]

Today’s News is a free service from the Office of Public Affairs

From the Office of Public Affairs | http://www.news.ku.edu

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Contact: Rick Hellman, KU News Service, 785-864-8852, [email protected], @RickHellman

Communication studies expert can comment on Kamala Harris’ DNC speech

LAWRENCE – Kamala Harris’ campaign may seem to be surging, but she faces a serious challenge in her acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention, according to an expert in presidential rhetoric.

Robert Rowland, University of Kansas professor of communication studies, is the author of the 2021 book “The Rhetoric of Donald Trump: Nationalist Populism and American Democracy” (University of Kansas Press) and is himself a former national champion college debater.

“Much of the country, including crucial swing voters, know little about Harris,” Rowland said. “This makes her acceptance speech much more important than in a normal year. Harris must introduce herself to much of the country, lessen the concern of those who think she is too liberal or ran a poor campaign in the 2020 primaries, find a line of attack on former President Trump that finally sticks and do all of that while praising her current boss, President Biden.

“Moreover, as the reaction to speeches by former President Trump and vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance at the Republican National Convention indicates, there is a danger that a misstep could harm the campaign.”

The KU researcher has specialized in presidential rhetorical legacies, calling both Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama “once in a generation” communicators who raised the sights of their fellow citizens to lofty national ideals. Trump, conversely, he has called “a master at creating fear and hatred of others.”

Rowland also is the author of “Reagan at Westminster: Foreshadowing the End of the Cold War” (2010, Texas A&M University Press).

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KU News Service

1450 Jayhawk Blvd.

Lawrence KS 66045

[email protected]

http://www.news.ku.edu

Erinn Barcomb-Peterson, director of news and media relations, [email protected]

Today’s News is a free service from the Office of Public Affairs