'Brick-by-Brick': Dole Institute invites public to be part of new KU landmark

LAWRENCE -- The Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics has unveiled the Brick-by-Brick Campaign to help commemorate members of the "Greatest Generation" and to complete KU's newest landmark.

The 2,000 personalized bricks will be placed at the entrance of the institute, which is under construction on the University of Kansas' West Campus. The bricks, cream-colored to complement the limestone institute, will be laid within view of a World Trade Center Memorial and a 29-foot stained-glass American flag, the world's largest.

The bricks offer three lines of text with 14 characters per line. The $250 cost is tax-deductible, and proceeds go toward the building construction fund. Bricks may be personalized with a name or message. For more information or to purchase a brick, call (785) 749-3911 or visit www.doleinstitute.org/dedication/brick.html.

Former presidents Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter, former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, George McGovern, Jack Kemp and other dignitaries will join Bob and Elizabeth Dole for a three-day dedication celebration for the institute July 20 through 22. The events will include a large-scale WWII air parade, a spectacularly re-created USO-style show and a special tribute to America's Medal of Honor recipients. For more information call (785) 749-3958 or visit www.doleinstitute.org.

The Dole Institute, established at KU in 1997 to honor the former Senate majority leader and 1996 Republican presidential nominee, is designed to encourage student participation and citizen involvement in public service. The institute will house Dole's papers, the world's largest collection associated with a congressional leader.