KU News Release

Dole Institute of Politics at KU announces new programs for fall semester

LAWRENCE — The Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas will round out its fall schedule with ABC News Political Director Mark Halperin, former U.S. Agency for International Development administrator Brian Atwood and two events paying tribute to America’s veterans.

Edward Humes, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Over Here: How the G.I. Bill Transformed the American Dream, will discuss the sweeping changes in American society that resulted from the ground-breaking legislation. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9. Humes is the third Pulitzer Prize winner to speak at the institute this semester. A book signing will follow the lecture.

KU ROTC cadets will join with the Dole Institute in “A Tribute to Veterans” at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10. Guest speaker is Buck Newsom, a retired Navy captain. A reception will follow.

Both veterans events will be at the Dole Institute and are open to the public.

“These events will provide students and community members with a wonderful opportunity to show their appreciation for those who have served in the military and learn more about how they changed the world,” said Bill Lacy, director of the Dole Institute.

Two highly respected individuals from the worlds of journalism and international development will also visit the institute.

J. Brian Atwood, dean of the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota and former President Clinton’s administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development from 1993 to 1997, will speak at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14. He will discuss “America’s Responsibilities to Developing Nations in Crisis,” including Rwanda, Darfur and other hot spots around the world. Atwood previously was Undersecretary of State for Management, Assistant Secretary of State for Congressional Relations and the first president of the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs.

The Institute will wrap up its fall programming at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, with ABC News Political Director Mark Halperin, whose new book is titled The Way to Win: Taking the White House in 2008. Halperin will discuss the challenges and issues facing presidential contenders as they position themselves to run in the most open presidential election in more than 50 years. A book signing will follow the lecture.

“The opportunity to schedule Atwood and Halperin at this late time in the semester was just too good to pass up,” said Lacy. “Both bring a unique perspective on compelling issues that are extremely important to KU students and faculty. They will close out our fall schedule of public programs on a very high note.”

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