KU News Release

World Trade Center support beams now at Dole Institute came from Tower One

Two beams from the World Trade Center flank a large stained-glass American flag in the Dole Institute of Politics.

LAWRENCE — An engineer for the World Trade Center in New York City has identified the original location of two steel support beams now at the Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas to memorialize the Americans killed in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

John M. Barson was able to read markings from one column and conclude they originally supported floors 58 to 61 in Tower One.

“Barton’s keen eye has given the institute’s memorial a new poignancy as we recall the sixth anniversary of that horrible day,” said Jonathan Earle, interim director of the Dole Institute.

As a memorial to those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, the two steel beams flank the world’s largest stained glass American flag at the south end of the Dole Institute’s Hansen Hall.

After the attacks, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg presented the steel beams to former Sen. Robert Dole, R-Kan., as a gift of appreciation for his work with President Clinton on the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund, which provides post-secondary scholarships for the children of Sept. 11 victims.

The columns appear exactly as they were when they were recovered from ground zero — coated with flame retardant foam, jet fuel and debris.

For more information, visit the Dole Institute Web site or call (785) 864-4900. The Dole Institute is dedicated to promoting public service, civic engagement and politics. It is located on KU’s west campus next to the Lied Center.

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