KU’s Dole Institute of Politics has unveiled fall 2025 programming that hits on hot-button issues, including constitutional law, lessons from local governance, housing affordability, the electoral college and more.
“We are excited to invite the public to engage in timely conversations on various topics relating to contemporary politics, service and civics — the building blocks of a healthy political culture,” Dole Institute Director Audrey Coleman said in a KU News release.
Of note this year, former Kansas City, Missouri Mayor Sly James will join Fall 2025 Dole Fellow Joni Whickham in conversation at 4 p.m. Sept. 10. The two will discuss James’ time in office and his leadership style.
Additionally, the institute will partner with the Bipartisan Policy Center for a talk on “Affordable Housing in America” on Oct. 21. Michael Kelley, a former senior staffer at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and Andy Winkler of BPC will share their thoughts at this event.
Dole is also hosting a mock trial and debate on the subject, “Should the Electoral College Be Abolished?” It will feature attorneys and visiting fellows Ed Duckers and Pedro Irigonegaray, along with a panel of expert witnesses, at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 20.
Below is the full docket of Fall events and exhibits offered through the Dole Institute. Find out more about all programming on their website at doleinstitute.org/calendar/.
All fall events
• 3 to 4:15 p.m. Sept. 3 at Dole or online: “The Musket Problem: Technology and Military Innovation in the French Army 1700-1815”
• 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 4 at Dole or online: “Church and State” on the influence of Catholicism on modern American politics
• 4 to 5:30 p.m. Sept. 10 at Dole or online: “Transformational Leadership: Exhausting and Exhilarating” with former KCMO mayor Sly James on governing, community engagement and more
• 10 a.m. Sept. 16 at Dole and the KU School of Law: “Kansas Court of Appeals Constitution Day Hearings,” in which the court will hear arguments in two cases involving a constitutional issue on campus. Find docket and case information here
• 4 to 5 p.m. Sept. 24 at Dole and online: “Turning Research, Policy Solutions and Civic Engagement into Results for Kansas Women”
• 3 to 4:15 p.m. Oct. 1 at Dole: “Tanks and Trenches: Armored Warfare in WWI”
• 7 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 15 at Dole or online: “The 2025 Constitution Day Program: Healthcare in the U.S. Constitution”
• 10 to 11:15 a.m. Oct. 21 at Dole or online: “Affordable Housing in America”
• 3 to 4:15 p.m. Nov. 5 at Dole or online: “Integrating the U.S. Army in the Early 20th Century”
• 5 to 9 p.m. Nov. 9 at Dole: “The 2025 Tribute to Veterans Gala,” with live music and a “Salute to Veterans” from KU’s ROTC students. The gala is free and open to the public, but reservations are required
• 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 20 at Dole or online: “The Counselors: Should the Electoral College Be Abolished?” mock trial and debate
• 3 to 4:15 p.m. Dec. 3 at Dole or online: “Desert Storm: High-Tech Wonders, or Ingenuity and Elbow Grease?”
Special exhibits
A current special exhibit called “Dole and Dr. K” can be viewed in the Dole Gallery & Reading Room until Jan. 4.
According to a KU News release, “The exhibit examines the profound relationship between the late former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole and Dr. Hampar Kelikian, the Armenian surgeon who performed multiple operations on Dole following his severe injuries in World War II.”
A memorial poster exhibit called “September 11, 2001: The Day That Changed the World” will be on view from Sept. 2 to 14.
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