In 1941, after working as a soda jerk, a counter assistant, in his local drugstore in Russell, Kansas to save up money and secure a bank loan, Senator Dole started his freshman year at the University of Kansas. He was encouraged to try out for the basketball team by Phog Allen and became a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity, earning money by working in the house cafeteria. Originally Senator Dole’s career plan was to be a doctor, but the actions on December 7th, 1941, radically changed his life path. Watching and listening to FDR’s speech with his other fraternity brothers, Senator Dole enlisted in the Army Reserve while still attending KU, eventually dropping out to go to boot camp. These items were all given to the late Senator Dole at some point during his life, some as keepsakes and some to honor his legacy such as the commemorative alumni coin.

Discussion Questions

• Can you relate to all of the hard work that Bob put in to be able to go to college?

• What similarities can you draw from Bob's college experience to that of the modern day?

Where am I on the shelves?