About the Presidential Lecture Series
The annual "Presidential Lecture Series" is one of three signature events at the Institute. Each February, the Institute presents a series of lectures that focus on the U.S. Presidency, present and past, to include presidential campaigns.
Nationally known individuals – office holders, historians, former presidential candidates, top strategists, award-winning journalists and political operatives – have contributed to the success of this recognized series.
2013 Presidential Lecture Series
RICHARD NORTON SMITH
"In the Beginning: Three Men Who Made America" Washington, Adams & Jefferson
A fascinating look at the Founding Fathers! Presidential historian and first permanent director of the Dole Institute, Richard Norton Smith, brings our first three presidents to life and helps us understand these men’s important contributions to the start of our nation.
Watch Washington Feb. 10
Watch Adams Feb. 12
Watch Jefferson Feb 18
NOTE: Edwards Campus event Tues. Feb. 19 - Details here
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2012 Presidential Lecture Series:
"Why Presidents Succeed.
..Why They Fail."
Richard Norton Smith
Sunday, January 29, 2012
3:00 p.m
. at the Dole Institute
With the 2012 presidential contest already underway, the Dole Institute looks at what separates successful presidents from those deemed failures.
Presidential historian and first Dole Institute permanent director, Richard Norton Smith, will kick off the series with his take on this timely topic. Join Richard as he is interviewed by Dole Institute Director, Bill Lacy, on the leadership traits that create great presidents, and the mistakes that make them weak.
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2012 Presidential Lecture Series CONTINUES....
Thurs., April 19
& Mon., April 23, 2012
With the 2012 presidential contest already underway, the Dole Institute’s signature series looks at what separates successful presidents from those deemed failures.
Both Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon had significant accomplishments during their presidencies that were overshadowed by Vietnam and Watergate respectively. What if these men had been able to avoid these stains? Join us as we look at each man in this light.
Thursday, April 19, 7:30 p.m.
John Andrews & Lee Huebner on Nixon
What if there never was a Watergate? This program will explore Nixon’s presidency with two speechwriters from the Nixon White House who saw these presidency-ending events from the inside.
Monday, April 23, 7:30 p.m.
Mark Updegrove on LBJ
VIDEO on YouTube
Without Vietnam would the public and historians have seen LBJ differently? Lyndon B. Johnson Library and Museum director and author, Mark Updegrove, will discuss this question and his new book, Indomitable Will: LBJ in the Presidency.
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2011 Presidential Lecture Series
"20th Century Mt. Rushmore"
Join Richard Norton Smith, presidential historian and first permanent director of the Dole Institute, as he discusses his four presidential picks from the last century to place on Mt. Rushmore: Reagan, FDR, Eisenhower, & Wilson.
WELL-RECEIVED BY A PACKED HOUSE!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
REAGAN
Smith and former Reagan Political Director, Bill Lacy, reminisced about our 40th president, Ronald Reagan.
A public reception at the Lied followed the program.
Read LJWorld coverage
VIDEO (.mov QuickTime)
Yet another Full House!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
FDR
Director Bill Lacy interviews Smith about the most significant Democratic president of the last century.
Read LJWorld coverage
VIDEO (.mov QuickTime)
.........................Lots of students attended this afternoon event.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Book Event: "Reagan at Westminster"
ROBIN ROWLAND
Author &
KU Professor Robin Rowland discussed his new book, Reagan at Westminster, regarding President Reagan's historic speech foreshadowing the fall of the Iron Curtain. Presented as part of the Presidential Lecture Series.
VIDEO (.mov QuickTime)
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
EISENHOWER
7:30 p.m. at the Dole Institute
Smith argues that Kansas' own favorite son deserves his place on the rock.
Read LJWorld coverage
VIDEO (.mov QuickTime)
Thursday, February 24, 2011
WILSON
7:30 p.m. at the Dole Institute
Smith explains why the progressive icon is the fourth and final member of the 20th century dream team.
Read LJWorld coverage
VIDEO (.mov QuickTime)
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CLICK HERE
for our Presidential Lecture Series Archive
