Index of University Press Releases

Dole honored with leadership, service award

Ross Dolan
The Daily Republic - 10/07/2006

In an event that was the culmination of a day filled with celebrity, compassion and accomplishment, Sen. George McGovern took time out to honor longtime friend and colleague former Kansas Sen. Robert Dole.

During a special banquet Friday at Dakota Wesleyan University’s Sherman Center, Dole became the inaugural recipient of the McGovern Award for Leadership and Service.

The dedication for the new library will be at 11 a.m. today with a keynote address by former President Bill Clinton.

“I warmly endorse this recognition of a friend of mine and a political figure I admire more than I can say,” McGovern said in his introduction of Dole.

McGovern said he and Dole, a Republican, crossed party lines and cooperated often on agricultural and other issues when they worked together in the Senate. Noting that Republican connection, McGovern joked that his friend had grown in wisdom over the years and had become “saved and sanctified.”

In an unexpected announcement, McGovern said the next recipient of the McGovern Award will be Dole’s new law partner, former South Dakota Sen. Tom Daschle.

In an introduction to the award, DWU President Bob Duffett outlined Dole’s accomplishments as a war hero — Dole received two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star in WWII. Dole also was a member of the House of Representatives and served a long stint as a senator, from 1968 to 1996. Dole also served as Senate majority leader and was the Republican presidential candidate in 1996. He was a six-time adviser to the United Nations.

Dole, Duffett said, worked with many humanitarian organizations and created the Dole Foundation to develop educational opportunities for the disabled.

Dole lived up to his introduction as a “brilliant and witty leader” by thanking Duffett “for the generous introduction I mailed him.”

“I’m glad to be here,” Dole said, “but at my age I’m honored to be anywhere.”

Dole said both he and McGovern were part of the shrinking population of WWII veterans whose numbers have dropped from 16.5 to 3.5 million.

Of the award he said, “It’s something I will cherish, not least of all because of its namesake, who has set the standard in friendship as well as leadership.”

“This weekend’s events prove once again that George McGovern is a uniter and not a divider,” said Dole. “Who else could bring together Bill Clinton, Bob Dole, Al Neuharth, Tom Daschle, John Thune and Peter, Paul and Mary?”

Speaking sincerely, Dole said McGovern always exhibited a personal decency that “transcended any party label and generations as well.” Dole said receiving the award was an opportunity to salute an old friend and repay an old debt.

“Three years ago George came to the dedication of the Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas, and what he said about me then more than made up for what he said about me when I ran for president in 1980, 1988, and 1996,” Dole said.

Dole said he could not think of a more appropriate tribute to the McGoverns than the library.

“The fact is that he and Eleanor are both educators at heart. They understand and personify the essential truth of education — as long as books are kept open, minds can never be closed,” he said.

He also acknowledged the McGoverns’ goal to banish hunger around the world by the year 2030.

If there is a damper on the weekend, it is Eleanor McGovern’s absence. She is ill and her condition, George McGovern said Friday, is “not good.” He said she is comfortable and being cared for in the family’s cabin in Montana, where she has a view of the Rocky Mountains.

McGovern said his wife’s condition was unfortunate and said recovery “will take prayer.”

Messer and others signed a book with messages for Eleanor McGovern.

Duffett said the library opening is “a great day” for Dakota Wesleyan, Mitchell and South Dakota. He was hopeful the weekend will prove inspirational to DWU students.

Wayne Puetz, whose company, Puetz Corporation, built the new library complex, attended the event with his wife, Mary, who handled all interior design for the library.

“We’re absolutely thrilled,” said Mr. Puetz. “We feel honored and privileged to be involved. It’s great to honor such a wonderful man and for us to be a small part of that.”

Former DWU president Jack Ewing said he felt overwhelmed to be back on campus.

“George and I talked about this dream we had in (Washington D.C.’s) Jefferson Hotel on Feb. 1, 1995, and to see it come to fruition is just overwhelming,” he said.