The Kappa Sigma Fraternity and the Fisher House Foundation Inc. have announced that the fisher house to be constructed at the Washington D.C. Veterans Hospital will be dedicated in honor of 1970 Kappa Sigma Man of the Year and former Kansas Senator, the Honorable Robert J. Dole. The construction for the house will begin after the first of the year and a dedication is tentatively scheduled for February of 2010. A cornerstone will be placed at the Fisher House bearing the name of Senator Dole, to recognize his service to the great State of Kansas, the citizens of the United States and the Brothers of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. It is a fitting tribute to Brother Dole and his focus and priority of service above self.
The Supreme Executive Committee has designated that the Fisher House sponsored by Kappa Sigma Fraternity should be dedicated in honor of one of America’s most successful and recognized leaders. The Fraternity has sponsored the Fisher House and will share the sponsorship with CharityWorks of Washington, D.C. Representatives of the Supreme Executive Committee and other Fraternity leaders will join Brother Dole at the dedication ceremony where the cornerstone will be laid. A plaque recognizing the Fisher House dedicated in honor of Brother Dole will be placed in the library of the facility.
Kappa Sigma will continue its efforts to support the construction of future Fisher Houses through its Military Heroes Campaign. Brother Dole recognized Kappa Sigma’s role in raising funds, he said, “I’m deeply honored to have my Brothers of Kappa Sigma dedicate this Fisher House in my name. I am most impressed by the work put forth by undergraduate Chapters and leaders to sponsor such a worthy cause. Their efforts have provided support to our service men and women who exhibit uncommon bravery and represent our country as patriots each day; and to their families, whose sacrifice and support is inseparable and indispensable. This truly meets Kappa Sigma’s initiative of service to our fellow man and is a testament to the values of our Fraternity.” Senator Robert J. Dole was born in Russell, Kansas on July 22, 1923. He graduated from Washburn Municipal University (now Washburn University) in Topeka, Kansas with undergraduate and law degrees in 1952, after attending Kansas University from 1941-1943 and the University of Arizona from 1948-1949. During World War II, he served as a combat infantry officer in Italy. He was wounded twice and hospitalized for thirty-nine months. He was awarded two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star with an Oak Cluster for military service. He was admitted to the bar and commenced the practice of law in Russell, Kansas. He served in the State House of Representatives from 1951-1953 and served as County Attorney of Russell County from 1953-1961. Brother Dole was elected as a Republican to the Eighty-Seventh Congress and to the three succeeding Congresses. He was elected to the United States Senate in 1968 and reelected in 1974, 1980, 1986 and 1992. He served until June 11, 1996 when he resigned to campaign for the presidency. He was Majority Leader of the Senate from 1985-1987 and 1995-1996 and Minority Leader from 1987-1995. He was Chairman of the Committee on Finance (Ninety-Seventh through Ninety-Eighth Congresses), Special Committee on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Ninety-Ninth Congress), Chairman of the Republican national Committee 1971-1972, advisor to the President’s Delegation to Study the Food Crisis in India in 1966, advisor to the United States Delegation to Study the Arab Refugee Problem in 1967, advisor to the United States Delegation to the United Nations food and Agriculture Organization 1965, 1968, 1974, 1975, 1977 and 1979. He was a member of the United States National Commission for the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization in 1970 and 1973. He served as a member of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe in 1977, advisor to GATT Ministerial Trade Conference in 1982, member of the National Commission on Social Security Reform 1983, member of Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal Holiday Commission 1984, and on January 17, 1997 he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He served as Chairman of the International Commission of Missing Persons in the Former Yugoslavia 1997-2001 and National Chairman of the National World War II Memorial from 1997-2004. He is currently engaged in the practice of law in Washington, D.C.
Ken Fisher, Chairman of the Fisher House Foundation, Inc., spoke of the Fisher House being dedicated in honor of Brother Dole: “This Foundation, as well as me personally, are extremely privileged to be able to include this great Patriot into the cornerstone of this wonderful home for our Veterans and their families. I know that my Uncle, Zachary Fisher would be pleased to have this great American whom he admired so much, be a part of this Fisher House in Washington, D.C.”. The Kappa Sigma Fraternity celebrates Brother Dole and his many contributions for the good of the Order.
