By Randy Gonzales
FHSU University Relations and Marketing
Even at 92, Bob Dole can still work a room.
Robert J. “Bob” Dole mixed wit with words of wisdom in delivering the keynote address at Fort Hays State University’s Commencement Friday night at Gross Memorial Coliseum.
“I have an old body but my mind is still pretty sharp,” Dole said, drawing a big laugh from those assembled.
Dole, who received the university’s first-ever honorary doctorate, was scheduled to speak again at Saturday’s FHSU commencement ceremony. His 30-minute address Friday covered everything from the World War II Memorial to the accomplishments of another Kansas native son, Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Dole pondered what to say on this occasion.
“I’ve been trying to figure out for months what a 92-year-old man can tell a 22-year-old graduate,” Dole said, drawing more laughter.
Later, Dole tuned serious and told the graduates to expect adversity. Maybe not on the level Dole experienced, where he returned home to Russell after being seriously wounded while serving in the Army. The wounds he suffered in Italy in 1945 hindered him physically, but he made up for it mentally.
“Keep an eye on the road,” Dole said. “You’re going to have some bumps.”
Dole said those who came out of World War II were known as “The Greatest Generation.” Now, it’s another generation protecting America.
“Now we pass the torch to another generation, for people trying to protect us from murderers called ISIS,” Dole said.
In this election season, Dole managed to get in a political point or two. Dole praised FHSU and President Mirta M. Martin. He joked he didn’t know whether to call her President Martin or Dr. Martin.
“I like the term, ‘president,’ ” said Dole, who was the Republican nominee for president in 1996. “It’s too late for me now.
“This would be the year to run,” Dole added, drawing laughter and applause.
Dole apologized for being late to the ceremony. He kiddingly blamed it on former president Bill Clinton, who was notorious for running late while in the White House.
“We’re here; I apologize,” Dole said. “We’re on Bill Clinton time.”
Dole won a Congressional seat in 1960 then served in the Senate from 1968 to 1996. He became Senate majority leader in 1984 — the longest serving Republican leader. The gridlock in Washington today was not the norm in Dole’s day.
“ ‘Compromise’ is not a bad word,” Dole said, who received loud and long applause.
Dole concluded by congratulated the graduating class of 2016.
“Don’t forget what you have learned here. Some days I wish I were 22 again,” Dole said. “If I could leave you with one word: There’s no place like America.”
