As homecoming approaches, Washburn students and faculty alike are excited to hear that alum Bob Dole (former Senator of Kansas) will be our grand marshal of the homecoming parade.

Bob Dole was picked by a committee for this opportunity and graciously accepted the title.

Dole was born in 1923. He served in the US Army in 1943 as a combat infantry officer. By 1961 he had made his mark in US politics as a member of the House of Representatives and a member of the Republican party. 

WSGA worked together with staff in order to decide who deserved this year’s position of grand marshal. With a plethora of of alumni to choose from, it was not an easy decision to make.

It essentially came down to who of our alumni were most well-known to the public. While there are countless choices, the only one that both the younger and older generation were sure to recognize was Bob Dole.

WSGA Vice President Malcolm Mikkelsen believes that Bob Dole was a great choice. When asked on whether Bob Dole was the right pick he stated:

“I think so…He is one of the most famous alumni to come from Washburn.”

Jeremy Ridge, freshman philosophy major and WSGA member, was excited to hear that such a famous alum was chosen for the position.

“He has been involved in politics for a very long time. It is a very nice honor to have Bob Dole as our homecoming grand marshal,” said Ridge.

As Washburn’s homecoming approaches, the campus prepares for a week celebrating the rich history of Washburn. Procuring Bob Dole as or grand marshal is just another way to celebrate our great history.