Nancy Kassebaum Baker, Mary Louise Smith Chair 1996-1997
Nancy Kassebaum Baker, a Republican from Kansas who recently retired after serving 18 years in the U.S. Senate, served as the first holder of the Mary Louise Smith Chair in Women and Politics. As Chair, Kassebaum Baker made two visits to Iowa State University in 1996-97. During her first visit, much of her time was devoted to talking to students in classrooms. She talked to eight classes offered by political science, speech communication, women's studies, and journalism and mass communication. She also met with Legacy of Heroines Scholars and Catt Associates for a candid conversation on a variety of issues of interest to these young women. A leader in health care reform, Kassebaum Baker met with members of a League of Women Voters hospital study group and community leaders at a luncheon co-hosted by the Catt Center and Mary Greeley Medical Center.
During her public lecture on Women, Education, and Politics, Kassebaum Baker emphasized the role of community in addressing many of the problems that face society today. Throughout history, women have been especially involved in issues that affect their homes and security--such as education, crime, and health care--and are assuming leadership roles in addressing these concerns, she said.
During her second visit to campus on April 2-3, 1997, Kassebaum Baker met with students in 6 classes in political science, sociology, and journalism and mass communication and with the Legacy of Heroines Scholars and Catt Associates. She also met with the ISU Women's Network and with League of Women Voters representatives on campaign finance reform efforts. Kassebaum Baker spoke to the Story County Bullmoose Club and was the featured guest and speaker at the Catt Center's Fourth Annual Strong-Minded Women Dinner and Awards Ceremony on April 2, 1997.
Kassebaum Baker, who was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1978, built a reputation as an independent thinker and coalition- builder. The first woman to chair a major Senate committee-- Labor and Human Resources-- she is noted for her efforts to improve education, child care, and health care; promote fiscal responsibility; and overhaul foreign aid programs. |
