New Library Exhibit: "Commemorating Walter F. Mondale ('56) (1928–2021): A Lasting Legacy"

The Law Library announces a special new exhibit to commemorate  the life and career of Walter F. Mondale, now open in the Riesenfeld Rare Books Research Center:

"Commemorating Walter F. Mondale ('56) (1928–2021): A Lasting Legacy" 

Walter Mondale ('56) (1928-2021) left an indelible legacy on the American political landscape. His achievements in Congress, the White House, and in Minnesota are a testament to his great skill, courage, and integrity. The Vice President’s enduring contributions were driven by his vision for a country bound by its commitments to fairness, justice, and opportunity. Mondale’s passing this year marked the loss of a great friend, particularly for the Law School’s wide community. Though we grieve his death, we also commemorate his outstanding life of leadership and service.
 
Through photographs, documents, and quotations, the Law Library’s new exhibit traces the Vice President’s career from his formative years in Minnesota to his service as a U.S. Senator, Vice President of the United States, and as an elder statesman. The exhibit also highlights the Vice President's close relationship with the Law School whose building bears his name. For more than sixty years, Mondale's deep involvement in the life of the Law School reflected his generous commitment to his alma mater, rooted in an unshakeable faith in education as the path to a better society. In the same spirit, the current library exhibit honors Walter Mondale’s monumental career and legacy. 

By any measure, Mondale’s career was extraordinary. He was appointed Minnesota Attorney General in 1960, the youngest in the country. In 1964, he was appointed to the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Hubert Humphrey and went on to serve twelve years in Congress. In the Senate, Mondale’s legislative efforts helped to usher in a new

Democratic party, focused among other issues on civil rights, consumer rights, education, the environment, and government accountability. As Jimmy Carter’s vice president, from 1977 to 1980, Mondale reshaped the role of the office, helping to guide foreign and domestic policy as perhaps no other vice president before him.

 

Although his 1984 bid for the presidency was unsuccessful, Mondale’s choice of Geraldine Ferraro as his running mate was historic, marking the first time that a woman ran as a major party nominee for vice president. Mondale was later appointed by President Clinton as ambassador to Japan, and remained active in the Democratic party throughout his life. For more than sixty years, Walter Mondale’s deep commitment to the Law School added another bright flame to his legacy. He served as an advisor to the Law School and frequently visited, spoke, and lectured here. In part for those deep and continuing ties, the Law School building was rededicated in his honor in 2001. His personal warmth, care, and involvement at the Law School made him one of its greatest friends and partners. 

For more information about the exhibit, or to schedule a tour, please contact Ryan Greenwood (rgreenwo@umn.edu; 612-625-7323). For more information about Walter Mondale's distinguished Senate career, please see the Library's award-winning digital site. For more about the Law School building, Walter F. Mondale Hall, please see this digital exhibit. For more on Mondale's career and legacy, please see the Law School's spring tribute.

   - Ryan Greenwood, Curator of Rare Books and Special Collections