The Harkin Name: A Catalyst For Change

Then & Now

Senator Tom Harkin first took office in 1975 and spent four decades in Congress focused on increasing accessibility, championing labor and employment rights, ensuring all Americans can retire with dignity, and enacting innovative initiatives to keep individuals and families healthy. Today, his legacy lives on through the work of The Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement at Drake University. Join us in celebrating 50 years of impact by making a gift today to support the work that continues in his name.

THEN:

Sen. Harkin authored the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act.

NOW:

The Harkin Institute opened its new building, the Tom and Ruth Harkin Center, in 2020, to serve as an example of accessibility and inclusion.

THEN:

Sen. Harkin reauthorized the Rehabilitation Act, ensuring young people with disabilities access to fair employment.

NOW:

Each year, The Harkin Institute hosts the Harkin International Disability Employment Summit.

THEN:

Sen. Harkin helped lead the fight against Social Security privatization and sponsored legislation to strengthen the system and expand benefits.

NOW:

Preserving and strengthening Social Security for all was the topic of the inaugural Harkin Retirement Security Symposium.

THEN:

Senator Harkin helped create the Conservation Security Program (now known as the Conservation Stewardship Program) through the 2002 farm bill. The program helps producers build on existing conservation efforts to support cleaner water, cleaner air, and healthier soil.

NOW:

Clean water is a pivotal piece of The Harkin Institute’s current work in wellness and nutrition and was the topic of the 2025 Harkin on Wellness Symposium.