Inducted 2007

Senator Herb Kohl was elected to the US Senate in 1988. Prior to his election to the Senate, Kohl helped build his family-owned business, Kohl's grocery and department stores. He served as president from 1970 through the sale of the corporation in 1979. Kohl is widely recognized as a dedicated Wisconsinite, sports enthusiast and philanthropist. In 1985, he bought the Milwaukee Bucks basketball team to ensure that the NBA team remained in Milwaukee for all to enjoy. Kohl also donated $25 million to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the largest single donation in University of Wisconsin System history, for construction of the sports arena which bears his name. Kohl is active in other charitable activities in the state of Wisconsin. In 1990, he established the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Achievement Award Program, which provides annual grants to 100 graduating seniors, 100 teachers and 100 schools throughout Wisconsin.