DES MOINES, IOWA (April 22, 2020) — The Robert D and Billie Ray Center at Drake University annually recognizes Iowans who show the Six Pillars of CHARACTER COUNTS!: Trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship.

Since 2005, we have recognized more than 100 Iowans for showing good character, including:

 

DES MOINES, IOWA (February 12, 2020) — The Robert D and Billie Ray Center at Drake University has named Iowans Mary and Kirk Ferentz as the 2020 Robert D. Ray Pillar of Character Award recipients.

Mary and Kirk will accept the award on April 17, 2020 at The Ray Center's All-Star Evening in West Des Moines. An All-Star Evening is presented by Hy-Vee and benefits The Ray Center's programs, including CHARACTER COUNTS!

DES MOINES, IOWA  June 20, 2019) — The Robert D and Billie Ray Center at Drake University and The Joseph and Edna Josephson Institute of Ethics announced today that the Institute has conveyed to Drake University exclusive global rights and responsibilities to maintain and expand the Institute's CHARACTER COUNTS! character development and Pursuing Victory with Honor building character through sports programs, both domestically and internationally.

DES MOINES, IOWA (April 23, 2019) — The Robert D and Billie Ray Center at Drake University annually recognizes Iowans who show the Six Pillars of CHARACTER COUNTS!: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship. Since 2005, we have recognized more than 100 Iowans for showing good character, including:

DES MOINES, IOWA (April 22, 2019) — The Robert D and Billie Ray Center at Drake University annually recognizes Iowans who show the Six Pillars of CHARACTER COUNTS!: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good-citizenship. Since 2005, we have recognized more than 100 Iowans for showing good character, including:

Iowa native and Super Bowl Champion Dallas Clark will return to Iowa in April to receive the Ray Pillar of Character Award.  Character Counts In Iowa annually presents the Ray Award to an Iowan who has demonstrated a commitment to being a person of good character.

"Dallas has been an extraordinary model of good character.  He has been an outstanding representative of our state throughout his football career." said Character Counts In Iowa Chairman, former Gov. Robert D. Ray.  Past award recipients include Norman Borlaug, Hayden Fry, Shawn Johnson and former Governor Robert D. Ray, for whom the award was named.

After playing for the University of Iowa, Clark was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 2003.  In 1997 he helped the Colts win Super Bowl XLI.  He was recently named to the 2009 Pro Bowl team and will be playing in Super Bowl XLIV on February 7.

Dallas will be presented with the Ray Award at Hy-Vee's All Star Evening to benefit Character Counts In Iowa on April 16, 2010.  Event chairpersons are Randy Edeker (President, Hy-Vee) and his wife, Dawn Edeker and Suku Radia (President & CEO, Bankers Trust) and his wife, Dr. Mary Radia.  Gary Palmer (President & CEO, Prairie Meadows) and his wife, Ginger Palmer will serve as chairpersons of the event reception.

To learn more about An All-Star Evening or Character Counts In Iowa, visit CharacterCountsInIowa.org.

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CHARACTER COUNTS! In Iowa is encouraging Iowans to nominate their role models for an Iowa Character Award. The awards annually honor individuals and organizations that consistently demonstrate the Six Pillars of Character: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship. Nominations must be postmarked by June 15, 2009.

"We don't always get a chance to recognize and thank our role models," said Scott Raecker, executive director of CHARACTER COUNTS! In Iowa. "Nominating an individual or organization for an award that highlights good character is a great way to pay tribute to the people who make a difference in our lives."

Award Categories include : Business/Organization of Character, Citizen of Character, Community of Character, School of Character, and the Pursuing Victory With Honor Award.

All nominees will receive a congratulatory letter and certificate. Award recipients will be honored at the Iowa Character Awards Banquet on October 17, 2009.

Nomination forms are available at CharacterCountsInIowa.org.

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