Media Contact:
Hilary Ortmann
Director, Events and Administration
The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University
hilary.ortmann@drake.edu
T: 515-305-0219
DES MOINES, Iowa (July 29, 2024) – The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University will host the 2024 Iowa Character Awards on Friday, Aug. 2, at Prairie Meadows Event Center. Twelve Iowa individuals and groups will be recognized for their exceptional character, including the community of Dubuque.
An Iowa Character Awards primetime special featuring the 2024 award recipients will air on Fox affiliate stations during the following dates and times:
* Fox 28 (Cedar Rapids) on Wednesday, Aug. 7, from 8-9 p.m.
* Fox 17 (Des Moines) on Wednesday, Aug. 7, from 8-9 p.m.
The Iowa Character Awards special will also be posted at IowaCharacterAwards.org.
Dubuque will receive the Community of Character Award. Dubuque is Iowa’s oldest city and is proud to be known as the “Masterpiece on the Mississippi.” The hallmark of Dubuque’s resurgence from challenges in the 1980s has been public/private partnerships in which local government and state and federal partners support the efforts of committed residents, businesses, and organizations. Examples include the revitalization of Dubuque’s riverfront, Main Street, and Historic Millwork District and the Bee Branch Watershed Flood Mitigation Project to mitigate flash flooding. Recent initiatives support workforce recruitment and retention efforts, like the redevelopment of Chaplain Schmitt Island and efforts to create more quality, affordable housing throughout the city. The Dubuque City Council and City staff are committed to creating an equitable community built on resiliency, sustainability, equity, transparency, and compassion.
The Ray Center annually recognizes Iowans who show the Six Pillars of CHARACTER COUNTS!: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship. Since 2005, the organization has recognized more than 200 Iowans for showing good character.
The 2024 Iowa Character Awards are presented by Hy-Vee, FOX 17, Prairie Meadows, and Murphy Enterprizes. For a complete list of 2024 Iowa Character Award recipients or to submit a 2025 nomination, visit IowaCharacterAwards.org.
The Ray Center helps create strong, vibrant communities that value positive, healthy relationships and respectful behavior.
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