Drake University has received a $500,000 anonymous gift in support of the University’s new Robert D. and Billie Ray Center.
Drake University President David Maxwell announced the $500,000 gift on Nov. 24 during a special reception to honor the establishment of the Center, which will focus its efforts globally on applied research and programming in leadership, ethics, and civility. A large portion of the gift will create an endowed fund to support programming at the Ray Center; the other portion of the gift is designated to the Center’s construction.
Drake will acquire the Iowa-based nonprofit Character Counts In Iowa as a foundational element of the Center, which through its name and activities will honor the legacy of former Drake University President and Iowa Governor Robert D. Ray and his wife, Billie, both of whom are Drake alumni.
Governor Ray earned a J.D. from Drake in 1954 following completion of a B.A. in business at Drake in 1952.