The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University is proud to announce that Steve Hartman, CBS News Correspondent, has been named as the recipient of the 2026 Robert D. and Billie Ray Pillar of Character Award.
This award is The Ray Center’s highest honor, recognizing individuals who exemplify good character as a role model and reflecting former Iowa Governor Robert D. Ray’s and wife, Billie Ray’s, lifelong commitment to civility and character development.
Hartman is best known for his weekly feature segment, “On the Road,” which shares moving and uplifting stories about the extraordinary people he meets. His stories are used in thousands of classrooms around the world to teach lessons on kindness and character.
Further extending his work, in 2020, as schools closed for the COVID-19 pandemic, Hartman, with the help of his own children, launched a web series called “Kindness 101.” The segment now airs on “CBS Mornings.” The video series highlights stories about kindness and character and has been used by more than 100,000 educators around the world.
In alignment with The Ray Center’s CHARACTER COUNTS! initiative, Drake University and CBS News partnered in 2024 to produce a series of free educational videos and resources on character and kindness, which are offered at no cost to K-12 educators around the world through Kindness101.com.
“Steve Hartman lives the values of the Robert D. and Billie Ray Pillar of Character Award, and we are incredibly proud to honor him with this distinction,” said Drake University President Marty Martin. “He chooses to use his influence as an acclaimed broadcast journalist to inspire millions of students to live with exemplary character and integrity. I can’t think of a more meaningful pursuit.”
“I am honored. I am humbled. I am flattered beyond words,” said Hartman. “I have spent my career reporting on people who are ‘pillars of character.’ I would never put myself in that category. But I will do my best to accept this award with grace.”
Hartman will accept the Pillar of Character Award on April 17 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! Past recipients of the award include Norman Borlaug, Hayden Fry, Dan Gable, Fred Hoiberg, Shawn Johnson, Dr. Peggy Whitson, and Lisa Bluder.
For more information about An All-Star Evening, including how to purchase tickets, visit AllStarEvening.org.