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CHARACTER COUNTS! expands early childhood resources into 1,687 additional Iowa classrooms

CHARACTER COUNTS! expands early childhood resources into 1,687 additional Iowa classrooms

Expansion made possible by $530,000 in grants to The Ray Center at Drake University The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University—the global hub for CHARACTER COUNTS!—is proud to announce that new early childhood resources were provided to 1,687 early childhood and kindergarten classrooms in Polk County. With this expansion, the program’s reach...

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Iowans Invited to Nominate Role Models for 2025 Iowa Character Awards

Nominations for the 2025 Iowa Character Awards are now open. The Iowa Character Awards are presented annually by The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University and honor individuals and organizations that consistently demonstrate the Six Pillars of Character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship.  “We don’t always get a chance...

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The Ray Center at Drake University and the Society for Human Resource Management partner to promote civility at work

The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) are proud to launch a partnership that will promote civility at work. Research from SHRM shows that more than half (58%) of U.S. workers believe our society is uncivil, and U.S. organizations collectively lose approximately $2 billion...

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Drake’s Ron and Jane Olson Institute for Public Democracy Announces Inaugural Practitioner in Residence 

Drake’s Ron and Jane Olson Institute for Public Democracy Announces Inaugural Practitioner in Residence 

Drake University announced today that Iowa State Representative and former U.S. Congressman David Young will serve as the inaugural Practitioner in Residence at the Ron and Jane Olson Institute for Public Democracy. The program, which was previously unveiled in February 2024, is made possible by a generous $1 million gift from Patty and Jim Cownie.  ...

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The Columbus School named regional licensing partner for CHARACTER COUNTS!

The Columbus School named regional licensing partner for CHARACTER COUNTS!

The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University and The Columbus School are proud to announce a new partnership. The Columbus School will now be a designated regional partner of The Ray Center in order to deliver CHARACTER COUNTS! and Pursuing Victory With Honor initiatives, including comprehensive trainings and implementation support throughout Colombia....

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The Ray Center at Drake University receives four Prairie Meadows grants

The Ray Center at Drake University receives four Prairie Meadows grants

Significant grant will make CHARACTER COUNTS! programming accessible to every early childhood and kindergarten classroom in Polk County Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino has awarded The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University four grants totaling more than $210,000 to support initiatives that benefit Iowans. “CHARACTER COUNTS!’ vision to help create strong, vibrant...

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The Ray Center Receives Three Prairie Meadows Grants for 2022 Initiatives

Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino has awarded The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University three grants totaling nearly $62,000 to support initiatives that impact Iowans. “We’re proud of our longstanding partnership with Prairie Meadows. These grants provide valuable resources to Iowans and help promote good character, civility, and ethical leadership.” said Scott...