The Iowa Character Awards, hosted by The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University, highlight Iowa’s role models by recognizing what makes Iowa great—our people! Twelve Iowa individuals and groups are annually recognized for their exceptional character. The 2024 Iowa Character Award recipients are:
- Alan Steckman, Mason City – Citizen of Character
- Carter Hammer, Sioux City – Citizen of Character
- Shelby Griebat, Tipton – Aaron Eilerts Community Service Award
- Katie Hoover, West Des Moines – Educator of Character
- Dan Marburger (posthumously), Perry – Character Champion
- Iowa League of Heroes, Cumming – Organization of Character
- Dallas Center-Grimes Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Grimes – Student Organization of Character
- Clear Creek Elementary, Clear Lake – School of Character
- Dubuque – Community of Character
- Elite Casino Resorts, Riverside – Partner of the Year
- Jean Berger, Dexter – Jim Hallihan Pursuing Victory with Honor Award
- Marta Codina, West Des Moines – The Robert D. and Billie Ray Pillar of Character Award
The 2024 Iowa Character Award recipients will be recognized during a one-hour prime-time TV special on Wednesday, Aug. 7, at 8 p.m. on FOX 17 (Des Moines) and FOX 28 (Cedar Rapids). Join us in celebrating this year’s recipients! Learn more at IowaCharacterAwards.org.
Special thanks to our 2024 partners: FOX 17 Des Moines, Prairie Meadows, Hy-Vee, and Murphy Enterprizes.
— Megan Wesselink, Robert D. & Billie Ray Center