The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center

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The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University is dedicated to improving civility and developing ethical leaders throughout the world.

The global home of CHARACTER COUNTS! As a global initiative that transforms lives and strengthens communities, our mission is to improve civility through character development and ethical leadership. Through public awareness and programming grounded in research, The Ray Center helps create strong, vibrant communities that value positive, healthy relationships and respectful behavior. Our professional staff works with leaders to shape culture and develop character skills through professional development, assessments, curricular resources, and ongoing consultation to help schools and youth-serving organizations improve academic competencies, social-emotional skills, and citizenship, leadership, and service performance.

Congratulations again to 2026 Iowa Character Award recipient, Dylan!
10/29/2026

Congratulations again to 2026 Iowa Character Award recipient, Dylan!

Friday during halftime of the Varsity football game Senior Dylan Dornack received the 2026 Aaron Eilerts Community Service Award. This award is part of the Iowa Character Awards presented by the Ray Center and its partners: Hy-Vee, Fox 17, Prairie Meadows, Delta Dental and Murphy Enterprises. This award recognizes Dylan's commitment to service and the Six Pillars of Character: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship. Congratulations Dylan on another outstanding achievement! KSIB Radio 101.3 FM & KOOL 102.1 FM Creston News Advertiser

Looking for a simpler way to implement character education?CHARACTER COUNTS! Compass gives educators and administrators ...
10/28/2026

Looking for a simpler way to implement character education?

CHARACTER COUNTS! Compass gives educators and administrators everything they need in one centralized system, including lessons, discussion prompts, journal activities, family connections, implementation tools, and more.

🎥 Learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WlK03wBKNA

What a week! 🎉 Our Ray Center team had a blast celebrating CHARACTER COUNTS! Week and finding ways to live out the Six P...
10/26/2026

What a week! 🎉 Our Ray Center team had a blast celebrating CHARACTER COUNTS! Week and finding ways to live out the Six Pillars of Character each day.

Thank you to everyone who joined in the fun and helped spread good character throughout schools, workplaces, and communities. We hope you had a fantastic week, too!

Check out some of the great celebrations we saw throughout the week at https://charactercounts.org/character-counts-week/

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Check it out!
10/22/2026

Check it out!

Current and aspiring civic leaders will have an opportunity to strengthen leadership skills and gain a deeper understanding of issues in the region.

We're honored that the U.S. Senate has once again adopted the longest-running bipartisan resolution designating this wee...
10/19/2026

We're honored that the U.S. Senate has once again adopted the longest-running bipartisan resolution designating this week as National CHARACTER COUNTS! Week! 🌟

For decades, CHARACTER COUNTS! has empowered people of all ages to lead with the Six Pillars of Character and make a positive difference in their schools, workplaces, and communities. This recognition is a wonderful reminder that and that each of us can help create a more caring, ethical, and compassionate world. đź’™

Read the resolution here: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-resolution/927/text

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The news of Walter Lauridsen’s passing is heartbreaking. Our thoughts and prayers are extended to the entire family and ...
10/17/2026

The news of Walter Lauridsen’s passing is heartbreaking. Our thoughts and prayers are extended to the entire family and all of those who knew Walter and were impacted by his presence in their lives.

Walter served as an active member of our National Advisory Council at The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University. Walter was a visionary leader who cared deeply about making the world a better place. His vision and leadership elevated our work, especially with CHARACTER COUNTS! Walter led a catalytic initiative to get the CHARACTER COUNTS! early childhood resources in every preschool and kindergarten classroom in Polk County. That accomplishment is part of a larger vision that Walter embraced to provide the resources statewide.

He was also an advocate for The Ray Center’s work to elevate civility in the public arena. Walter was passionate about transforming lives and strengthening communities. He was a wonderful friend who will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.

Congratulations to Robin Brand, recipient of the 2026 CHARACTER COUNTS! Coach of the Year Award! 🏆This award recognizes ...
10/13/2026

Congratulations to Robin Brand, recipient of the 2026 CHARACTER COUNTS! Coach of the Year Award! 🏆

This award recognizes a coach who exemplifies the Six Pillars of Character: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship.

Congratulations, Robin! 🎉💙

📸 October 9 | Mount Vernon, Iowa

09/29/2026

Thank you Scott Raecker for sharing your wonderful stories and connections to Governor Robert and Mrs. Billie Ray at the 2nd annual Ray Lecture for OLLI at Drake. It was greatly appreciated by all.

Address

2702 Forest Avenue
Des Moines, IA
50311

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+15152711910

Website

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