Dubuque Named the 2024 Iowa Community of CharacterCity of Dubuque
City Council Meeting
Action Items # 03.
Copyrighted
June 17, 2024
ITEM TITLE: Dubuque Named the 2024 Iowa Community of Character
SUMMARY: City Manager providing a copy of a news release announcing that
Dubuque has been named Iowa's 2024 Community of Character by the
Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University.
SUGGESTED Suggested Disposition: Receive and File
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Type
Dubuque Named 2024 Community of Character News Supporting Documentation
Release
June 14, 2024 —FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dubuque Named 2024 Community
of Character
Dubuque has been named Iowa's 2024 Community of Character by the Robert D. and Billie Ray
Center at Drake University.
The Ray Center annually recognizes Iowa individuals, organizations, and communities that
show the center's six pillars of CHARACTER COUNTS& trustworthiness, respect,
responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship.
Dubuque was nominated by Robert Palmer, the former General Counsel and Director of
Government Affairs with the Iowa League of Cities. "Dubuque is a great city with a lot of heart
and city officials that care. The community has a story of population loss followed by
stabilization, recovery, and continued growth," said Palmer. "The city officials are passionate
about the wide variety of residents they have and what it takes to meet their needs. Language
barriers, employment, and embracing cultural identity are challenges that has Dubuque faced
and overcame gracefully."
"Dubuque residents should be proud of this acknowledgement. Our community has certainly
demonstrated tremendous character in responding to past and current challenges," said
Dubuque Mayor Brad Cavanagh. "Change is not always easy, but Dubuque is navigating
change with a commitment to creating an equitable community of choice."
Scott Raecker, executive director of The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center, said, "We are honored
to celebrate Dubuque as the 2024 Community of Character for the Iowa Character Awards.
Dubuque is an inspiring example of how communities can work together to promote positive
values and make a meaningful impact on the lives of all their residents."
The Iowa Character Awards will be presented at a special event in August at Drake University.
The Ray Center honors two of Drake University's most respected alumni —Robert D. and Billie
Ray —whose humanitarian efforts, character, and leadership set an inspirational example for
generations. The center strives to improve civility through character development and ethical
leadership. The Ray Center's vision is to transform lives and strengthen communities by
equipping individuals and communities with strategies to practice good character by
demonstrating trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship.
Through public awareness and programming grounded in research, the Ray Center helps
create strong, vibrant communities that value positive, healthy relationships and respectful
behavior. Its initiatives benefit people of all ages and are easily adaptable for families, schools,
workplaces, athletic teams and organizations, and more.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Hilary D. Ortmann, Director of Events & Administration
The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University
515-271-2915, hilary.ortmann(a)drake. edu