DES MOINES — The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University hosted the 2023 Iowa Character Awards on Friday, July 28, at Prairie Meadows Event Center. Eleven Iowa individuals and groups were recognized for their exceptional character, including the Iowa Women’s Basketball Team, business owner and community leader, Doug Alberhasky, and educator, Thomas Braverman.
An Iowa Character Awards primetime special featuring the 2023 award recipients will air on Fox affiliate stations during the following dates and times:
• Fox 28 (Cedar Rapids) on Tuesday, August 8 from 6-7 p.m.
• Fox 17 (Des Moines) on Tuesday, August 8 from 8-9 p.m.
• Fox 44 (Sioux City) on Sunday, August 13 from 3-4 p.m.
Iowa Women’s Basketball received the Jim Hallihan Pursuing Victory with Honor Award. Iowa Women’s Basketball took the nation by storm as they made a run for the 2023 NCAA Women’s Final Four National Championship, finishing as runner-up. Across our state and country, people were inspired to see a group of young women excelling at the highest levels through the character they demonstrated on and off the court. The players and coaches understand and embrace that they are role models to youth everywhere and that their character is on display in every action.
Iowa Women’s Basketball demonstrates what it means to live and compete with character, truly pursuing victory with honor. As one fan commented, “Everyone associated with the team understood that they represented the university, the state of Iowa, the sport of basketball, and women’s athletics all over the country. They took this responsibility seriously and held themselves accountable to a very high standard.”
The 2023 Iowa Character Awards are presented by Hy-Vee, FOX 17, Prairie Meadows, Murphy Enterprizes, and Alliant Energy. For a complete list of 2023 Iowa Character Award recipients or to submit a 2024 nomination, visit IowaCharacterAwards.org.
The Ray Center helps create strong, vibrant communities that value positive, healthy relationships and respectful behavior.