The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University will recognize 12 Iowa individuals and groups with awards for exceptional character next week. The 2019 Iowa Character Awards ceremony will be held July 26 at the Meadows Events and Conference Center in Altoona. The Ray Center’s top award, the Robert D. Ray Pillar of Character, will be presented to Ray Cole of Clive. Cole, president and chief operating officer of Citadel Communications Co., has consistently worked to back the mission of the Character Counts! Program, and enjoyed a close relationship with the former governor. Cole was especially involved with the annual All-Star Evening fundraiser. To see a list of all the Iowa Character Award winners and to RSVP for the event, click here.