Edited release
08/02/23
The 2023 Iowa Character Awards ceremony was held last Friday at Prairie Meadows Event Center in Des Moines.
Hosted by the Robert D and Billie Ray Center at Drake University, three Iowa City groups and individuals were among eleven statewide recognized for their exceptional character, including the Iowa Women’s Basketball Team, business owner and community leader, Doug Alberhasky, and educator, Thomas Braverman.
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 the 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.
Doug Alberhasky received the Adult Citizen of Character Award. Alberhasky, owner of John’s Grocery, is an integral part of the Iowa City community because of the time he spends volunteering with youth and giving back to the community.
Thomas Braverman received the Educator of Character Award. Braverman, a retired special education teacher from City High School, is known for always going out of his way to help others. When students in his special education program desired meaningful friendships, Braverman brought the national Best Buddies program to City High. He also created City High’s first ever Unified Sports Team.
The Ray Center annually recognizes Iowans who show the Six Pillars of CHARACTER COUNTS!: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship. Since 2005, the organization has recognized more than 200 Iowans for showing good character.
An Iowa Character Awards primetime special featuring the 2023 award recipients will air on Fox 28 Tuesday, August 8 from 6-7 p.m. The Iowa Character Awards special will also be posted at IowaCharacterAwards.org.