Congratulations to the 2024 Robert D. and Billie Ray Pillar of Character Award recipient, Lisa Bluder.
On Friday, April 19, 2024, we will present Lisa Bluder with the 2024 Robert D. and Billie Ray Pillar of Character Award.
Event Details:
Doors open at 5:00 pm.
Attire is business cocktail.
**Attendees were emailed event details on April 12. If you did not receive it, please check your email’s spam folder or contact Hilary Ortmann for more information.**
Event Chairs: Sue Beckwith, Tammi Blackstone, and Anna Stoermer
This award is The Ray Center’s highest honor and is presented each spring to an individual who demonstrates good character as a role model and reflects former Governor Robert D. Ray and Billie Ray’s lifelong commitment to civility and character development. Previous Ray Award recipients include Norman Borlaug, Hayden Fry, Shawn Johnson, and Peggy Whitson.
Lisa Bluder is in her 24th year as the P. Sue Beckwith, MD, Head Women’s Basketball Coach. The position was endowed in 2021 by P. Sue Beckwith, MD, one of UI athletics’ most generous supporters. Sue Beckwith was a four-year letter winner with Iowa Women’s Basketball (1976-1980) and has earned three UI degrees; 1980 BS, 1984 MD, and 2015 MBA.
As the all-time winningest coach in program history, the Hawkeyes have advanced to 21 postseason appearances (17 NCAA and four WNIT) in 23 seasons, including NCAA Tournament berths in 13 of the last 15 seasons. Iowa advanced to the postseason in 15 consecutive seasons (13 NCAA and two WNIT) when a postseason tournament was held. The 2020 pandemic cut the 2019-20 season short, resulting in the sole missed tournament season. Bluder coached the 2022-23 Hawkeyes to her fourth Big Ten Tournament title with wins over Purdue, Maryland, and Ohio State.
2702 Forest Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50311
515-271-1910
RayCenter@Drake.edu
© 2022 The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University.
