Please join us as we honor the 2023 Robert D. and Billie Ray Pillar of Character Award recipient, Allen Lazard.
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, Peggy Whitson, and Ashton Kutcher.
April 14, 2023 | Ron Pearson Center, West Des Moines, IA
6 p.m. An All-Star Reception, presented by Prairie Meadows
6:30 p.m. General reception and silent auction
7 p.m. Dinner and live auction
All-Star Package $6,000
Exemplar Package $4,000
Corporate Package $2,000
Individual Tickets $250
Young Professionals Tickets $125
Allen Lazard may be best known for setting football records for Iowa State University and the Green Bay Packers. An Iowa native, Lazard has also developed a reputation for giving back to his community.
Lazard was considered one of the nation’s best high school football prospects and a four-star recruit. In early 2014, Lazard announced that he was committing to Iowa State University.
Lazard broke records during his time at Iowa State University as a Wide Receiver and received many accolades. Lazard became the greatest receiver in Iowa State history during the 2017 season and was named First-Team All-Big 12. During his final year with the Iowa State Cyclones, his teammates voted him team captain, speaking volumes of his character.
Following his journey at Iowa State, Lazard signed as an undrafted free agent with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Lazard remained with the Jaguars’ until he accepted an offer from the Green Bay Packers. He played with the Packers for five seasons and is now a free agent.
Lazard’s success at Iowa State and Green Bay gave him a platform to give back to his community through his nonprofit organization, At The Top, which focuses on supporting veterans. In addition to supporting other nonprofit organizations, Lazard spends time with pediatric patients at his local hospitals.
Passionate about giving back to his Iowa community and connecting with local youth, Lazard consistently returns to Iowa to create memorable moments. He spends time with his high school football team, surprises students and families on their way to school, hosts youth football camps, and more.
As a graduate of the Urbandale School District, Lazard is an alumnus of CHARACTER COUNTS! schools.
All of the funds raised at An All-Star Evening will support the character and leadership development projects of the Ray Center.
Allen Lazard
2023 Ray Pillar of Character Award Recipient
© 2022 The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University.