East Village in Des Moines in Polk County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Governor Robert D. Ray, 1928-2018
Governor of Iowa 1969-1983
| | Robert D. Ray Asian Garden | |
Photographed by McGhiever, November 6, 2022
1. Governor Robert D. Ray, 1928-2018 Marker
Governor Robert D. Ray left a lasting mark on Iowa history during his four terms as governor. He is recognized statewide, nationally and globally for the resettlement of Southeast Asian refugees and for promoting cultural awareness and understanding. A visionary and beloved leader, his accomplishments are legendary:
In the area of Civil Rights: He established the Iowa Commission on the Status of Women and the Iowa Council on Children. He issued executive orders that furthered initiatives on affirmative action and equal employment opportunities and laws to protect Native American graves.
In the area of Education: He revamped and expanded the funding of K-12 public education, increasing the funding for schools while reducing the reliance on property taxes.
In the area of the Environment: He fostered the establishment of the Iowa Energy Policy Council and the Department of Environmental Quality. He was a founding member of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and co-chair of Keep Iowa Beautiful.
In the area of Judicial Reform: He oversaw Iowa's judicial system reformation and the implementation of a community
this page online
Following his tenure as Governor, Ray became President and CEO of a major insurance company, the interim Mayor of Des Moines and the President of Drake University. Along with his life-long partner and wife, Billie, they helped to form the Institute for Character Development at Drake University.
Guided by a strong moral compass Governor Ray directed to first "decide what the right thing to do is " and then take action. He challenged us not simply to speak of concerns for the poor and disenfranchised, for the marginalized and unemployed, but to do something. The effect of Governor Ray's leadership was transformational.
Judith A. Conlin
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Civil Rights • Education • Government & Politics. A significant historical year for this entry is 1969.
Location. 41° 35.642′ N, 93° 37.008′ W. Marker is in Des Moines, Iowa, in Polk County. It is in East Village. It can be reached from Robert D. Ray Drive south of Maple Street, on the right when traveling south. The marker is near the north entrance to the Robert D. Ray Asian Garden. Touch for map.
Photographed by McGhiever, November 6, 2022
2. Marker (center) at the foot of the north path into the Robert D. Ray Asian Garden
Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Hmong (within shouting distance of this marker); Tai Dam (within shouting distance of this marker); Cambodia (within shouting distance of this marker); Vietnam (within shouting distance of this marker); Laos (within shouting distance of this marker); Robert D. Ray Asian Garden (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Robert D. Ray Asian Garden (about 500 feet away); The First Licensed Ferry (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Des Moines.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 28, 2024, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. This page has been viewed 145 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 28, 2024, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
