Robert D. Ray

Robert D. Ray, born on September twenty-six, nineteen twenty-eight, was a prominent American lawyer and politician known for his impactful leadership in Iowa. As a member of the Republican Party, he made history by serving as the thirty-eighth governor of Iowa from January sixteenth, nineteen sixty-nine, to January fourteenth, nineteen eighty-three.

During his tenure, Ray was not only a dedicated public servant but also a visionary leader. He chaired the National Governors Association from nineteen seventy-five to nineteen seventy-six, where he advocated for various initiatives. One of his notable achievements was the passage of the Iowa Burials Protection Act of nineteen seventy-six, a groundbreaking legislative act that became the first in the United States to specifically protect American Indian remains.

Ray's commitment to humanitarian efforts was evident as he welcomed thousands of refugees to Iowa, showcasing his dedication to compassion and inclusivity. His influence extended beyond his governorship; in his later years, he served as the acting mayor of Des Moines from May nineteen ninety-seven to November nineteen ninety-seven and took on the role of interim president at Drake University in nineteen ninety-eight.