Donna Koch Named Iowa State Fair Iowan of the Day

Related Media

IOTD_Logo.png

DES MOINES, IA (07/30/2025) (readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation and Cookies Food Products are pleased to present Donna Koch of Cedar Rapids as a 2025 Iowa State Fair Iowan of the Day.

A lifelong educator, Donna dedicated the first fifteen years of her professional life to teaching kindergarten and the next twenty-five years to developing elementary school libraries as a library specialist. Donna's passion for youth education burned brighter than ever in retirement. As a volunteer, she managed her region of the "Reading Is Fundamental" program, which boasted twenty-two volunteers across twenty-two learning centers. Her work also involved securing federal grants and serving as a congressional "Reading Is Fundamental" lobbyist.

Donna has served as a Cedar Rapids Library Board member, church librarian, Daughters of the American Revolution State Regent and member of Questers, an organization dedicated to the preservation and restoration of historical items and sites.

Donna's day of recognition will be Sunday, August 10, at the 2025 Iowa State Fair. She will be recognized with a presentation on the Anne & Bill Riley Stage at 12:00 PM. Along with accommodations at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown, Donna will receive Iowa State Fair admission tickets, Grandstand Concert tickets, use of the Iowan of the Day golf cart, VIP parking and a cash prize.

The Iowan of the Day program was founded by the Blue Ribbon Foundation in 1997 to honor outstanding Iowans who have made a difference in their communities. From nearly one hundred nominations, the Iowan of the Day committee selected ten Iowans who demonstrate exceptional integrity, hard work and dedication to their communities.

The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Since its inception in 1993, the Foundation has generated more than $210 million for the renovation and preservation of the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. For more information, please contact the Blue Ribbon Foundation at 515-262-3111 Ext. 371 or Info@BlueRibbonFoundation.org.