Carolyn Jons

Carolyn Jons is passionate about helping people reach their full potential and has advocated for children and education for over 40 years as a parent, grandparent and community volunteer. She helped found the nonprofit organization Raising Readers in Story County and continues as a board member and volunteer.  She participates actively in the Story County Reads coalition.  

She has served on a number of boards, including Beloit of Ames, Lutheran Services in Iowa, Ames Community School District, Iowa Association of School Boards, Iowa Reach Out and Read, and Ames Morning Rotary. 

Carolyn’s honors include Mortar Board and Phi Beta Kappa (1963), Ames High Honorary Alum (1999), the IASB Carolyn Jons Better Boardsmanship Award (2011), Outstanding Family Philanthropist Award (2011), United Way of Story County Spirit Award (2014), and selection as a local Hero by United Way Worldwide and Dolphin Entertainment (2016).