Dottie Ray received a welcome surprise last week, winning a highly prestigious award in her field.

The former Daily Iowan editor, who for more than 50 years hosted a radio show for AM 800 KXIC in Iowa City, was awarded the Marconi Award from the National Association of Broadcasters.

The Marconi Radio Award is presented annually to the top radio stations and on-air personalities in the United States.

The ceremony to recognize Ray was held in Indianapolis, and JJ Cook, the radios operations manager, attended the event in her honor and read a speech on her behalf.

Ray’s award is entitled 2014 Small-Market Personality of the Year.

Ray began her show in 1959, which, according to the KXIC website, “informed listeners about local organizations, artists, and events.” She focused the show on nonprofit organizations as well as the Iowa City community.

Ray retired from her 15-minute interview show, which she ran out of her home, on May 13.

She received the honor in her home Thursday.

“I’m very pleased and amazed,” Ray said.