JCRB|AJC invites you to save the date for a special celebration honoring community leader Dr. Doug Girod. Join us as we present him with the prestigious Henry W. Bloch Human Relations Award at our annual Human Relations Event on Sunday, November 23, 2025. Event Chairs include: Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, Howard Cohen, Marc B. Hahn, DO, Leigh & Tyler Nottberg, Bob Page, and Alejandro Quiroga, MD, MBA. We hope you will join us!
Event Details
Check in and Cocktail Hour: 5:15 PM
Dinner: 6:30 PM
Event Conclusion: 8:30 PM
Attire is business and/or cocktail.
Location details will be shared upon registration
During the program, JCRB|AJC will honor the life and legacy of Sarah Milgrim, of blessed memory.
Learn more about Dr. Doug Girod
For over 30 years, Dr. Doug Girod has set a precedent for excellence – bettering Kansas and all who call it home. Currently serving as the Chancellor of the University of Kansas, Doug has left a legacy of service, elevating the minds of tomorrow, championing healthcare reform that saves lives, and dedicating himself to his home state and country alike. Much like the namesake of the Henry W. Bloch Human Relations Award, Doug exemplifies principled leadership rooted in service, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to the greater good. A visionary leader and compassionate healer, Doug leads with humility, purpose, and a deep commitment to lifting others. His rare blend of vision and compassion has elevated entire sectors, inspired countless others, and strengthened the Kansas City region.
The 18th Chancellor of the University of Kansas, Doug leads the state’s flagship university with a bold vision: to make KU a destination for world-class scholars, a driver of economic growth, and a national leader in research and innovation. Under his leadership, KU has reached record-breaking enrollment, earned the highest national designation for its Cancer Center, and increased research funding for nine consecutive years.
Prior to becoming chancellor in 2017, Doug served as Executive Vice Chancellor at KU Medical Center, where he helped guide the institution into a new era of national acclaim through leadership in education, research, and clinical care. He began his KU journey in 1994 as a faculty member in Otolaryngology and went on to lead his department and mentor future generations of physicians and scientists. His medical and academic leadership has been recognized nationally, including as President of the American Head and Neck Society, Vice Chair of the American Association of Universities, and Chair of the Big 12 Conference.
Doug’s contributions to civic life extend well beyond the university campus. A former head-and-neck surgeon and U.S. Navy veteran, he has brought care and healing to communities around the world, leading international medical missions in countries from Uganda to Guatemala. Close to home, he serves on the boards of the Civic Council, MRI Global, and both the Lawrence and Greater Kansas City Chambers of Commerce. He is also a leader in the regional KC Rising initiative to promote long-term economic prosperity.
As JCRB|AJC celebrates 81 years, we are proud to honor a true community pillar, Dr. Doug Girod, with the Henry W. Bloch Human Relations Award. His leadership is reflective of our mission and shared vision for a better tomorrow – a healthier, more inclusive, and more caring region for all.
For questions or sponsorship information, contact Hillary Thomas Director of Strategy and Development at
hillaryt@jewishkc.org or 913-327-8184.
Thank You To Our Sponsors!
Ambassador Sponsors
Torchbearer Sponsors
Advocate Sponsors
Partner Sponsors
Lauren and Ben Abelson
Ann Baum, G. Kenneth & Ann Baum Philanthropic Fund
Dr. Loren and Merilyn Berenbom
Carol and Lewis Berey
Dr. John Lorei and Allison Berey
Irene Bettinger
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City
Sondra and Frank Friedman
Hunt Midwest
Maureen M. Mahoney and Daniel Crabtree
Terry and Cathy Matlack
Beth and Pat McCown
Karen and Steven Pack
Pembroke Hill School
Bob and Ann Regnier
Dr. Bill and Kathi Rosenberg
Lisa and Ken Schifman
Christina and Zachary Shafran
Shook, Hardy, & Bacon
Esther and Stewart Stein
Ally Sponsors
Danielle and Jeremy Antes
Arvest
Barbara and Richard Atlas
Brenda Althouse and Paul Fingersh
Lauren Aaronson and Philip Meltzer
Sue and Irv Belzer
Dr. Jeff and Stevi Brick
Peggy and Terrence Dunn
Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City
Gary and Sherry Forsee
Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
Sara and Paul Greenwood
Haverty Family Foundation Fund
Helix Architecture + Design
Herb Kohn Mediation, LLC
Hockaday Family Fund
Dr. and Mrs. John Hunkeler
Linda and Topper Johntz, Jr.
Mark and Mary Jorgenson
Kansas City Metropolitan Healthcare Council (KCMHC)
Harold Kaseff & Rhea Salasche
Donna and Ward Katz
Janet Mark and Frank Lipsman
Josef Loeffler
Vicky and Howard Mayer
Beth & Pat McCown
Dr. Mark Myron and Deborah Smith
Parris Communications Inc.
Jennifer and Steven Paul
Payne & Jones, Chartered
Ellen and Irv Robinson
Lisa Shnayder, MD
Catherine and Daniel Singer
Cindy and Sheldon Singer
Debbie Smith and Dr. Mark Myron
Bill and Marilyn Taylor
Debbie and Steve Trenton
Gail and Gary Weinberg
ABOUT THE HENRY W. BLOCH HUMAN RELATIONS AWARD
With the Henry W. Bloch Human Relations Award, JCRB|AJC is proud to honor the legacy of Henry W. Bloch. In his memory, JCRB|AJC annually awards one person who leads by example, seeks justice, and embodies the Jewish mission of “repairing the world.” By their distinguished leadership and many contributions, each of our honorees has made our community a better place in which to live.
A humble and soft-spoken man, Henry W. Bloch was devoted to principle, and was a caring visionary of exemplary character and integrity. Henry embodied the very best of the human spirit and JCRB|AJC is proud to have been associated with him for many years. We are honored by his words about our agency, “JCRB|AJC has worked tirelessly to make Kansas City a community that is fair and just to all its citizens... None of us are free if any of us are threatened.”
Past honorees:
P.J. Adam | Bert Berkley* | The Honorable Richard L. Berkley* | William S. Berkley | Marion H.* and Henry W.* Bloch
Betty* and Arthur* Brand | Arthur S. Brisband | Alvin Brooks | Reverend Thomas B. Curran, S.J.
The Honorable Robert Dole* | Peggy Dunn | William H. Dunn, Sr. | William T. Esrey | Irvin Fane* | Gary Forsee
The Honorable Dan Glickman | Greg M. Graves | Adele Hall* | Donald J. Hall, Jr. | G. Richard Hastings | Shirley and Barnett Helzberg
Irv Hockaday | Drue Jennings | Mark R. Jorgenson | Sybil* and Norman* Kahn | Julia Irene Kauffman | Bebe and Crosby* Kemper
Herb Kohn | Melvyn E. Krigel | Thomas A. McDonnell | John P. McMeel | Leo E. Morton | William C. Nelson* | James B. Nutter, Sr.*
Karen L. Pletz* | Joe Reardon | Robert D. Regnier | Barbara and H. Paul* Rosenberg | John J. Sherman | Beth Smith* | Louis W. Smith
Morton I. Sosland* | Samuel Sosland* | Dr. Debbie Sosland-Edelman | James E. Stowers, Jr.* | Clyde F. Wendel | Sidney Willens*
*Of Blessed Memory
