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.
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 strengthening 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!
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
