The award was created to inspire excellence and commitment among all UMKC Trustees by recognizing long-term, in-depth service to both UMKC and the UMKC Trustees’ organization.

All individuals receiving the award not only meet the qualities mentioned, but they are also well-liked, admired and respected in the community.

Past recipients include Henry Bloch (2011), Hugh Zimmer (2014), Doranne Hudson (2016), Warren Erdman (2019), Keith Copaken and Charlie Shields (both in 2022).

This year, the award was given to Stephen Doyal, former senior vice president of public relations and communications at Hallmark Cards.

UMKC Trustees’ immediate past Chair Debby Ballard presented the award to Doyal.

“Here is how I would describe his involvement on the board,” Ballard said. “He comes to every meeting ready to contribute and inspires you to bring your A-game every time.”

Doyal has been a UMKC Trustee for 25 years. He has served on almost every Trustee committee, especially championing the Trustees’ Scholars program, he has also often been reached out to share his expertise on marketing and communications projects.