Alumni returned to Kansas City University (KCU) for a weekend full of inspiration, connection and celebration. They shared stories, exchanged ideas, attended continuing education sessions and reunion dinners, and drew motivation from engaging with the students who are shaping the future of medicine.
John P. Smith, DO, FACOS, College of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 1975 and former chair of the Board of Trustees at KCU, delivered the Hubbard Lecture. Smith, a general surgeon who has led countless medical missions to the Dominican Republic and other underserved regions over the past several decades, reflected on how gratitude plays a vital role in sustaining those who serve.
“Together, alumni and students celebrated what it means to be part of the KCU family,” said Jennifer Ingraham, vice president of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement. “The connections formed through mentorship and shared experiences are what truly strengthen our community and inspire the next generation of health care leaders.”
Among the most memorable moments were the KCU Alumni Association Awards, where the room buzzed with energy and pride. Alumni cheered one another on as the University honored graduates whose leadership, compassion and innovation are strengthening the KCU community, inspiring the next generation of health care professionals and changing health care for good.
Alumni Awards
Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award
Joseph McGuirk, DO | College of Osteopathic Medicine, Class of 1990
A pioneer in cancer care and cellular therapeutics
McGuirk is a nationally recognized leader in hematologic malignancies and cellular therapy. As division director at The University of Kansas Cancer Center, he has led dozens of clinical trials and contributed to FDA approvals of groundbreaking CAR T-cell therapies. His team was among the first in the world to enroll a patient in a Novartis CAR T-cell trial for B-cell lymphoma, helping to define standards for this revolutionary treatment. Through decades of visionary leadership and discovery, he has helped shape the future of cellular therapeutics worldwide.
Star Spangled Medallion
Rebecca deVillers, DO, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Class of 1976
A trailblazer in military medicine and service to country
DeVillers, CAPT., MC, USN, DO, was among the first women designated as a naval flight surgeon and served with distinction across multiple deployments. Recalled to active duty in 2003 to support operations in the Middle East, she earned numerous honors including the Navy Commendation and Achievement Medals. After her military service, she practiced family medicine in Central Ohio and held leadership roles at Doctors Hospital and OhioHealth. She continues to serve through the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation and the KCU Alumni Association Board.
Alumna of the Year
Katina Rue, DO, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Class of 2004
A champion for leadership, mentorship and health equity
Rue is an osteopathic family physician, educator and advocate whose leadership has paved the way for future physicians. She made history as the first Latina and first osteopathic president of the Washington State Medical Association and has led numerous medical education and foundation boards. A passionate mentor and advocate for inclusivity and belonging, Rue continues to inspire the next generation of physician leaders.
Distinguished Service Award
Laura Rosch, DO
A career of leadership, mentorship and dedication to osteopathic medicine
Rosch has served in academic leadership roles nationwide, including campus dean at KCU-Joplin and now at Rocky Vista University in Utah. A longtime advocate for osteopathic medicine, she serves on several national boards and has dedicated more than 25 years to clinical care, education and mentoring future physicians.
Alumni Service Award
Douglas C. Hill, DO | College of Osteopathic Medicine, Class of1973
A lifelong advocate for excellence and advancement in emergency medicine
Hill, a board-certified emergency physician, has been a driving force in emergency medicine for more than 50 years. A past president of the KCU Alumni Association Board and the first DO elected to the American College of Emergency Physicians Board, he has been honored nationally for his contributions to the field. Now retired, he continues to volunteer in rural Missouri hospitals.
Graduate of the Last Decade | College of Osteopathic Medicine
Colby Simmons, DO, Class of 2013
Global leader in anesthesiology and humanitarian medicine
Simmons, associate professor of Anesthesiology at the University of Colorado (CU), is a recognized researcher and global health advocate. Founder of CU Global Anesthesiology, he has led medical programs across four countries and received national awards for humanitarian service. His research and leadership continue to improve patient care worldwide.
Graduate of the Last Decade | College of Biosciences
Matthew Voelker, DO, MS, Class of 2015
Advancing patient care through innovation in pain management
Voelker is an interventional spine and pain management specialist at South Florida Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine. With dual KCU degrees in biosciences and osteopathic medicine, his work focuses on restoring function and quality of life for patients through advanced rehabilitative care.
Watch the Alumni Award videos here.
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