University President to Be Honored By Jewish Community Relations Bureau

The Jewish Community Relations Bureau has announced it will honor Rockhurst University President the Rev. Thomas B. Curran, S.J., with its Henry W. Bloch Human Relations Award at its annual Human Relations Event on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021.

Fr. Curran will be the first member of the clergy to receive the prestigious award in recognition for his work pursuing equity on campus and throughout the Kansas City community, according to JCRB leaders.

Having joined Rockhurst University as president in 2006, Fr. Curran has worked to promote justice. He has become an influential voice in support of DACA recipients and against racism and antisemitism, in the hopes of creating, as he often says, “a home for all.” Under Fr. Curran’s leadership, the University established an Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the Chillicothe Companions Program to provide college courses to offenders and staff at the Chillicothe Correctional Center. 

“I consider it a great blessing to receive this award named for Henry Bloch, who clearly set the standard of what it means to work for justice, equity and inclusion,” Fr. Curran said. “I am humbled by the recognition for the modest efforts on our campus. And I accept it along with its gentle invitation to continue the efforts until justice, equity and love is the experience for all.”

Complementing his work as a campus leader, Fr. Curran has long also been a leader in the Kansas City community, serving on the board of directors of the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City; the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities in Washington, D.C.; St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; John Carroll University in University Heights, Ohio; the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce; and on the Board of Trustees of MRIGlobal. He is also the Catholic chaplain for The Harry S. Truman Good Neighbor Award Foundation.

For over 75 years, Jewish Community Relations Bureau|AJC has worked to fight antisemitism, racism and bigotry, and to build bridges of understanding throughout the Greater Kansas City community.  Amidst a troubling global and national increase in hate crimes and antisemitic incidents, JCRB|AJC meets this challenge by fostering friendships between faith and minority communities, advocating to our elected officials, and working with civic, media, law enforcement, and educational leadership to ensure a strong, secure, and inclusive Kansas City.