Children's Mercy honors six new endowed faculty
Children’s Mercy proudly celebrated its 2026 Investiture Ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 20, honoring six exceptional faculty members with endowed appointments, the highest recognition in academic medicine.
Hosted at the Children’s Mercy Research Institute, the event highlighted the hospital’s commitment to excellence in the areas of graduate medical education, translational research, connective tissue disorders, pediatric orthopedic surgery, radiology research, pediatric molecular oncology and cancer immunotherapy. These achievements are made possible through visionary philanthropic support.
2026 Honorees
- Brenda Rogers, MD
Dr. Sidney F. Pakula Endowed Chair in Graduate Medical Education
- Jordan Jones, DO, MS, FAAP, FACR
Underdown Yeomans Family Endowed Professorship in Connective Tissue Disorders Care
- Kathryn Keeler, MD
Dr. Brad and Dawn Olney Chair in Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery
- Sherwin Chan, MD, PhD
Gallagher Family Endowed Professorship in Excellence
- Tomoo Iwakuma, MD, PhD
Braden’s Hope for Childhood Cancer Endowed Chair in Pediatric Molecular Oncology
- Yong Li, PhD
Paul and Linda DeBruce Endowed Chair in Cancer Immunotherapy
From left: Honorees Dr. Jones, Dr. Rogers, Dr. Iwakuma, Dr. Keeler, Dr. Chan and Dr. Li celebrate with donors during the 2026 Investiture Ceremony.
As the hospital continues to expand its academic profile, endowed faculty positions remain central to its legacy of providing the best possible and highest quality care to all children when they need it most.
These appointments provide talented clinicians, researchers and educators with the protected time and resources needed to lead, innovate and mentor the next generation of pediatric medicine. In an increasingly competitive academic environment, endowed positions also play a critical role in recruiting and retaining world-class talent.
For a nonprofit teaching hospital, endowed positions are far more than a title. They are transformative investments in patients, faculty and the future of children’s health.
“These recognize not only past achievement, but future promise, and they provide enduring support for work that advances our mission across clinical care, education, research and discovery,” said Steve Leeder, PharmD, PhD, Senior Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer.
The ceremony also recognized the generous donors whose support established and sustains these endowed appointments. Their enduring commitment helps Children's Mercy remain a leader in pediatric care, research and education for children and families across the region.
- The Louis H. Gross Foundation, Inc. Dr. Lawrence Pakula, a Director
- Kim and Rod Underdown and the Underdown and Yeomans Family
- Dr. Brad and Dawn Olney
- The Diane and Terrence Gallagher Family
- Braden’s Hope for Childhood Cancer
- Paul and Linda DeBruce
Learn more about the honorees and donors at childrensmercy.org.