KANSAS CITY, Mo., (Nov. 3, 2025) – The Research Foundation’s donors and supporters celebrated the champions of nursing on Saturday, November 1 at the 16th Research Royal Dinner. The event raised nearly $200,000 for The Research Foundation’s nursing scholarship programs. Every dollar will be awarded to those accepted into the nursing programs at Research College of Nursing, Avila University, and William Jewell College.
The Research Royal Dinner included cocktails, dinner, and entertainment by Emcee Zeke Montana and DJ Kim-K. Dr. Joel McKinsey, The Research Foundation Board of Directors chair, started the evening by welcoming guests, along with Dr. Molly Black, who served as the chair for the event. Ian Morgan, a student at Research College of Nursing and recipient of a scholarship from the foundation, shared his journey to nursing and how scholarships are helping him during nursing school. Kirk McCarty, Research Medical Center chief executive officer, provided the invocation. Attendees had the opportunity to participate in the Royal Raffle, wine and whiskey pulls, a silent auction, 50/50 jackpot, and fund-a-need. Amy Bazzell won the Royal Basket that consisted of items and gift certificates valued at nearly $12,000. Additional 2nd through 41st place winners were awarded as well.
Cynthia Randazzo, president and CEO of The Research Foundation, announced the inaugural slate of Champions of Nursing awardees, which honored five outstanding nurses in the Kansas City community. Rylie Chiselita was awarded the Rising Star Award, which recognizes a nurse who has distinguished themself during their first three years of nursing practice. Chiselita obtained her bachelor’s degree in nursing from William Jewell College and works as a nurse on the Labor & Delivery Unit at Liberty Hospital.
Three Nursing Impact Awards were presented to Lauren Doerfler, Michaela Logan, and Reba Millam. This award is given to nurses who demonstrate leadership and positivity, and foster teamwork while providing high-quality holistic patient-centered care. Doerfler is a graduate of Research College of Nursing and has her Master of Science in nursing from Vanderbilt University. She currently works as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner for Trauma Surgery at Extant Healthcare. Logan is a graduate of Research College of Nursing who currently serves as Vice President of Operations and Engagement at MedCurate. Michaela was one of the first recipients of The Research Foundation’s prestigious Tom Harmon Presidential Scholarship. Millam is a graduate of Western Governors University. She serves as Stroke and Neurology Program Manager at Lee’s Summit Medical Center.
The evening’s final award was presented to Dr. Nancy DeBasio, the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. The purpose of this award is to recognize a nurse for a lifetime of integrity, leadership, commitment, respect, and excellence. The award recognizes those who have made a lasting impact or contribution to nursing throughout their career. DeBasio graduated from Wagner College with her nursing degree. She also holds a masters in psychiatric-mental health nursing from New York University, and a PhD in Educational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania. She has worked in higher education for nearly five decades, joining Research College of Nursing in 1988. In 2017, she retired as President Emeritus after spending much of her career at Research College of Nursing where she served as President for 25 years. In 2023, after five years of retirement, she returned to Research College of Nursing as interim president for an additional two years. In recognition of her career, guests responded with a standing ovation.
Top sponsors for the 16th Research Royal Dinner included Research Medical Center and UMB Financial Corporation. LabCorp served as the dinner sponsor, Galen College of Nursing served as the cocktail sponsor, and Kevin and Sue Hick with CABE Consulting served as the Premier Sponsor. Entertainment sponsors included J.E. Dunn Construction Company, Healthpeak OP, LLC and David E. Ross Construction Co.
Learn more about The Research Foundation’s nursing scholarship programs at theresearchfoundationkc.org/nursing.
