Joseph B. Kirsner Award Recipient: Howard A. Grill
Joseph B. Kirsner, MD, PhD, was a renowned physician-scientist and educator who helped establish UChicago Medicine as a worldwide authority in digestive diseases. The Joseph B. Kirsner Award recognizes those who have made a substantial commitment to impact and further the GI Research Foundation’s mission.
The GI Research Foundation Board of Directors is honored to present Howard A. Grill with the 2026 Joseph B. Kirsner Award.
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Mike DelGuidice
Mike DelGuidice is an acclaimed vocalist, songwriter, and recording artist. Best known for touring the world with Billy Joel—including performing throughout Joel’s historic 10-year residency at Madison Square Garden—Mike has earned a reputation for his extraordinary voice, dynamic stage presence, and breathtaking performances, including his standout rendition of the aria Nessun Dorma. Mike has shared the stage with legends such as Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Bryan Adams, Tony Bennett, Paul Simon, John Mayer, John Mellencamp, and Adam Levine. His talent has been highlighted on NBC’s Today, CBS This Morning, Rolling Stone, The New York Times, CNN, and more. Alongside touring, Mike has released three albums, with a fourth on the way, and wrote the theme song for Kevin James’ sitcom Kevin Can Wait.

