CLEVELAND – University Hospitals presented its first Honorary Lifetime Board Member Award to Mr. George M. Humphrey II for more than 25 years of outstanding service to the University Hospitals Board of Directors. The award was presented December 1 to Mr. Humphrey, who is retiring from the board, and coincided with the announcement of a challenge grant and a chair, both named in his honor. The Humphrey Challenge will provide $500,000 for every $1million donated with a view to inspiring eight new chairs in the Neurological Institute.
Furthermore, in recognition of the significant role that Mr.Humphrey has played in continuing his family’s legacy of support, the Humphrey Family and the Board of Directors of UH will establish the George M. Humphrey II Chair in Neurology.
A Cleveland businessman, philanthropist, and member of a storied Cleveland family, Mr.Humphrey first joined the UH Board of Directors in 1980. During his board tenure, he led several important multimillion dollar fundraising campaigns, including a four-year campaign beginning in 1991 which surpassed its $40 million goal and raised $61 million. It was the most successful fundraising campaign in the history of UH at that time. He also co-chaired a drive that raised nearly $15 million to support capital projects for Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, and he led a $2 million fundraising program to establish a chair in radiation oncology at the Ireland Cancer Center.
“George and his family have done so much for this community in so many ways. His history of giving, his tradition of service and loyal support of University Hospitals is something we will always remember and are grateful for,” said Thomas F. Zenty III, president and CEO of University Hospitals.
“The exceptional commitment that George and his family have made represents their enduring efforts to help University Hospitals advance its research and clinical objectives. Their support will ensure that we continue to attract leading physicians and continue the advancement of neurological medicine for the benefit of patients and their families,” said Fred C. Rothstein, M.D., president and CEO of University Hospitals Case Medical Center.
Mr. Humphrey continues a long legacy of leadership, service and support by members of the Humphrey and Ireland families. His paternal grandfather and grandmother, George M. and Pamela Humphrey, both played major roles in the growth of UH. A major hospital building is named for this grandfather. His maternal grandfather was R. Livingston Ireland, Jr., who was a member of the UH board and for whom the Ireland Cancer Center is named.
Mr. Humphrey is co-owner and CEO of the Extrudex Limited Partnership, a high quality producer of thermoplastic extrusions located in Painesville, Ohio. Formerly, he was a senior vice president with Hanna Mining Co.; managing director of Russell Reynolds Associates, Inc., a major international executive recruiting firm, and general partner of Philips Industries and chairman of Philips Container Co., a maker of containers used for industrial and consumer products.
Mr. Humphrey and his wife Patience reside in Bratenahl, Ohio.