The Neuro Hero Award

Recipient of the 2026 Neuro Hero Award

The 2026 Neuro Hero Award honors John R. Raymond, Sr., MD, for his steadfast commitment to advancing neuroscience discovery and patient care. Through his leadership, Dr. Raymond has strengthened the foundation for research excellence at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) Neuroscience Research Center (NRC) while championing the vital role of community support in advancing science that leads to innovative treatments and cures.

A clinician, scientist, and educator, Dr. Raymond has been an ardent advocate for basic science research at MCW and for his support of the NRC. His belief in the power of discovery – and in the people who make it possible – has provided a solid foundation for the growth of the NRC and the collaborations that define its success.

Throughout his more than 16-year tenure at MCW, Dr. Raymond has provided unwavering support for the NRC, its Board, and its mission, attending and promoting every Imagine More Dinner since the event’s inception more than a decade ago. His strategic vision and trust in MCW’s scientific leaders have been instrumental in establishing the Wisconsin Institute for Neuroscience (WINS) and expanding MCW’s reputation as a national leader in academic medicine. His leadership has helped create an environment in which researchers, clinicians, and community partners can thrive, translating innovations in the lab into new hope for patients and families.

In honoring Dr. Raymond, the Imagine More Dinner celebrates a leader whose enthusiasm and belief in the mission of neuroscience continue to illuminate a path toward healing, innovation, and hope.