HISTORY OF IRC

The International Relations Council served its millionth customer in 2002.  Each year, approximately 20,000 students and 10,000 friends in the community benefit from IRC programs. The organization's long-standing popularity is proof that one person can make a difference.  Founded in 1954 by Dr. Eliot S. Berkley, a graduate in international relations from Princeton University and advocate of citizen involvement in the foreign policy process, IRC grew from a small "kitchen table" gathering to large number of Kansas City area members who share his commitment to world affairs education.

Over the years, IRC has welcomed world leaders, ambassadors, State Department officials, activists, military leaders, authors and journalists and those who shape public opinion around the world. IRC presenters have included: Ambassadors to the United States from: Belgium, Britain, Denmark, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy Japan, Liberia and Viet Nam; former United States ambassadors to Denmark, Indonesia and Poland; U.S. State Department officials such as Secretary of Defense, Under Secretary of Defense, and former Under Secretary of State; U.S. Senators and Congresspersons, foreign journalists and many other experts in foreign policy.  For a listing of past IRC speakers, see IRC Speakers.

In 1984, IRC began its annual Awards Banquet.  Each year it awards the Distinguished Service Award for International Statesmanship to an individual who has made outstanding contributions in international commerce, diplomacy, education or understanding, and who has a connection to Missouri or Kansas.  IRC also presents awards for Contributions to International Commerce and/or Community Service and for Academic Leadership.  For a complete listing of IRC's award recipients, see IRC Awardees.