On Feb. 4, the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus celebrated the honorary naming of the Health Sciences Library for 1951 pharmacy alumnus and philanthropist Henry L. Strauss. “It is an honor to recognize Henry’s commitment to CU with the naming of the library,” said Chancellor Don Elliman. “Our students will spend countless hours here preparing to launch their careers.”
Strauss and his wife, Joan, are longtime advocates for and supporters of CU Anschutz and the Denver community. In 1995, Strauss established the Florence G. Strauss Indigenous and Integrative Medicine Collection at the Health Sciences Library in memory of his first wife, Florence. Leonard A. Wisneski later joined Strauss in these efforts and has been an integral partner in maintaining and expanding the collection.
Gov. Jared Polis thanked Henry and Joan Strauss for their "important legacy for health in Colorado."
Strauss led a successful career in both business and government. He is the founder and chairman of Strauss Enterprises and served as regional administrator of the Small Business Administration under President Jimmy Carter.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis attended the event honoring his friend. “I am so excited that Henry and Joan have decided to provide this important legacy for health in Colorado,” he said. The governor and Henry Strauss have known each other for decades and share passions for integrative medicine and health care.
Both Strauss and Wisneski have advocated for integrative medicine throughout the health care system to expand patient-care therapies beyond traditional medicine. “At this time the Department of Defense, Veterans Administration, Health and Human Services, conventional medical associations and the integrative association are all philosophically on board. Now we are looking at how to increase access,” said Wisneski. “With that, Henry, look at what you’ve started.”
This naming is a testament to Strauss’s commitment to CU Anschutz and will benefit future doctors, nurses, pharmacists and others who will study in the library’s halls for decades.
Guest contributor: Devin Lynn, Office of Advancement; photos by Matt Kaskavitch, Office of Communications