Daniel Strauss, DC, Dean of the College of Professional Studies at National University of Health Sciences Florida-site holds the Hero Award alongside (L-R) Rotary District 6950 Governor Troy-Willingham, Pinellas Park Mayor Sandra Bradbury, and Rotary President Starlyn Fikkert.

Daniel Strauss, DC, Dean of the College of Professional Studies at National University of Health Sciences Florida-site, recently received two awards for his community service and leadership.

The Pinellas Park/Gateway Chamber of Commerce awarded him the President’s Award for his extraordinary leadership and dedication over the years. As the Chamber President, some of his work includes rebranding the website, logo and creating an annual scholarship for medical students, which has awarded over $35,000 since its creation. 

“I was humbled and honored to be part of an organization that did so many great things,” Dr. Strauss said. “It’s nice to be recognized for work that I do.” 

The Rotary Club of Pinellas Park also awarded him the Hero’s Award. 

The Hero’s Award celebrates non-Rotary Club members who make the local community stronger and more vibrant. The award is particularly in recognition of Dr. Strauss’s work with the community and economic development. During the awards ceremony, the club highlighted his work on the nonprofit boards of Vincent House and Hero to a Child, along with his work to help put together the Pinellas Park Medical District‘s Back-to-School Backpack Drive, an event that provides backpacks and other supplies to underprivileged children. In 2022, the event gave away over 2,000 backpacks and 13 bikes.  

“The biggest thing I do in my various volunteer positions is organize and leverage resources to create opportunities for folks that desperately need the support,” he said. 

Dr. Strauss, who grew up with amongst a large family of 62 children, many of whom were foster children, lived in a modest household. He understands what it’s like to have to carry books in a plastic bag because his family couldn’t afford bookbags for everyone. 

“There is definitely a stigma around it. Seeing others go through that too is heartbreaking. That’s why I developed the Back-to-School backpack event,” he said.   

In addition to his role as Chamber President, Dr. Strauss holds other leadership positions within the community. He is chairman of the Pinellas Park Medical District, Board Member of the Hero to a Child organization, a member of the Medical Magnet Program Advisory Board at Palm Harbor University High School, and Vice President of Vincent House.