Servant Leadership in Action: Dr. Strauss
Friday, August 24, 2018
Earlier this summer, Daniel Strauss, DC, dean of National
University's College of Professional Studies-Florida awarded three
student scholarships as part of the Pinellas Park Medical District
(PPMD) coalition. The awards are based on merit, accomplishment,
and the community-minded efforts of the students.
Dr. Strauss developed this scholarship program in 2016 in
partnership with the Pinellas Park/Gateway Chamber of Commerce (the
Chamber) to support health care scholars within the local
community.
Yet this is just one among many of his community
initiatives. Read on to learn more about what inspires one of
National University's exemplary leaders and role models.

Personal experience has shaped Dr. Strauss' community
spirit in some very impactful ways. "Growing up in a family of 62
children over the years--54 of them foster children--was truly an
incredible experience. It has undoubtedly made me the person I
am today," he said.
With so many children in the house at a given time,
he recalled it was a great test of patience, sacrifice, and
compromise, yet it taught all of them the importance of helping and
loving one another.
There were children in the house from many different
backgrounds, some of whom had developmental or physical
disabilities. "We all made sure that nobody felt
different. Living in a very small home and not having
much money has inspired me to be involved in community service
projects that help individuals in need," Dr. Strauss
continued.
"A true story about my childhood is that many of us
didn't have school backpacks, so we had to use plastic
shopping bags to carry our books and school supplies-which for a
child is quite embarrassing."
However, this memory inspired him to champion the PPMD
Back-to-School Backpack Drive, with 2018 marking the third year of
the event.
The program has been a huge success. As PPMD chairman, Dr.
Strauss set the first-year goal at 250 backpacks-and the community
exceeded it. Last year, a goal of 400 backpacks was set, and again
expectations were exceeded. "This year I set a goal of 1,000
backpacks--and we raised 1,088 backpacks full of school supplies!"
he said, smiling.
Dr. Strauss said what he finds most compelling about
community service is the tremendous impact individuals can have on
other people's lives, oftentimes without even knowing it. "Staying
focused on maintaining and developing sustainable community
service initiatives is the key to making sure that our own busy
lives don't interfere with the bigger picture of helping others in
need."
When it comes to getting things done, he recognizes the
importance of communications and inclusion to build strong,
positive relationships.
One of his goals as president of the Chamber is to bridge
the gaps among many local chambers of commerce for the greater
success of all. "We've been working closely with surrounding
chambers and Kiwanis Clubs to
improve communications about upcoming events in our local
communities. I believe this has contributed significantly to the
record turnouts at our recent events."
When Dr. Strauss took office as president, another of his
goals was to develop new and recurring annual events to grow the
organization. The Chamber is also in the midst of a rebranding
campaign, including a logo re-design and website changes to improve
member accessibility. "These are some important new avenues for
members to promote their businesses," he said.
While finding work-life balance can be a challenge, Dr.
Strauss has great advice for recent and soon-to-be graduates
launching their careers: GET INVOLVED! "There are countless
not-for-profits out there looking for volunteers--graduates should
choose an organization where they have an
interest."
"When you have a connection to something, your passion is
evident and you are able to accomplish great things! My door
is always open for graduates to contact me if they need advice, or
help in finding a place to get involved."
"When people get involved, it not only provides a
great service to the community or individuals in need, it also
helps them communicate their presence, whether they are looking to
start a practice or grow an existing one," he
said.
In addition to his role at National University, Dr.
Strauss also supports and serves Community Action Stops
Abuse (CASA), Vincent House and
the National Alliance on
Mental Illness (NAMI), the Pinellas Park/Gateway
Chamber of Commerce, and the Pinellas Park Medical
District.