University

Remembering UM trustee emeritus Robert Strauss

Passionate about the University of Miami, he served as a trustee for 27 years, beginning in 1991.

Robert C. “Bob” Strauss, a health care executive, civic leader, and passionate supporter of the University of Miami, passed away on Dec. 9, 2018. He was 77. 

Robert StraussDuring his board tenure at the UM, Strauss served on numerous standing committees, including Finance, Audit, Executive, Academic Affairs, Medical Affairs, and Technology Transfer, and was chair of the visiting committee for the College of Engineering. He also served on visiting committees for the Business School, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, UHealth, School of Nursing and Health Studies, and others. 

Strauss began his career in engineering at Eastman Kodak Company and General Electric and helped to develop the orbiting camera system that mapped the moon prior to the Apollo Mission. 

He and his wife, alumna Camilla M. Cochrane, J.D. ’91, established the Robert C. Strauss and Camilla M. Cochrane Scholar in Engineering Endowed Scholarship at the University of Miami. 

“Bob was a great friend in every sense,” said UM trustee G. Ed Williamson II. “We worked together, and played together. He loved the U and worked hard to advance its mission. His daughter Jennifer got her doctorate here and his wife Camilla earned her JD here. He was very committed to the U and proud of what he accomplished.“ 

Strauss held senior corporate leadership positions for over three decades in medical device and pharmaceutical companies including long terms as president, CEO and chairman of Cordis Corporation, and Noven Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 

A devoted community leader, Strauss also served as chairman of the board of Miami Children’s Hospital, trustee of the United Way of Miami-Dade, and was a board member of the Enterprise Florida Innovation Partnership.

Those wishing to make donations in his memory should consider contributing to the University of Miami, Robert C. Strauss and Camilla M. Cochrane Scholar in Engineering Endowed Scholarship. 

Read the obituary published in the Miami Herald.