Sometimes, mothers truly do know best. Judy Strauss-Schwartz hadn’t considered Case Western Reserve until her mother urged her to visit while touring colleges in the Cleveland area. Upon seeing the campus and meeting current students, she was hooked. Four years later, with her American studies degree fresh in hand, she joined the New York City Alumni Chapter and quickly became active—organizing events, joining committees and supporting fundraising efforts.
Her dedication led her to serve as president of the CWRU New York Alumni Association, where she fostered greater engagement, especially among alumni in the region who hadn’t previously attended university events in New York City.
“I view alumni engagement not as a job, but as an avocation and a source of great pleasure,” Strauss-Schwartz said. “I cherish the lifelong friendships and enduring connections built through alumni activities.”
By the time the CWRU Alumni Association was formally founded in 2005, Strauss-Schwartz was already a committed volunteer. She went on to serve two consecutive terms on the association’s board of directors, providing guidance, support and invaluable institutional knowledge.
In her speech accepting the 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award, Strauss-Schwartz said, “My work with alumni organizations has always been driven by the joy and camaraderie of shared purpose. I see this as an extension of deep relationships and the joy of building community.”
Her contributions reflect her professional background as a teacher and consultant for blind and visually impaired children. Strauss-Schwartz received the 2013 Nat Seaman Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions in work with people with visual impairments in New York State.
Her talent for mentoring and building connections shines in every aspect of her life.