William D. Strampel, dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine, will be honored by Volunteers of America Michigan at the fifth annual 2016 Veteran Tribute on Oct. 27.
Strampel’s career can be viewed in two phases: the military and academic. From his perspective, however, it’s all been about medicine.
Before he arrived at MSU in 1999, Strampel became a doctor of osteopathic medicine and forged a prominent 26-year career with the Army Medical Corps. This leadership as soldier and civilian is why he has been selected.
The Veteran Tribute, which will take place at 5:30 p.m. at MSU’s Demmer Shooting Sports, Education and Training Center is the latest in a long list of recognitions for Strampel.
His career in the Army Medical Corps saw him take command positions all over the nation and overseas, including in the Office of the Secretary of Defense and Office of the Surgeon General. His military awards alone include the Legion of Merit with two oak clusters; the Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters; the Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters; the Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters and the Order of Military Medical Merit.
He has led the College of Osteopathic Medicine since 2002 and is the university’s longest-serving dean. As such, he has presided over an era of expansion and innovation. Under his leadership, MSUCOM is teaching, conducting research and providing care on five continents. A fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Internists, his work recently was recognized with the American Osteopathic Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award, presented in September in Los Angeles.
“As the state’s largest provider of services to homeless veterans, we see first-hand the spirit of self-sacrifice on behalf of others exemplified by veterans,” said Patrick Patterson, executive vice president of Volunteers of America Michigan. “We want to recognize and applaud that spirit, which Dean Strampel has exhibited throughout his professional career.”