New York – On a recent visit to Liberia, Ambassador David Straz expressed a long-desire to keep his feet heavily grounded in a nation he has loved and admired from afar but one he always, from time to time found time to drop in on and see as well as marveled at the progression from war to a nurturing democracy.
Report by Rodney D. Sieh, [email protected]
Mr. Straz who is ambassador at Large & Honorary Consul General for both the Republics of Liberia & Republic of Honduras has for the past few months been flirting with the idea of taking a major leap into politics with an eye on the soon-to-be vacated seat in the US city of Tampa, Florida.
If Ambassador Straz’s name is unfamiliar to many in Liberia, it is because of his choice to remain low key while leaving his imprint on the country he has come to admire.
One of those imprints is his singlehanded decision to refurbish the Sinje Technical and Vocational College of the University of Liberia (UL) which is now called the David A Straz Sinje Technical Vocational College at the University of Liberia.
Liberia Project a ‘Ray of Hope’
The US$2 million project was dedicated by President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf in 2016.
Ambassador Straz contributed US$1 million for the construction of the polytechnic college.
Located in Grand Cape Mount, some 20 miles away from the capital, the school has been a ray of hope for many youngsters with very little access to education.
The school has been a ray of hope for former combatants and underprivileged students who now enjoy access to sound and free education.
Since its opening in 2010, the college has offered Associate Degree (AA) in agriculture, engineering and education.
Ambassador Straz says giving back and serving people has been a joy for he and his family.
He told PBS’s Suncoast Business Forum recently:
“We have a two-year school far out of the capitol, training ex-combatants from the war and people in the community in such things as auto mechanic, electrical work, plumbing work, agriculture and those people if they decide after two years, can automatically matriculate to the university of Liberia. I’ve learned how to serve people, help your fellow man, to me that’s been a wonderful experience.”
Despite his desire to give back, his efforts have sometimes hit a wall.
The Ambassador who had previously renovated the College of West Africa, one of Liberia’s historically-relevant learning institutions, informed authorities in Liberia, including the presidency and the University of Liberia that he would step in; but there was a catch.
The ambassador agreed to give US$500,000 (five hundred thousand United States Dollars) if the government would match it and meet the challenge with US$500,000 but the legislature refused the request and the University of Liberia was unable to get Ambassador Straz’s US$500,000 offer.
The school had 356 registered candidates for 2016/2017 Entrance and Placement Exam, the highest, since establishment of the school in 1983.
Ambassador Straz’s interest in Liberia started in 2003, at the end of the civil when he paid a visit to Liberia – and the rest is history.
Final Decision on Horizon
Over the years he has made numerous trips and made large donations to schools. It was his immense contributions that prompted President Sirleaf to name him an ambassador at-large, a diplomat who represents that country internationally.
“I enjoy it very much,” the ambassador told PBS’s the Suncoast Business Forum recently. “I’m very active in working with them on various diplomatic missions.”
Ambassador. Straz says he’s learned a lot about Africa over the years and has been happy to give back. “I’ve learned a great deal about Africa. I’ve also been able to contribute a lot to them through missions I have led on behalf of the President and I became active in the University of Liberia which is the big public university.
After making so much contributions to several projects around the world, the millionaire philanthropist is now turning his sights onto the political scene.
While he has already set up an exploratory committee to help him decide whether to run for mayor of Tampa in 2019, Ambassador Straz says a final decision on whether he’ll run, could likely come in May, according to aides. “I’m thinking about it now,” Straz told the Tampa Bay Times. “I’m exploring the possibility.”
What would become of his ceremonial post in Liberia where he has made numerous contributions? Ambassador Straz, 75, says win or lose, he will continue to contribute to Liberia’s development.
Nearly half a dozen candidates are eyeing the Tamba Mayoral seat but Straz, should he decide to run is expected to be a front runner.
The incumbent Mayor Bob Buckhorn, will depart the office at the end of his second four-year term on April 1, 2019.
Straz is expected to face strong competition from former Tampa police Chief Jane Castor, City Council members Harry Cohen and Mike Suarez, architect Mickey Jacob and retired Hillsborough Judge Dick Greco, the son of the former four-term Tampa mayor by the same name.
Mr. Straz graduated from Marquette University in 1965 with a degree in finance. He moved into a leadership position in banking management before going on to build banking organizations in Wisconsin and Florida which he sold to U.S. Bank, Bank of America, and Fifth Third Bank.
Active in Education
In 1984 Marquette University dedicated its College of Business Administration, David A. Straz, Jr. Hall and in 2002 dedicated David A. Straz, Jr. Tower. In 2005 the University of Tampa dedicated David A. Straz, Jr. Hall. He was named Marquette University Alumnus of the Year and received a Commendation from the Governor of Wisconsin for dedication to education and the visual and performing arts. In 1995 Carthage College, Kenosha, Wisconsin, dedicated the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for Natural and Social Sciences. In 2000 Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo dedicated the David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Hospital. In 2007 he received the Humanitarian Award of the Decade from the College of West Africa. In 2009 the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts (Tampa) was dedicated. In 2010 The Tampa Bay Business Hall of Fame inducted him, and he was named Philanthropist of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. In 2012 Berkeley Preparatory School dedicated the Straz Family Field House. In 2012 The University of Liberia dedicated the David A. Straz, Jr. Sinje Campus.
In 2011 he received a commendation from Hillsborough County and the Key to the County for “true philanthropy and community leadership to Hillsborough County and throughout the world.” The City of Tampa honored him with a commendation and the Key to the City. He received the Key to the City of Monrovia, Liberia and was Knighted into the Humane Order of African Redemption.
He has been active in supporting higher education and the visual and performing arts and having served on many boards, he is a past Chairman of the Board of Marquette University, the University of Tampa, and the Lowry Park Zoo Foundation. He received an Honorary Doctorate in Public Service from Carthage College, an Honorary Doctorate in Education Management from Catholic University of Honduras, and an Honorary Doctorate in Humanities from the University of Liberia. He is Chairman of Tampa General Hospital, a director/trustee of the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, and Carthage College. He is King XCIX of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla.
Mr. Straz is married to Catherine Louisa Lowry, and they have a daughter, Keebler.