Fox Cities News

John Strous, an alumnus of the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh (UWO), will receive the UWO 2025 Alumni Outstanding Service Award during Homecoming Weekend in October. Strous is being recognized for his contributions to UWO through volunteer work, leadership, and philanthropy.

Strous graduated from UWO with a bachelor’s degree in biology in 1972 and later earned a master’s degree in microbiology in 1982. He began his career at Mercy Medical Center, working as a bench technologist, clinical laboratory supervisor, medical technologist, and emergency department aide/technician. After five years in the emergency room, he completed a medical technology internship and continued his studies before returning to UWO as director of the medical technology program—now known as medical laboratory science—in 1991. He served as director until his retirement in 2017.

During his time at UWO, Strous worked with several professors who influenced his career path. “I loved being a bench technologist in the laboratory and was somewhat hesitant to leave that environment, but I applied and was offered the position,” Strous said. “It turns out I loved being the UWO medical technology program director just as much.”

Strous has been active in professional organizations such as the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS), American Society for Clinical Pathology, American Society for Microbiology, Fox Valley Society for Clinical Laboratory Science, and Wisconsin Association of Blood Banks. He has also volunteered locally at events including Christine Ann Center’s Men Who Cook and at the YMCA.

His philanthropic efforts include establishing the John E. Strous Medical Technology Endowment at the UWO Foundation. The fund supports scholarships for students pursuing careers in medical technology.

Former student Kathryn Golab wrote in her nomination letter: “John Strous has been a dedicated professional and an asset to both the UW-Oshkosh community and the medical laboratory science profession for many years.” Golab noted that Strous mentored students over nearly three decades as program director and inspired others like Mallory Janquart to follow similar paths.

Another former student, Alexandra Nussbaum of Minneapolis, Minnesota, highlighted Strous’s support throughout her education and career: “He is the first person I think of when I want to share the news” of something special happening professionally.

Nussbaum added: “Being in a career that is overshadowed by most other health care professions, it takes a motivated person to advocate for a career path that is not glamorous, high in pay or well known. He pursued people passionate about science and helped to blossom them into young, motivated and passionate medical laboratory scientists. His legacy will live on through his students.”

Reflecting on his time at UWO, Strous said: “I believe I have had a wonderful career and professional life and a very positive life in general and it all stems from my time at UW-Oshkosh.”

The university will honor eleven alumni during Homecoming 2025 this October. Five graduates will receive Outstanding Young Alumni Awards; five will receive Distinguished Alumni Awards; and one—Strous—will receive the Alumni Outstanding Service Award.

The awards celebration is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 17 at the Culver Family Welcome Center with more details available from UWO Alumni Relations.