Darwin Jan Strickland, DO, DPM (emeritus)

A college athlete, Darwin Strickland, DO, attended the University of Nebraska, University of Colorado and Drake University on full athletic scholarships in football and track. After three years of undergraduate studies, he was accepted and earned a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery in Chicago, graduating magna cum laude. Dr. Strickland received one of only 10 scholarships from the American Osteopathic Auxiliary Association in Chicago, which paid for his full tuition at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences; he graduated with a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine in 1965.

Dr. Strickland completed an internship at Flint Osteopathic Hospital in Flint, Mich., and then moved to Denver, where he opened a solo family practice and remained in the same office until retiring at age 80. He is board certified in family medicine and geriatrics. Dr. Strickland also served in the U.S. Army Reserves Medical Corps for 18 years, receiving an honorable discharge as a Lt. Col. in 2001.

Dr. Strickland was active in his Colorado community as a volunteer team physician for football at Northglenn High School for 50 years.  He received the Outstanding Community Service Award from the Colorado Athletic Association Board of Directors, was inducted into the Colorado High School Activities Hall of Fame, and was elected to the Adams County District #12 School Board for eight years.

At KCU, Dr. Strickland served as president of the KCU Alumni Association and class agent for the Class of 1965. He was the recipient of an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, the Alumni Service Award and the Alumnus of the Year Award. KCU’s Strickland Education Pavilion is named in honor of Dr. and Mrs. Sue Strickland for their longstanding support of the University.