History of the Stryker Institute

The Stryker Institute for Leadership Development was created in 2001 through the generous gift of the Ronda E. Stryker and William D. Johnston Foundation. The Stryker family hails from the legacy of the Stryker Medical Corporation, one of the world’s leading medical technology and equipment companies. Ronda Stryker is a 1976 alumna of the University of Northern Colorado who holds a B.A in Special Education and Sociology. While a student at UNC, Ronda spent time with a migrant farm family where she learned a poignant lesson that would later shape her vision and be the catalyst for her gift to the University of Northern Colorado. She envisioned her contribution to enable and empower women from underrepresented groups who would benefit from additional opportunities and resources.