Strauss CEO Henning Strauss named Seaver College Distinguished Alumnus
MALIBU, California – Pepperdine University announced Henning Strauss, chief executive
officer of Europe’s leading workwear and lifestyle brand, Strauss, as the Seaver College
Distinguished Alumnus for the 2025 - 2026 academic year.
At the Waves Weekend Alumni Banquet, Senior Vice Chancellor for Alumni Affairs Hung Le praised Strauss for his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to the University’s mission of purposeful leadership.
“You exemplify the very qualities Pepperdine hopes to inspire in its students,” said Le. “We are grateful for your involvement in the life of our business students, providing wisdom and mentorship in the classroom, along with many other opportunities for our students to engage with real world partners in industry.”
A visionary business leader and global brand innovator, Strauss has elevated his family’s company into one of the most recognizable names in international workwear. Under his leadership, the Germany-based Strauss brand has grown from a regional enterprise into a global powerhouse known for quality craftsmanship, creative marketing, and world-class partnerships—including collaborations with the Union of European Football Associations, the National Football League in Europe, and Major and Minor League Baseball.
As the Distinguished Alumnus, Strauss will partner with the University to engage with students in opportunities that inspire excellence in the pursuit of purpose, service, and leadership. Strauss’s term as Distinguished Alumnus will culminate at Seaver College commencement, where he will speak to the graduating class of 2026.
“It is a true honor to serve and give back to my alma mater as Seaver College’s Distinguished Alumnus,” said Strauss. “In this humbling role, I aspire to root myself in Pepperdine’s vibrant educational environment and act as a trusted guide for current undergraduates. Over the next year, I hope to meet students where they are, listen to and understand their passions and dreams, and open exciting new doors of encouragement and affirmation for them.”
Since earning his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Seaver College in 2001, Strauss has continued to champion the University’s values. His return to Pepperdine through the Distinguished Alumnus program symbolizes the deep partnership between the University and its global alumni network.
“Seaver College considers it a unique privilege to have Henning Strauss serve as our Distinguished Alumnus for the 2025-26 academic year,” said Lee Kats, dean of Seaver College. “The global success of the Strauss company, as well as its enduring brand values of enthusiasm, appreciation, and community, speaks to the expertise and ingenuity of Henning and his personal philosophy as a CEO. I look forward to our students getting to know and learn from him throughout this year.”
About Pepperdine University
Pepperdine University is a private Christian university located 30 miles west of Downtown Los Angeles in Malibu, California. Rooted in the Christian tradition, Pepperdine is committed to both the relentless pursuit of truth through academic and scholarly excellence and to embodying Christian faith and values. With students at the heart of the educational enterprise, the University prepares approximately 9,000 scholars for lives of purpose, service, and leadership across its flagship liberal arts school, Seaver College; the Pepperdine College of Health Science; and four graduate schools—the Caruso School of Law; the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School; the Graduate School of Education and Psychology; and the School of Public Policy. Follow Pepperdine on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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