Patricia A. Stryker (born April 6, 1956) is an American billionaire businessperson, philanthropist, and political activist. Stryker is the granddaughter of Homer Stryker, founder of Stryker Corporation, a medical technology company.
Since the early 2000s, she has become more active in civic life. In 2001, she founded the Bohemian Foundation, which focuses on music, arts and the community through grantmaking, programs, and events. She donated $3 million to defeat a 2002 ballot initiative to limit bilingual education in Colorado. In 2004, she gave $20 million to Colorado State University, mostly to benefit its football team.
Stryker bought Sonoma's Sommer Vineyards in 1999, which she rebuilt, replanted, and rechristened as Stryker Sonoma. It covers 32 acres (129,000 m<sup>2</sup>) in Alexander Valley, California, producer of classic vinifera varieties Bordeaux and Zinfandel. In May 2016, she sold the winery to focus on her foundation work.
As of 2021, Stryker ranks #340 on the Forbes Women 400.
Early life
Patricia A. Stryker was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on April 6, 1956. Stryker enrolled at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, but did not complete a degree. In 1976, Stryker's father, Lee, died in an airplane accident in Wyoming. Four years later, in 1980, Stryker relocated to Fort Collins, Colorado, where she had attended summer camp as a child. notably the annual Bohemian Nights at New West Fest. She has also donated a substantial amount to Colorado State University, which is located in Fort Collins.
In 2008, Stryker gave $87,500 to the Presidential Inaugural Committee for President-Elect Barack Obama.
Stryker donated $3 million to defeat a 2002 ballot initiative regarding bilingual education in Colorado. She was among the largest donors in the 2016 election.
Political allies
Stryker, Jared Polis, Tim Gill, and Rutt Bridges are known in Colorado political circles as "The Four Horsemen" (aka "Gang of Four" or "The Four Millionaires") who have donated to liberal causes, fought against gerrymandering, and promoted progressive initiatives. Significant political contributions from the four to favored Democratic candidates has played a role in electing a Democratic majority in Colorado's house and senate. Stryker has been frequently represented at political meetings by Al Yates, former president of Colorado State University. The Alliance was critical in getting California Secretary of State Debra Bowen and Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie re-elected.
Personal life
Stryker is divorced, with three children, and lives in Fort Collins, Colorado, US.