Benjamin L. Cohen DO

May 2, 1935 - September 14, 2015 Benjamin L. Cohen, DO, who helped lead Pomona-based Western University of Health Sciences' growth into a nationally recognized institution, passed away peacefully at his home in Pasadena on September 14, 2015. He was born in Brooklyn, NY on May 2, 1935, the youngest child of Bessie and Abraham Cohen, and brother to Elaine and Lydia. His childhood dream was to become a physician. That dream was fulfilled in 1960, when he graduated from the Kansas City College of Osteopathy and Surgery. After several years in private practice in pediatrics, he went into medical education, including serving as Founding Dean of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey School of Osteopathic Medicine. He also was Provost and Senior Vice President of Health Affairs at the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth. Dr. Cohen became Western University of Health Sciences' Provost and Chief Executive Officer in 2005, and was the chief architect behind WesternU's 2007-11 expansion, as the university grew from five colleges to nine; added an Oregon medical campus; implemented a nationally recognized Interprofessional Education program; and increased enrollment from 2,300 to nearly 4,000. He served in several osteopathic leadership positions, notably as Chair of the Council of Deans of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM). He received numerous honors, including Honorary Texan from the Texas House of Representatives, the Award for Outstanding Service from the New Jersey Society of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons, and the Dale Dodson Award from AACOM. He is survived by his loving wife, Regan; his daughter, Audrey; his son, Jon; six grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Benjamin L, Cohen, DO Pediatric Scholarship fund at Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. 2nd St., Pomona, CA 91766.