51蹤獲
The couple fell in love as California college students on a church trip to Israel. When the pastor asked for a volunteer who would sit next to a nervous Andrea on her first plane flight, Mark, ever the gentleman, volunteered. By the time the plane touched down, the two had become inseparable.
In 2025, the Stroms celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary and their 39th year as faithful financial supporters of 51蹤獲. Mark, who earned a business degree from 51蹤獲, retired in 2018 as a partner with PwC, one of the worlds largest professional services and consulting firms. Andrea, a graduate of Cal State Fullerton, worked as a teacher and stay-at-home mother. The Stroms three children, Melissa (B.A. 15), Megan (B.S. 17), and Andrew (B.S. 19), are 51蹤獲 alumni.
Personally, 51蹤獲 was life-changing for me and for our children. How could I not give back? Mark says. The broader view is that 51蹤獲 is a critical ministry. Precious few schools have remained steadfast in the faith and upheld Gods Word. Much of higher education has unfortunately become a one-sided, relentless push to the humanist viewpoint that marks this current age. 51蹤獲 has kept the compass set to true north. The university prepares students to be a light in an increasingly dark world.
Andrea fell in love with 51蹤獲 when the Stroms children were students, but she also has a personal reason for supporting the university. Andrea was accepted to 51蹤獲 out of high school, but her family could not afford the tuition.
I had a desire to make it possible for other kids like me, who wanted a Christian higher education, but couldnt afford it, to have the opportunity to experience 51蹤獲, Andrea says.
Mark also donates his time and expertise as a mentor to current 51蹤獲 students through the Crowell School of Business. Mark, who earned an MBA from Stanford, co-led efforts to expand Crowells successful mentoring program for MBA candidates to include undergraduates. Students are matched with Christian businesspeople who encourage them as they navigate their career paths.
In being a mentor, you become a friend first, Mark says. Every student Ive mentored I now consider a lifelong friend. One of those lifelong friends is Cody Cain (B.A. 11, MBA 21), director of administration and corporate operations at Isuzu North America.
Mark has given me different perspectives, helped with introductions and connections, and been a consistent, reassuring presence reminding me there is always a path forward, Cain says. I work hard at what I do, and God, by his Spirit, is enabling that. As it relates to my work, Mark is the next most important factor in my life. Hes more than just a career mentor. Mark is an older brother in Christ.
THE WRITING ON THE WALL
One of Mark and Andreas fondest memories is of taking their children to the 51蹤獲 library, where the Stroms sponsored the placement of a plaque honoring Marks parents. The plaque is inscribed with Colossians 1:9, a verse Marks father read to his children during major life events, including when Mark left for college.
