Samuel N. Stroum (April 14, 1921 – March 9, 2001) was a Jewish-American businessman and philanthropist. He was called the "godfather of Seattle giving".[1]

Stroum was born in Waltham, Massachusetts, the son of Russian Jewish immigrants.[2] He served in the Army Air Corps in World War II and married Althea (1922-2011) in 1942.[2] Stroum founded ALMAC-Stroum Electronics in 1960 and later purchased Schuck's Auto Supply. In 1983, he retired to devote his time to philanthropy.[2]

Stroum had a close relationship with the University of Washington. He and his wife established a lecture series in Jewish Studies in 1975, and later endowed a Chair in Jewish Studies. Stroum served on the Board of Regents from 1985 to 1998.[2] He was also awarded honorary doctorates from Brandeis University, Seattle University, and Whitworth College.[2]

References

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  1. ^ Beers, Carole (11 March 2001). "Patron Samuel Stroum, known to many as godfather of giving, dies at 79". Seattle Times. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
  2. ^ a b c d e Micklin, Lee (5 August 2001). "Stroum, Samuel N. (1921-2001)". HistoryLink. Retrieved 14 September 2022.