Samuel Stroum

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]