Steve Strom
Cambridge, MN
Class of 2005
Management

Tell us about what you do: Since 1998 I have worked at Minnco Credit Union in Cambridge, MN. I am responsible for day-to-day operations of a branch office including training, development and motivation of employees. I have impacted the strategic direction of the credit union significantly. I was recently promoted to vice president. Other business experience includes two entrepreneurial ventures, restaurant management, retail store management and commission retail sales. My future aspirations include becoming an instructor at The College of St. Scholastica, St. Paul campus. I am a current member and past president of the Cambridge Lions Club.

Sources of pride in your life: My family. My son, Grant, has a computer networking and telecommunications degree and works for Pearson Education as a network specialist. He is a GREAT father. My grandson, Griffin, brings constant joy to life. My son, Raymond, has a B.A. in communications and is working on his master’s degree in literature. And most important, my wife Jane, who supports all my endeavors.

Best St. Scholastica memories:  The richness, fullness, and sense of focus in fulfilling a lifelong dream of attaining a college degree and all the relationships established along the way.

Significant influences: My parents and six siblings, especially my sister Kristina who edited many of my college papers, all of my employers, and St. Scholastica staff and instructors.

Other achievements:  In 2001 I coordinated a family reunion, “2001 a Strom Odyssey,” in Delta, WI, that was attended by 175 Strom family members from all across the United States. Now, a Strom contingent regularly takes vacation in Delta.

Something interesting about your life: My previous business experiences have provided the opportunity to live in many midwest communities. I have lived in Ashland, WI (on four different occasions); Hibbing, MN; Williston, ND; Aberdeen, SD; Minot, ND; Kalispell, MT; Washburn, WI; and New Ulm, MN. In each community, I was involved in civic or faith-based organizations. Both service to the community and serving people are important to me.

Further education: I have a Master of Arts in Management from The College of St. Scholastica.

Philosophy: To approach learning, work, and life with childlike curiosity and enthusiasm.

The Benedictine Values: One of the greatest points of differentiation from my peers is that I am now armed with the Benedictine values of Community, Hospitality, Respect, Stewardship, and Love of Learning.  I am now able to share the Benedictine values with those in my local and global communities through participatory activities. I now give back from a more liberal perspective in all my activities and will continue to do so. Just as the course work at The College of St. Scholastica taught me to become more organized and form more valuable skill sets, the Benedictine values will continue to validate the set of values by which I live my life.