Westmont Magazine My Five Sons
The five Marcus brothers share more than just their parents, Harold and Karen. All their names begin with “T,” they have worked at some time for the family business, and each one has chosen to attend Westmont College.
The oldest three are graduates. Trent ’91 earned a degree in social science, manages the Marcus’ store in Huntington Beach, California, and coaches high school soccer. His wife, Tracy Goodin Marcus ’91, also comes from a Westmont family. Tom ’92, another social science major, teaches English as a second language at a junior high school in Huntington Beach. Taylor ’95 went to work as an account manager for Coca Cola, also in Huntington Beach, after completing his B.A. in communication studies. He plans to marry another Westmont alumna, Melinda Diaz ’96, in August.
The next Marcus graduation takes place in 1997 when Travis receives his degree in art. And Todd begins his Westmont career as a freshman this August.
“I never dreamed I would be able to send all five of my sons to a private college,” Harold confides. “God has blessed us with financial aid, including PLUS loans for parents as well as student loans. Sometimes parents only look at the bottom line of a college education. But what is the cost of your sons failing to reach their potential as Christian men? Our boys have graduated with a deep spiritual maturity. They found Westmont fertile ground for growing their Christian faith.”
Harold and Karen feel so strongly about the benefits of a Westmont education that they encourage kids in the neighborhood to enroll. They also serve as members of the Westmont Parents Council.
“I’m excited about the emerging role of the Council,” Harold relates. “Their success in raising money for the new fitness center and their plans to provide internships for Westmont students and alumni indicate they will be more than just window dressing.”
His sons’ experiences with a variety of Westmont programs please Harold. All have gone to Europe, Trent spent a semester at Gordon College, Tom did his student teaching in Costa Rica, Travis works as a summer intern, and all five have labored with the Potter’s Clay work crew. Tom found a teaching job right after graduation thanks to his time in Costa Rica. Travis has learned a great deal as a corporate communications/ graphic artist intern at a local hospital. Networking with a friend from Westmont helped Taylor land his position at Coca Cola. So Harold understands the value of establishing a more formal process for students and alumni seeking internships and jobs.
A pharmacist and the owner of the eclectic Springdale Country Drug Store in Huntington Beach, Harold has adapted his business to survive in a changing retail environment. While the store still offers a full-service pharmacy, it also sells novelty candy in bulk, women’s clothing, antiques, gift items—and nostalgia. “Mom and Pop” (Harold and Karen) do all the buying and enjoy scouring the country for antiques. They’ve successfully recreated a “Main Street” ambience in this era of malls.