Loving Parents Leave a Lasting Legacy in Honor of Their Son

"We knew [him] through Pepp basketball, but he had to leave due to financial reasons. We ran into him on a trip and learned that he wanted to return so he could earn his degree through Pepperdine. We told him to apply for the scholarship and he did. He was exactly the kind of student we were looking for – hard working and willing to do whatever he needed to do to earn a degree from Pepperdine.” —Kathy Colombano

Mark Colombano decided he wanted to attend Pepperdine in his junior year of high school and was over-joyed when he was accepted to Seaver in 1985. A business major, Mark loved school, made lots of friends, and was active in Pepperdine athletics, particularly lacrosse. Mark’s parents, Kathy and Lou Colombano, often attended games with their son, and the men’s basketball team’s 1986 NCAA Tournament was a memorable bonding experience for the family.

Sadly, Mark passed away in a tragic motorcycle accident during his sophomore year. Ironically, the circumstances drew the Kathy and Lou closer to the Pepperdine community, and in 1987, the couple started the Mark Colombano Memorial Scholarship fund.

Every year, the scholarship supports two students who have a love of learning and leadership, plus a passion for the University’s extracurricular activities. Kathy, who is the administrator of the scholarship, looks for students who remind her of Mark and his devotion to education and athletics.

“We have always thought that athletics and sports add so much to a students’ life skills,” notes Kathy. “Sports teach teamwork, patience, time management, friendship, and a sense of community – all things you need to know in life – both in personal relationships and in any career!” 

Kathy recalls one scholarship recipient in particular: “We knew [him] through Pepp basketball, but he had to leave due to financial reasons. We ran into him on a trip and learned that he wanted to return so he could earn his degree through Pepperdine. We told him to apply for the scholarship and he did. He was exactly the kind of student we were looking for – hard working and willing to do whatever he needed to do to earn a degree from Pepperdine.”

Mark Colombano

Passionate supporters of the University for over 30 years, Lou and Kathy’s involvement goes much further than the scholarship. Lou sits on the Seaver College Board of Visitors, the Athletics Campaign Committee, and the Crest Advisory Board. 

Kathy has been a longtime member of the Center for the Arts Guild. ”We have always enjoyed the arts but having such an amazing ambassador as Rebecca Carson has made this journey even more special,” she says. Rebecca is a treasure and it is a blessing to be able to support her and all of her work!”

Moreover, daughter Lisa graduated from Seaver in 1991 and went on to get her law degree from the Caruso School of Law in 1994. She is married to John Marking, also a 1994 Caruso School of Law graduate.

“Pepperdine is special because of the people,” Kathy observes. “So many friends and friendships over the years. Pepperdine creates a sense of purpose and guidance for all.”