Cristo Rey St. Martin is excited to welcome Mark Gasche as our new Director of Corporate Work Study. Mark brings a wealth of experience in career development, coaching, and employer relations. He has worked at several universities, including Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, the University of Chicago, the University of Minnesota, and Capella University.
Mark earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Cornell College and his master’s degree in counseling from the University of Minnesota. His journey into career coaching began during his time at Cornell, when a work-study position helping graduate students with career planning sparked a lifelong passion for guiding others. “That experience showed me how powerful it can be to help people find direction,” he says.
Throughout his career, Mark has focused on connecting students with opportunities that help them grow personally and professionally. His background includes managing career centers, developing corporate partnerships, and coaching individuals through career transitions. “This is a career pivot for me, but it feels completely natural,” he says. “I have always loved helping students gain experiences that transform their lives.”
Mark was drawn to Cristo Rey’s mission because it perfectly aligns with his values. “I have spent my whole career encouraging students to seek internships. At Cristo Rey, every student graduates with four years’ worth. This program gives our students a real advantage. He looks forward to building strong partnerships with local employers, adding new business partners and helping students develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed.
A native of Park Ridge, Mark grew up in a family of educators. His father taught at Maine South High School, and Mark says working in a high school setting feels like coming full circle. He lives nearby, enjoys spending time with his girlfriend Allison, who works at Deloitte, and his Sheltie, Sophie. He is also a proud father to his son Chris, a second-year law student, whom he calls “my favorite person in the whole universe.”
Mark’s enthusiasm for his new role is unmistakable. “Cristo Rey is such a special place,” he says. “The combination of strong academics, faith-based mission, and real-world work experience creates something truly transformational. I am proud to be part of a community that helps students build bright futures.”