The Lead.
A local couple with decades of leadership in health care is investing in students entering the profession. Dr. James and Ellen Bazzoli created a new scholarship to help Marion County students cross that stage at graduation.
“I frequently would notice medical assistants or techs in their late 20s and early 30s with children who wanted to go back to school. The cost can be a barrier,” Dr. Bazzoli said.
Health care job openings are growing much faster than other careers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. As Baby Boomers age, the need for health care professionals is more critical than ever.
“Health care is a huge, growing field. Our goal is to encourage Marion County residents who are already interested in the field to continue their education. It’s not just nursing – it’s radiography, office staff, and others who want to continue their education,” Dr. Bazzoli said. “Marion Tech is a perfect avenue for people to advance.”
Generations of Health Care Leaders
The Bazzolis have been in Marion for almost 50 years and have been leaders in health care for more than half a century.
Dr. Bazzoli’s father, Hiram, was a surgeon in Canton, Ohio. The child of immigrants from Italy and Austria who came to the United States to get ahead, Hiram used education to advance and he instilled the determination to go to college in his five children from an early age.
“It wasn’t a question of if you would go to college; it was a question of when,” Dr. Bazzoli recalled.
Dr. Bazzoli followed in his father’s footsteps and became an obstetrician and gynecologist. Over three generations, there are nine doctors, nurses and physical therapists.
Bazzolis Move to Marion
The Bazzolis moved to Marion in 1976. Ellen taught geology and is an artist and owner of an art studio. Dr. Bazzoli founded an obstetrics and gynecology practice and quickly saw the value of Marion Tech alumni.
“You can’t work in health care at Smith Clinic in Marion, Ohio, without a lot of Marion Tech grads,” Dr. Bazzoli said. “We couldn’t run the office without the right people. You realize that people who go to Marion Tech are quality. I’ve been sold on Marion Tech for decades.”
Drs. Philip and Fred. G. Smith, sons of Smith Clinic founder Dr. Fredrick C. Smith, encouraged the doctors to be active in the Marion community.
“Dr. Philip Smith was focused on community. You should continually strive to improve Marion,” Dr. Bazzoli said.
Responding to Marion’s Needs
At the same time, Dr. Bazzoli saw a rise in teenage pregnancies. In 1980, Marion had one of the highest rates of teen pregnancies in the state. Dr. Bazzoli and others responded by creating the Marion Area Pregnancy Program (MAPP), which helped reduce unplanned pregnancies by 65%.
“Who would have thought you could create an agency in 1980 and it’s still around?” Dr. Bazzoli said.
Dr. James and Ellen Bazzoli have invested in the Marion community in many ways including through the Marion Rotary Club, the Marion Community Foundation, the local United Way and the Palace Theatre.
“If you’re investing Marion dollars, I like to see a return on that investment here in Marion. I choose projects that will have the biggest impact on the Marion community. People who go to Marion Tech are likely to stay in the community,” Dr. Bazzoli said. “Our hope is this will enhance the community by giving scholarships to people who want to stay.”
Dr. Bazzoli has been a long-time supporter of Marion Tech.
“It’s always been a jewel to this community, but I don’t think it’s always been recognized. They have great programs in a lot of different fields. The anatomy lab is top-notch,” Dr. Bazzoli said.
Supporting the Student Learning
Dr. Bazzoli previously donated resources to the library collection in the anatomy and physiology lab, in which Marion Tech students and local doctors practicing new techniques can learn on cadavers.
“Kids give you hope. They are determined to get ahead. It’s rewarding,” Dr. Bazzoli said.
The first Bazzoli scholarship will be awarded for a Marion County student entering a health care field in the fall of 2025.
“We are so grateful for the Bazzolis for investing in our students. We want to connect students with the right training to get those in-demand jobs we all depend on for our health,” said Mike Stuckey, director of the Marion Tech Foundation. “We value his continued investment in our students.”
To support the Bazzoli scholarship, go to mtc.edu and designate your donation to this fund.
