The Lead.
A generous family with deep local roots is coming together to help Marion Technical College students succeed. The Anderson family has created a new scholarship fund.
Tim Anderson worked at Whirlpool for 28 years and saw the need for local workers to upgrade their skills through higher education.
“I had good folks working for me. The jobs were becoming more technical. "We needed a solution to keep skillsets current with the rapid advancements in technology. I got in touch with Marion Tech and said, ‘Here are the skills and knowledge we need,’” Tim said.
College leaders worked with Anderson and created a materials certificate. As traveling to the Marion Campus was an obstacle, Marion Tech offered classes at Whirlpool after shifts ended. Tim was thrilled when enrollment in the first cohort exceeded his expectations.
Anderson Support for Marion Tech Grows
After seeing the responsiveness and value of this partnership, Tim joined the board of Marion Technical College and serves as the ex-officio representative of the board for the Marion Tech Foundation, which oversees funds for scholarships. Tim talked to his family. His brother, Todd Anderson; his sister, Kim Mauk; and his sons wanted to support the new scholarship fund, too.
Reaching out to Ridgedale Graduates
The scholarship is given first to a second-year student who is a graduate of Ridgedale High School. All of the Andersons graduated from Ridgedale. Tim’s mother graduated from Meeker High school, the predecessor of Ridgedale. A total of four generations have attended this county school.
“Ridgedale did good by us. They provided quality education. We went to college and then our careers. We want to give something back,” Tim said.
First Generation Graduates Inspire Next Generation
Tim and Todd are first generation college students who each went to The Ohio State University. Todd went on to Capital University for a law degree while Tim earned his master’s in business administration from Bowling Green State University. Todd was an attorney for decades and is now a local judge.
Tim’s sons, Alex and Kyle, each went on to earn multiple degrees. Kyle is an employment law attorney at a mid-sized firm in Columbus while Alex is an engineer leading a team in the oil industry. They credit scholarships with helping them get to where they are today.
"I was fortunate to receive scholarships during my time in undergrad and law school, and wanted to pay it forward to students that grew up in the same area as me,” Kyle said.
“I love the idea of giving back to the community and helping students from our hometown get ahead. A small investment can change someone's future,” Alex said.
Removing Financial Barriers
“This is a very generous and meaningful gift for our students. The scholarship award can be used for tuition, transportation and books. We very much appreciate your support,” said Mike Stuckey, director of the Marion Tech Foundation.
Marion Tech educates students of all ages. The average student age is 27. Marion Tech serves middle and high school students through the College Credit Plus program to nontraditional students.
Supporting Students Starting in Fall 2025
The first student will be awarded the Anderson scholarship for fall semester 2025. Students can apply for Marion Tech scholarship now through May 1.
To support the Anderson scholarship, go to https://www.mtc.edu/foundation/make-a-donation.html and designate your donation to the Anderson fund.
