The Lead.
In a moving ceremony, Marion Technical College added five outstanding alumni into the Alumni Hall of Fame.
“This impact of this institution doesn’t stop. We are punching above our weight,” said Dr. Ryan McCall, president of Marion Tech. “That is true for each of these alumni.”
Lisa Bush, Class of 2016
Lisa Bush is a vice president and wealth advisor at Alluvial Private Wealth. This Marion woman is also a co-founder and co-owner of Alluvial. Lars Olson, the company’s president, nominated her. Bush worked full-time as a top banker while raising her family, being active in the community, and earning an associate’s degree and then two bachelor’s degrees.
“Lisa achieved success in a nontraditional way. She demonstrated that we all can give a little more, do a little more, and continue to learn and grow,” Olson said.
Bush has been a leader in educating women about finance on a local, state and national level.
“Thank you to MTC. I am humbled. I get to do what I love every day,” Bush said.
John Case, Class of 2004
Dr. Rick Smith, the superintendent of Ohio Hi-Point Career Center in Bellefontaine, nominated John Case, the school’s director of technology. This graduate has helped create statewide standards for the ethical use of AI in public schools from kindergarten to 12th grade.
Case was raised in Marion and currently lives in West Mansfield in Logan County.
“John is one of the smartest individuals I know. He has a perfect servant’s heart. He is well-loved by the students and encourages them to pursue their own paths. He has a passion for growth,” Dr. Smith said.
“I believe in the power of education to changes lives. This recognition is a reflection of the incredible support, mentors and friends I’ve gained over the years. I’m thrilled to be a part of such a distinguished group of alumni, including my mother, Pat Case,” Case said. “I look forward to continuing to make an impact.”
Jill Chitwood, Class of 1982
This Marion native used her business degree to create Sights Unseen Travel Agency and two non-profits. She also is the former owner of an indoor arena football team, the Northern Kentucky River Monsters. She was the business manager and gameday operations manager of Marion’s indoor team, the Marion Mayhem, later renamed the Blue Racers.
Chitwood has given generously of her time, including raising funds for River Valley youth baseball fields, organizing a successful hurricane relief drive, and raising tens of thousands of dollars for the Marion Police and Sheriff K-9 units. She founded two nonprofits and created a scholarship in memory of her brother, Dennis Knisley.
“The first time, Jill donated me $200 for the K-9 unit. The second time, she gave me $42,500,” said Lt. Mark Elliot, K-9 handler with the Marion Police Department.
“Jill is a machine. She gets things done!” said nominator Wendy Weichenthal, assistant director of marketing at Marion Tech.
“Marion Tech encouraged me to take risks, to challenge myself and to think beyond what I thought possible,” Chitwood said.
Keith Stansbery, Class of 2006
This senior field service engineer at Beckman-Coulter Diagnostics travels around the United States for an innovative company that has changed the industry with its patents. He was nominated by his wife, Caitlin Stansbery, the director of Medical Sciences Technologies at MTC.
“Keith’s regard for MTC made me want to work here,” Caitlin said. “Keith never stops challenging himself and has a commitment to supporting others.”
Keith had tried another program at another institution but it wasn’t the right fit. He came to Marion Tech.
“Once I started the Medical Lab Tech program, I didn’t look back,” Keith said.
Amber Wertman, Class of 2002
Derek Markle, a service and support administrator for the Marion County Board of Developmental Disabilities and a board member of Marion Matters, nominated this Galion native for her two decades of success in the nonprofit world. Wertman is currently the CEO of the United Way of North Central Ohio. She also is active in many local boards, history groups and charities. Wertman teaches at Marion Tech.
“Marion Tech taught me to advocate for myself. One professor made sure we knew what was going on the world before coming to class. Another had us take on the Goodwill Wheel-a-thon as a class project. Now we’re funding Goodwill through the United Way,” Wertman said. “It came full circle. I’ve learned so much as a teacher here, too.”
Additional Recognition
Each recipient received an award. A book was added to the Marion Campus Library and a $250 donation was made to a scholarship fund of their choice.
Scholarship choices:
- Lisa Bush: A new Alluvial Scholarship
- John Case: MTC Founders Scholarship
- Jill Chitwood: Chitwood-Kneisley Scholarship
- Keith Stansbery: The George and Janis Collet Scholarship
- Amber Wertman: The Marion Rotary Club Scholarship
About Marion Tech
For more than 50 years, Marion Tech has provided a quality, affordable, personalized education to tens of thousands of students to start or advance in their careers. With in-demand programs and hands-on learning, Marion Tech offers a smart choice for earning a micro-certificate, associate degree, and now, a bachelor of science in nursing. For more information, email enroll@mtc.edu or set up an appointment at visit.mtc.edu.
