The Lead.
Long-time Marion residents, Paul and Ellen Messenger, are investing in Marion’s future with a new scholarship fund at Marion Technical College (MTC). Paul, a respected farmer, and Ellen, a communications specialist, have created a scholarship giving preference to a graduate of a career technical school who plans a career in an agriculture-related field. The couple is strong supporters of education and agriculture.
“Agriculture is Ohio’s number one industry,” Ellen said. "It employs one out of every eight workers."
“You don’t have food at the grocery store without us!” Paul said. "We want to help students interested in one of the many ag-related jobs available in our state reach their goals."
The couple, who have been married for 43 years, met while showing sheep at the Ohio State Fair. Paul grew up on a family farm in Marion, where the couple currently resides. Ellen grew up on a family farm in Fredericktown, Ohio.
Paul is a full-time farmer.
“Put me outside. I love my job. I love farming. I wouldn’t still be doing it if I didn’t love it,” he said.
Scholarships are Key
Scholarships played key roles in achieving their goals.
“I would not have been able to go to college without the numerous scholarships that
I earned. I still had to work my way through college, but the scholarships made a
world of difference,” Ellen said. “My dad passed away when I was 10, so our family
finances were tight, and college
would have been out of reach without scholarships.”
Ellen used her scholarships to earn degrees in animal science and communications from
the
Ohio State University.
Paul went to Morehead State University for a degree in animal science before returning to Marion to raise crops, beef cattle, and sheep.
Their son, Mitch, who lives with his wife, Julie, and their four children in Marion, benefited from earning college credits at MTC while in high school. He also earned scholarships from the Marion Community Foundation to help him attend the University of Cincinnati to become a mechanical engineer.
Technical and Career Centers Play a Crucial Role
Ellen retired as director of communications for Tri-Rivers Career Center (TRCC) after serving there for 34 years. “While at Tri-Rivers, I saw how the students easily transitioned to Marion Technical College after graduating from TRCC. They can earn college credits while in high school from MTC. The partnership between Tri-Rivers and Marion Technical College creates students a seamless pathway to degrees,” Ellen said.
Ellen also served as an adjunct MTC faculty member, teaching classes in business and communications.
“I loved teaching my students and also learning from them,” Ellen said.
Lifelong Learning and Community Service
Both Paul and Ellen believe in lifelong learning and the importance of technical skills. Their parents taught them the value of hard work, the importance of education, and the joy and responsibility of playing an active role to strengthen the community they live in.
“We believe in faith, family, friends, educational opportunities for all, and community service,” Paul said.
“Paul and I are truly partners. We’ve always been a team in everything we do.” Ellen said. "Now that I'm semi-retired, we enjoy working together on the farm and spending more time with family and friends. I also continue to enjoy doing part-time work in graphics and communications."
The couple serves the community in many ways. Both are active in their church. Paul has served as chair for the Staff Parish Relations Committee, and Ellen has been a trustee and on the Administrative Council.
Paul has also served on many groups, including as past president of the Marion County Farm Bureau, the Sheep Improvement Committee, and the National Oxford Sheep Association.
Ellen is president of the Marion Technical College Foundation Board of Directors. She also serves on the Marion Noon Kiwanis, Marion Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Marion County Historical Society boards.
“I believe so strongly in the MTC Foundation’s mission of supporting the College and its students by raising funds, cultivating alumni relations, and engaging the community. MTC is truly a gem and changes students’ lives,” Ellen said.
“We truly appreciate this generous investment in our students,” said Mike Stuckey, director of the Marion Tech Foundation. “With challenging economic times, one scholarship can mean the difference between completing a degree and dropping out.”
Ryan McCall, president of Marion Tech, offered his thanks as an educator and also
a person who grew up on a family farm.
“Farming requires dedication and doggedness. The challenges for farmers keep mounting.
Today’s farmers need to know about finances, computer applications, marketing and
more,” McCall said. “We value their investment in helping tomorrow's farmers get the
tools they need to succeed.”
About Marion Tech
Marion Tech serves more than 4,000 students and has helped generations succeed over 56 years by offering a personal, accessible, affordable option. Students earn short-term certificates, associate’s degrees, and now a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
About Scholarships
The first Paul and Ellen Messenger Scholarship will be awarded in the fall of 2027. To donate to this scholarship or see the full list of scholarships, go to the Marion Tech Foundation page.
