The Lead.

When the Marion Technical College nursing class of 2024 graduated in December, they did more than just celebrate. They created a $500 scholarship to help another second year student in the Registered Nurse program with financial need make it to graduation.

“We are really excited about this. Half of us are older than 27 and many of us have kids. We know what it means to go back to school-- how hard it is to finance school and take time off work. Some of our classmates worked nightshift then came to class. We want to make it easier for someone else in that situation,” said Michelle Little, the nursing class president. “Nursing school changed our lives. If we can give that opportunity to someone else, we want to do it.”

With this scholarship in mind, the class worked together on a variety of fundraisers for the pinning ceremony.  

Cora Glosser, class historian, said, “We had the idea for a scholarship for a while. We understand the struggle of how to take the nursing program and work part-time. I understand the struggle of, ‘How am I going to pay for this.’ “

“We fundraised really hard to get enough to make the donation,” Little said. “We wanted to pay it forward. The best part is the current graduating class has continued with this tradition and donated to the scholarship fund as well.”

Other officers included Vice President Alani Perez, Treasurer Jordan Howell, and Secretary Michelle Jordan.

“The scholarship was a class effort. We were very tight-knit group. We are so proud of each other. Nursing school is very demanding and all our classmates worked exceptionally hard,” Little said. “

“It’s a vote of confidence that someone else recognizes your talent and potential and invests in you with a scholarship. It’s wonderful to see students and graduates giving back as other alumni and retirees have done,” said Andy Harper, the immediate past president of the Marion Tech Foundation Board of Directors, which oversees scholarships.

“We are hoping to create an alumni nursing scholarship and inspire other classes to do the same,” said Dr. Amy Adams, executive vice president at Marion Tech.

Family Motivates Careers in Nursing

Little is one of those parents who juggled many demands to become a nurse. She has five children and Bachelor’s degree in music. Little became interested in medicine when a family member was diagnosed with a rare disorder.

“It was a sacrifice for my family but working as a nurse has been a really rewarding experience. I enjoy making a difference and connecting with patients,” Little said.

Glosser developed an interest in health care after her beloved grandmother became ill and was in and out of the hospital before passing away. Her family has a long legacy of public service, with generations of firefighters and paramedics.

“Everyone in my life is some kind of emergency personnel. Health care is a challenging but fulfilling field,’” Glosser said.

Both Little and Glosser had jobs secured with OhioHealth before graduation. Nearly all their classmates graduated with a job lined up.

Graduates Appreciate Marion Tech Advantage

Glosser completed many of her pre-requisites at no cost while attending River Valley High School through the College Credit Plus program. She tried a traditional college experience, but preferred the small classes sizes and resources including the Anatomy and Physiology Lab at Marion Tech, where students learn on cadavers.

“All of the teachers are so kind and understanding. The small community at Marion Tech makes it so much easier to get a degree,” Glosser said.

“Nursing is hard. We want everything outside of the classroom to be easy,” said Dr. Ryan McCall, president of Marion Tech.

“Community college is an underrecognized source for quality education. Marion Tech really prepared me,” Little said.

Opportunity to Earn a BSN at Marion Tech

Several members of their class are planning to use OhioHealth’s tuition assistance to continue at Marion Tech to earn their Bachelor of Science in nursing degrees.

Marion Tech provides education for students of all ages, with an average student age of 27. The college supports both middle and high school students through the College Credit Plus program, as well as nontraditional adult learners.

More Info

The nursing scholarship will be awarded for a student this fall. Students can apply for Marion Tech scholarships now through May 1 at mtc.edu.

 If you would like to learn more about the different ways you can support Marion Tech students, including how to make a donation to this new RN scholarship, please contact Mike Stuckey at (740) 386-4171 or stuckeym@mtc.edu.   

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