MTC Foundation

Hall of Fame Recognition Program

The Marion Technical College Alumni Hall of Fame Award celebrates the outstanding graduates of Marion Technical College, their accomplishments, leadership, and community involvement.  The Alumni Hall of Fame Award honors individuals who excel in their chosen field, have devoted time and energy to their community in a meaningful way, and also set examples for current and future students.

The Marion Campus Library honors their achievement by inviting inductees to select a book title of personal significance to be added to the local collection. The Alumni Hall of Fame Book Recognition Program includes a special bookplate in each book selected that will list the name and year inducted.

The Criteria

Alumni Hall of Fame recipients must meet each of the four specific criteria.  They must:

• Be a graduate of Marion Technical College
• Demonstrate excellence and growth in their business or profession
• Provide an example of what can be accomplished with a degree from Marion Technical College to current and future students
• Provide service to the community

Alumni Hall of Fame recipients must meet each of the four specific criteria.  They must:

• Be a graduate of Marion Technical College
• Demonstrate excellence and growth in their business or profession
• Provide an example of what can be accomplished with a degree from Marion Technical College to current and future students
• Provide service to the community

If you know of an alum who meets these criteria, please consider nominating them for this prestigious award.  Nominations are now closed.

Please join us for the 9th Annual Alumni Hall of Fame on Thursday, November 21^st.  We will begin the evening with a combined Business After Hours with both the Marion Area Chamber of Commerce and the Wyandot County Chamber of Commerce.  Appetizers and desserts will  be starting at 5:00 pm in the HTC with an open house of our academic programs.  The awards will begin at 6:30 pm in the HTC Auditorium. 

If you are planning to attend in person, please RSVP to rsvp@mtc.edu.  If you have any questions about this year’s event, please contact Dr. Amy M. Adams at adamsa@mtc.edu or 740-386-4203.

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CONGRATULATIONS

2024 Recipients

• Lisa Bush,
  Vice President and Wealth Advisor at Alluvial Private Wealth;
  Class of 2016
• John Case,
  Director of Technology at Ohio Hi-Point Career Center,
  Class of 2004
• Jill Chitwood,
  Owner of Sights Unseen Travel Agency,
  Class of 1982
• Keith Stansbery,
  Senior Field Service Engineer at Beckman-Coulter,
  Class of 2006
• Amber Wertman,
  CEO of the United Way of North Central Ohio,
  Class of 2002

2023 Recipients

• Trish Frazzini
  Professor of Social Work and Addiction at Marion Technical College
  Class of 2022
• Natalie Longmeier
  Executive Director at Marion Matters Inc
  Class of 2022
• Darlene Schoonard
  Forensic Nurse Team Coordinator at OhioHealth
  Class of 1990
• Clifford Smith
  Probation Officer at Marion Municipal Court
  Class of 1999
• Lyndsey Vance
  Realtor / Real Estate Investor / Small Business Owner
  Self-Employed / Generations Realty / Rob's Hauling / JL Vance Investments LLC
  Class of 2013

2022 Recipients

• Tammi Cowell
  Class of 1991
  Treasurer/CFO, Tri-Rivers Career Center
  Nominators:  Rob Cowell and Ellen Messenger
• John “Tom” Gleespen
  Class of 1975
  President, Gleespen Engineering & Surveying, Inc.
  Nominator:  Sandy Gleespen
• Sue Jacob
  Class of 1981
  Retired Teacher, River Valley School District
  Nominator:  Annette Walton
• Darl Snyder
  Class of 1983
  Territory Manager, 2J Supply Company
  Nominator: Teena Snyder

2021 Recipients

• Shannon Bryant
  Class of 1995
  Executive Vice President for Corporate Solutions & Economic Development, Tarrant County College District
  Nominator:  Dr. Amy Adams
• Jerry Call
  Class of 1988
  Senior Project Manager, R.D. Stolz Engineering
  Nominator:  Dr. Bob Haas
• Jessica Coleman
  Class of 2017
  Founder/Executive Director legacy Mentoring Group, LLC
  Nominator:  Robin VanSickle
• Jaron Knotts
  Class of 2015
  Clinical Outcomes Manager – Patient Safety, OhioHealth
  Nominator: Marcia Young

2020 Recipients

• Johnis M. Tyler Gribbin – Class of 1993 & 1994
• Harold May – Class of 2010
• Krista Mulvaine – Class of 1995
• Ritch Ramey – Class of 1987

2019 Recipients

• Patricia Case – Class of  1973
• Terri Martin – Class of 1996
• Kathie Seckel – Class of 2001
• Deborah Shields – Class of 1976
• Tom Stotts – Class of 2000

2018 Recipients

• Cynthia Hartman – Class of 1977
• Nathan Miller – Class of 2008
• Jean Obenour – Class of 1985
• Robin Schelb – Class of 2013
• Annette Walton – Class of 1980

2017 Recipients

• Dale Baker – Class of 1996
• Christy Culver – Class of 1990
• Mark Droll – Class of 1994
• John Metcalf – Class of 1995
• Deb Murphy Willis – Class of 1995

2016 Recipients

• Amy Bush – Class of 1995
• Teresa Parker – Class of 1977
• Barb Scott – Class of 2004
• Tommie Saccenti – Class of 2001
• Dr. Vicky Wood – Class of 1985

Follow This Leader: Beth Mathias

Name: Beth Mathias
Position: Mission Services Manager
Marion Goodwill
Graduation Year & Program: 2014 graduate with associate degree in Business Management.

From GED to Business Management: A Lifelong Learning Journey

Beth Mathias graduated from Marion Technical College in 2014 with a degree in Business Management. Her path to higher education began while attending GED classes through ABLE at MTC. Inspired by the support and encouragement from her instructors, Beth found the confidence to continue her education and pursue a new career. Balancing life as a working wife and mother, Beth appreciated MTC’s flexibility, allowing her to attend classes both in person and online, even while pregnant with her youngest child.

Reflecting on her time at MTC, Beth highlights the supportive, non-judgmental culture of the college, where she encountered instructors willing to go the extra mile and students from all walks of life. “The diversity of students created a positive culture for individual growth,” Beth shares. This experience shaped not only her professional journey but also her personal growth, fostering a deep respect for the unique paths of others.

A Career with Purpose at Marion Goodwill

Beth’s career began as an intern at Marion Goodwill in 2013, where she quickly realized her passion for the organization’s mission. Just as her internship was ending, she was offered a full-time position as Youth Payroll Coordinator. Over the past 10 years, Beth has thrived within Marion Goodwill, steadily growing and evolving in her career.

Her roles have been varied and impactful, from managing payroll, vehicles, housing, and clothing programs to teaching free community courses and assisting returning citizens inside local prisons. Beth has been instrumental in writing grant applications, presenting to public functions, and even developing computer courses for seniors. Today, she serves as the Mission Services Manager, overseeing the Workforce Development department, which helps individuals with disabilities reach their full potential and achieve self-sufficiency.

Beth’s dedication to her community extends beyond her work at Goodwill. She has served on the Board of Directors for Marion Young Professionals and Love Inc., strengthening her commitment to giving back.

Skills that Shape a Career of Service

Beth attributes much of her career success to the ability to work with people from all backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses—a skill that has been essential in her role. She also credits specific courses at MTC for preparing her in unexpected ways. Her Entrepreneurship class helped her understand Requests for Proposals and grant writing, while Psychology courses gave her insight into the behavior and thought processes of the individuals she serves. Beth emphasizes the importance of note-taking, financial accounting, and public speaking as key skills she uses daily in her job.

In a particularly memorable moment, Beth had the honor of speaking at the 2016 Democratic National Convention the same night as the then-President-Elect’s official nomination acceptance.

Advice to Current MTC Students

Beth’s advice to current MTC students is clear: “Don’t be afraid to ask for help.” She urges students to use the support system available to them—fellow students, instructors, tutors, and MTC staff—to succeed. She also encourages students to take their coursework seriously, prioritize their mental health, and never settle for less in their personal or professional lives.

Beth’s journey is a testament to the power of education, hard work, and dedication to service. She continues to grow with Marion Goodwill, making a lasting impact on her community, and she looks forward to what the future holds.

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Follow This Leader: Katrina Rostorfer

Name: Katrina Rostorfer
Position: Patrol Officer
Company/Organization: Marion City Police Department
Graduation Year & Program: 2020 graduate with associate degree in criminal justice, 2021 graduate with associate degree in law enforcement technology and OPOTA certification

 

How did MTC help you in your career?

At Marion Tech, I was able to learn from many professionals with experience in the career I was pursuing. Not only were my instructors incredibly smart, they shared the lessons they learned along the way with their students.  My degrees laid the foundation for my understanding of the criminal justice system while my time at the police academy gave me hands-on training to prepare me for real world scenarios that I would face as a police officer. I also made connections during my time at Marion Tech that helped me find a job quickly after graduation in an organization that shares my core values. Plus, I was able to transfer all of my credits from MTC to Ohio University and complete my Bachelor's degree in under 2 years, which opens more doors for me in the future. 

What did your life look like when you were a student at MTC?

When I first began attending MTC, I juggled being a mother, working full time, and attending classes. I later worked part time while attending the police academy and simultaneously completing my bachelor's degree online at Ohio University. I loved my time at MTC because the class sizes were small, the professors knew my name, and it felt like home. The instructors were always so helpful, understanding, and encouraging. Being a parent, working, and going to school is tough, but the staff at MTC made this experience so much easier. Prior to MTC, I attended a much larger university for a year. The experiences were like night and day with Marion Tech being a much more beneficial and enjoyable experience for me. 

What advice would you give to current MTC students?

Soak up all of the knowledge that you can from your instructors. Build relationships with peers and professors, these will follow you well beyond your time in college. Work hard, but don't forget to find time for things that you enjoy. Don't be afraid to take healthy risks and do things that feel scary. Growth is often uncomfortable, but the best things in my life have come from pushing myself out of my comfort zone and taking chances even when I did not feel ready. There are so many resources offered by MTC that you can take advantage of to get help along the way.  Always know you can do great things! 

Officer Katrina Rostorfer 
Marion Police Department 

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Follow This Leader:  Trimika Jones

Trimika Jones
Intervention Coordinator Assistant with Marion County Prosecutor’s Office
Criminal Justice Technology --Probation Officer Option - Class of 2021
Social Work and Addictions - Class of 2022

MTC gave me the confidence to be successful in my career. In the Social Work field, I learned that no one is perfect and it is okay to ask questions. Every day, I continue to learn and grow. I also learned how to set boundaries in my work and personal life and not to feel guilty for doing this.

I am a single mother of two active daughters, so life as a student was definitely chaotic. Every night, we have some type of sports activity along with homework. While I was in school full-time, I also had a full-time job and continued to DoorDash too. I thank God for the support system that I have; my parents and friends are always willing to help. My hope is for my children to see the importance of learning and having an education. Most importantly, I want them to find work they truly love and to find happiness in life.

My advice to all current and future students is to make sure that they follow their hearts and have a passion for their careers. Things may be difficult, but it will get easier. Hard work and dedication truly pay off in the long run.

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 Follow This Leader:  Eian Miller

MTC helped me in my career by enabling me to learn more with real-world experience. The courses were structured to help me learn not only the intended materials but also those important interpersonal skills as well. MTC also utilized current technologies, giving me an advantage over others in the field.

Eian Miller
Senior Command Center Specialist
Abercrombie & Fitch
2019 Alumni -- Software Development

When I attended MTC, my life was pretty hectic. I was living in Dublin, working in New Albany and attending school in Marion. I was making that commute almost every day! In order to get homework done, work, and attend classes, I was sleeping about 3-4 hours a night, which is not something I recommend. However, I was able to stick through it and obtain my degree. I continued to push myself and also earned my degree in Cybersecurity from Franklin University.

Current MTC students, I have a few recommendations that I believe make it easier to be successful in your courses:

One would be to make a template of the current MTC required format (MLA, APA, or other), and include all required parts. When you write every paper, it should help you save time and reduce the chance of missing points due to formatting issues.

Another recommendation I have applies to online classes. It’s tough, but it can pay off big time at the end of the semester. I recommend trying to stay a week ahead of the course’s set due dates. By doing some work ahead of time, you can put it on “cruise control” until the end of the semester. This tactic can be a blessing if an emergency comes up or if you get overloaded by other courses. It also provides an extra week at the end of the semester where you can study and get prepared for the final.

The final recommendation is to get involved. This can be simply asking questions in class, getting to know your classmates, or joining some kind of group. Asking a question can make a huge difference in understanding the material. If you have a question during class, it’s likely others do too. Making friends in class helps if you’re struggling or someone might be able to explain course materials differently from the professor. Joining an on-campus group allows you to meet other students, staff and professors, which gives you a unique experience and fond memories. Plus, you might have some fun along the way. [Note: Eian was also a student ambassador and member of Phi Theta Kappa.]

One of MTC’s strengths is that it is a small college.  Many people are willing to go the extra mile for you or offer a helping hand when you need one. Don’t forget that you are paying to be here, so get the most out of it.  You can be a big fish in a small pond.

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Follow This Leader: Seayra Burkhart

Seayra Burkhart
Radiologic Technologist at Avita Health System
Radiology Class of 2020

 

MTC did a very great job of preparing me for my career. There were no surprises when I walked into my first job as an X-ray tech.

I had a very busy life going on at that time! I just got engaged to my now husband, I was trying to plan a wedding, and we also just moved into our first home together during my junior semester. This was in addition to my full-time classes, so you could say I had a lot going on!

My advice to current MTC students would be to stay focused. It’s hard and you’re learning something completely new that you’ve never learned before. Don’t get down on yourself and just stay positive. It doesn’t seem like it, but it’s a short two years. Before you know it, you’ve graduated and you’re out working in your field.

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 Follow This Leader: Macey Estes

Macey Estes
Clinical Engineering Biomedical Equipment Technician at OhioHealth
Marion Tech Class of 2019

 

MTC set me up for success from day one! I had zero confidence walking into my first appointment with admissions. I had no idea what I wanted to do; I just knew that I needed something different after being a hairdresser for eight years. With a little help, I made my decision. I followed in my dad’s footsteps and got the same degree in electrical engineering he did from MTC 20 years prior. Marion Tech gave me so many opportunities and I met some great people along the way.

Life was pure chaos when I was a student. My youngest of three children was six months old during my first semester. I was taking the hardest math class of my entire life, but I persevered. At one point, I was working full-time in a salon, completing my co-op at the hospital, maintaining a full-time load, volunteering through Phi Theta Kappa (student honor society), and taking the career readiness academy. I also took up running in my “spare time” and completed my first 5K! Plus, I tried to be a dedicated mom. Sometimes, I would have to study during softball games and remain present for my children. There were times when I would lose out on a good night’s rest, so I could complete my homework on time. With all that being said, it’s never too late to start, and hard work really does pay off.

I have three pieces of advice for current students:

Sleep! You’ll probably ignore this advice, but it’s helpful during your college journey.

Seek joy in the small moments. Don’t be afraid to carve out time for yourself. Even if it’s just sitting in your car in absolute silence, taking deep breaths for 10 minutes before class, or going the long way to your next class and catching some fresh air—those small things will restore your sanity on the tough days.

Be involved! Take opportunities that are out of your comfort zone. During a business tour with the career readiness group, I learned that engineers could be in health care. I had no idea. Now, I work at that same place I toured. Put yourself out there and build positive relationships with your Marion Tech professors. Ask them for help - that’s what they are there for! If they see you taking initiative, they will have your back all the way through your journey.

I didn’t even realize my job was an option with my degree! I have found my place until the next chapter. My career brings daily challenges that keep me going and it is rewarding to help others. I could not have imagined the other side of graduation would be this great.'

ALUMNI CONNECTION

As a soon to be graduate, Marion Technical College is excited about continuing our lifelong relationship with you through the MTC Alumni Association. By keeping us updated with new home and email addresses, phone numbers, and possible name changes, MTC can better keep you posted about activities on the Marion Campus well into the future. MTC’s alumni efforts will also include future lectures, events, and celebrations that we would like to invite you back on campus to attend.

If you have ideas about how MTC might keep you involved with the college after you graduate, Please contact Mike Stuckey at stuckeym@mtc.edu or at 740-386-4171.

Benefits of staying connected to Marion Technical College through the MTC Alumni Association:

1. Stay in touch with MTC by:

   • Following us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and on our website.

   • Provide us with your personal email address and we’ll send you periodic updates.

2. Our next Alumni Hall of Fame induction is scheduled for November 21st.

   • For more details, select the Alumni link.

   • Nomination forms will be available by September 1.

   • Festivities will start at 5:00 m.
3. We maintain a Speaker Series on Campus that you’ll always be welcomed to attend for free! Check out MTC on Facebook for new events.
   
   

4. Please join us for the Big Tent Event, our annual homecoming celebration, on Saturday, October 19th! Food trucks, face painting, inflatables, a scavenger hunt, and live music. Bring the whole family!

5. MTC is hosting Marion Downtown’s Third Thursday on August 15th. Join us for the fun and festivities!

6. Support student scholarships click here.

7. You can keep your MTC email account active, and we encourage you to do so. This is a great way to keep informed of MTC news and campus events. Note: in order to keep this account active, you must login at least once every six months.

8. Purchase a commemorative book for MTC’s 50th anniversary. Stay in touch with your classmates and instructors.

9. Stay in touch with your classmates and instructors.

10. Opportunities to volunteer, mentor, and be a presenter.

11. Utilize MTC’s Job Placement and Career Services. Contact Kristi Butler at 740-386-4110.

12. Access to the Marion Campus Library. Call 740-725-6254 for hours.

13. Access to the Alber Student Center for fitness and recreation,

14. Access to the Open Computer Lab to search for jobs, write a resume, etc.

15. Connect with an MTC Advisor to learn about transfer and advanced degree options.

16. Give back by being a part-time tutor. Contact David Richman at 740-386-4154.

17. Watch for our monthly digital newsletter full of great stories about MTC and our students.

18. Join us for our annual golf event fundraiser on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at Kings Mill Golf Club.

Marion Technical College is an equal opportunity educational institution and employer.