New scholarship established at Marion Technical College by local philanthropist

Marion Technical College's newly established David and Jane Fogle Scholarship Fund that will benefit students with financial need graduating from Upper Sandusky High School who wish to continue their education at Marion Technical College. The scholarship was established by local philanthropist Kit Fogle in honor of his parents, who encouraged him to pursue a college education despite his idea to continue working on the family’s farm instead.

According to an article on Marion Technical College’s website, Mike Stuckey, who serves as the director of the Marion Tech Foundation, said of the generous gift provided by Fogle, "We are deeply grateful to Kit Fogle for his generous contribution to the Marion Technical College community. He is not only investing in students but also investing in our community. The far majority of our students who graduate from Marion Tech will end up working and living within 50 miles of the college.”

Fogle chose to create a scholarship in his parents’ names at Marion Technical College, specifically, he said, because “Marion Tech is one of the best assets of this community. Every business or neighbor has a connection to Marion Tech.” His connection to Marion Technical College comes via serving as the Vice Chair of the Marion Tech Board of Trustees, which he has been a member of for the past five years.

Roxane Somerlot, who is both the Chair of the college’s Board of Trustees and the Director of Marion County Job & Family Services, said of Fogle, “Kit has great leadership instincts. He takes his role seriously and actively supports the college and the community in tangible ways.”

Fogle himself was a first-generation college student, as his parents did not attend college but rather ran their family farm, a life that Fogle thought he was going to continue. Instead, his parents encouraged him to get a college education. 

“It gave me opportunities. I took advantage of those and had good experiences,” said Fogle. 

Those experiences led Fogle along his career path to where he now serves as Senior Vice President of Investments for Stifel Investments, though, even now, Fogle and his wife Lori still manage the family farm. The couple encouraged their daughters to go to college, and their son-in-law is a current Marion Technical College student.

Scholarships are important to providing access to college education for first-generation students and other students from low-income households or those who face other challenges. 

“Marion Tech is a great value but our students still have challenges paying for school and other costs. Scholarships help reduce these barriers,” said Stuckey.

Ellen Messenger, who serves as the Vice President of the Marion Tech Foundation Board, echoed these sentiments and praised the Fogles for the gift they have given to students, saying, “Scholarships like these are life-changing for the student. The Fogle family has given so much to the community. This is one more way they are giving back.”

Of the scholarship he established, Fogle said, “I hope it allows people to further their education, get a better-paying job, stay in the community and give back. It’s the American Dream.”

For more information about Marion Technical College, visit the school’s website.