New scholarship at Marion Technical College designed for adult learners

A new scholarship has been established at Marion Technical College to help adult learners pay for their education. The Pursue Your Dream Scholarship has been set up by Steve and Brenda Johnston, community members who want to give back to the town of Marion. The Pursue Your Dream Scholarship will provide financial assistance to students at Marion Technical College who are aged 25 or older.

According to an article on Marion Technical College’s website, Steve Johnston explained why he and Brenda decided to establish the scholarship. He is quoted as saying, “We have always believed in working hard. Since the Marion community has been good to us, we wanted to support people who want to make their lives and our community a better place to live. We wanted to create a scholarship for those who need a little extra time to decide what direction in life they want to pursue.”

Steve and Brenda are Marion natives, both having graduated from Harding High School. Together, they worked at Steve’s family business, Johnston Supply, which provides plumbing and HVAC supplies. They spent a lot of time and energy on their employees’ wellbeing, committed to their success and happiness. Now that Steve and Brenda have retired, they are looking for more ways to give back to the community, including starting this scholarship fund for people who may need help to follow their dreams.

Brenda said, “How many people know what they want to do straight out of high school? Some people have to put their dreams on hold to start a family or care for a family.”

In addition to their attentiveness to their employees at the family business, Steve and Brenda are quite involved with the Marion community. Steve served on the Marion Technical College Board of Trustees, and Brenda was president of the Pleasant Local Schools Parent-Teacher Organization. 

“Marion’s home. We’ve been fortunate. We really enjoy giving back. We love being a part of the community. Marion has many rich opportunities for kids with experiences with athletics, the Marion Palace Theatre and other places,” said Steve.

Speaking of the generosity of the couple, Mike Stuckey, who serves as the director of the Marion Tech Foundation, was quoted as saying, “I’ve always been inspired by the commitment you have to your employees. We really value the investment in our nontraditional students.” He added, “Steve and Brenda have been pillars of the community for decades. We are so appreciative that they are giving back in this way.”

The president of Marion Technical College, Dr. Ryan McCall, said of the effect the scholarship will have on the school, “The impact is so great. Every dollar matters when students are juggling college, family and a full-time job. Marion Tech excels at providing an affordable, flexible education that provides a great return on students’ investments. Most of our students live here and work here after graduation. When each alumni succeeds the whole community feels the ripples of that impact.”

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