The Lead.
Marion Technical College thanks the community for coming out to support students during the Big Tent Event on Saturday, Sept. 20.
The free homecoming-style celebration featured live entertainment, Columbus Zoo animals and reptiles, fishing, mascots, and family-friendly activities.
“Each year, the Big Tent Event gets bigger and better. We were thrilled to see so many people come out and enjoy the fun,” said Dr. Amy Adams, executive vice president at Marion Tech. “The community has long been a supporter of Marion Tech, and this is one way we give back.”
The Biggest Winners: Students
Generous alumni and community supporters helped raise nearly $3,000 through the silent auction, a raffle, and Marion Tech merchandise. Those funds benefit student scholarships.
In addition, dozens of runners and walkers took part in the annual Nursing 5K, which raised about $2,000 for the graduating nurses’ pinning ceremony.
“The pinning ceremony is one of the most meaningful traditions in nursing, marking the transition from student to professional nurse. We are so grateful to our alumni, community partners, and supporters whose generosity makes this celebration possible for our graduates. Their contributions not only honor the nursing profession but also inspire our students to give back in the future,” said Stacie Groll, Associate Dean of Nursing.
More than a dozen nursing students volunteered to make the event happen. Nursing students also stayed throughout the Big Tent Event to care for community supporters.
Student Demos Offered a Window into Careers
Surgical Technology students offered students a chance to learn what they do. In addition to the game of “Operation,” they had a practice dummy. Children could don scrubs and see how to assist in surgery.
Physical Therapist Assistant students offered a fitness test, including a plank challenge.
Engineering students helped kids learn how to create their own paper airplanes, and our education program, along with our staff, provided free face-painting, coloring books, and sidewalk chalk to decorate the campus.
Parents and kids could take on each other in Mario Kart and other games in the Esports Arena Experience powered by Pillar Credit Union.
TRIO Talent Search also offered info on this innovative program to help local middle and high school students explore career options and find a plan for employment, education, or enlisting before they graduate from high school.
Big Catch
Dozens of children enjoyed catching fish on the Marion campus pond with the help of Marion County Parks Naturalist James Anderson.
The biggest catch of the day was Nate Hartman, who pulled in a smallmouth bass.
The Columbus Zoo animals included a snake, a penguin, an echidna, and an armadillo.
Children also enjoyed bouncing in the inflatables and meeting the Marion Tech mascots, husky dogs Enzo and Veda, as well as the Marion Public Library mascot, Swoop.
MARCA Industries held a successful cornhole tournament.
Nursing 5K Sponsors and Donors
Thank you for your support!
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· Dairy Queen |
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· Marion Technical College Foundation |
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· Koons & White Consulting Group LLP |
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· The Ohio State University |
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· Marion Matters |
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· Third Street Family Clinic |
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· OhioHealth |
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· Wyandot Memorial Hospital |
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· Avita |
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· Hempy Water |
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· Healing Arts Massage |
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· Health Forward Chiropractic |
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· Fisher Excavating |
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· Knights of Columbus |
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· Buckeye Community Hope Foundation |
Next Community Event
Marion Tech invites the public to celebrate the Alumni Hall of Fame Class of 2025 Induction Ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 20, at 5:30 p.m. in the Health Technologies Center.
