Dr. G. Scott and Pam Drew have established a scholarship to support nursing students at Marion Technical College.
Tthe couple, both first-generation college students, recognize the value of education and the impact a little help can make, according to an announcement.
“Someone saved us and said, ‘Go to college,’” Scott Drew said. “It can be really intimidating when you’re the first in your family to go to college.”
The Drews have witnessed firsthand the quality of Marion Tech graduates. Scott Drew’s mother was in hospice care, and two Marion Tech nursing students were assigned to help. They developed a personal bond with the family, even coming at midnight on a Saturday to be with her, according to Drew.
“They really cared,” Drew said. “They also talked about their experience at Marion Tech. Their passion for Marion Tech’s mission really came through.”
Drew also has hired several Marion Tech graduates in his dermatology practice.
“We are always impressed with the quality of these staff hires,” Pam Drew said. “Scott and I are so blessed. We both came from humble beginnings. College gave us both that leg up. I love knowing we are helping give another student a leg up!”
Marion Tech was among the first community colleges in Ohio to offer a bachelor of science degree in nursing to meet the demand for nurses. The college boasts a 100% employment rate for its nursing graduates, who earn a median national salary of $93,600, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The field is expected to grow by 6% through 2033.
“We want students to leave with little to no debt and get good-paying jobs. Scholarships are a huge part of that,” Dr. Ryan McCall said. “We are so grateful for Dr. Scott and Pam Drew and other donors for helping students get to next.”
Marion Tech connects graduates with in-demand jobs, including surgical technicians, occupational therapy assistants, physical therapist assistants and medical lab technicians. The college also offers newer short-term programs in massage therapy and exercise science.
“Dr. Scott and Pam Drew are making a difference by showing their leadership in the community,” Mike Stuckey, director of the Marion Technical College Foundation, said. “Their investment in our students will pay dividends for years to come.”
To donate or learn more about the scholarships available at Marion Tech, visit mtc.edu/foundation.
This story was created by Jane Imbody, jimbody@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct/.
