The Lead.
Marion natives Steve and Brenda Johnston have thrived in this community. Now they are creating a scholarship for adult students who find their direction a little later in life.
“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,” said Steve Johnston. “We wanted to create a scholarship for those who need a little extra time to decide what direction in life they want to pursue.”
The new Pursue Your Dream Scholarship will support students ages 25 and older attending Marion Tech.
“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,” Brenda Johnston said.
Steve’s grandfather, Lloyd Johnston, founded Johnston Supply, a plumbing and HVAC supply company. Steve remembers walking through the warehouse with his grandfather at age 5 and listening in on the business conversations at the dining room table.
Steve and Brenda Johnston both graduated from Harding High School in 1977 and went straight to work. They reconnected at a high school reunion a decade later, fell in love and married.
When Steve’s father, Peck Johnston, died in 2006, Steve became the CEO of the family business. In 2007, he asked Brenda to work temporarily in payroll. That temporary job lasted for more than 17 years.
“We focused on supporting our employees. The retention and longevity of the staff showed that investment,” Steve said.
Legacy of Investing in Marion’s Future
Now that they have retired from that business, they are investing in Marion the way they invested in their employees.
“It’s a small town. You can do a lot more in a small town. You know the people and all of the different businesses. You can have a bigger impact on the community,” Brenda said.
“I’ve always been inspired by the commitment you have to your employees,” said Mike Stuckey, director of the Marion Tech Foundation. “We really value the investment in our nontraditional students.”
Steve is also continuing his father’s tradition in many ways. His father, Peck Johnston, was a founding member of the Marion Tech Foundation Board. Steve also served on the college’s Board of Trustees.
“Steve and Brenda have been pillars of the community for decades. We are so appreciative that they are giving back in this way,” Stuckey said.
“It’s a great school with wonderful people,” Steve said. “We hope others can donate to help it grow and be able to give multiple scholarships down the line.”
The Johnstons are adding this to the list of ways they invest in the community, including involvement with Downtown Marion Inc. and many other community groups. Brenda also was president of the Pleasant Local Schools Parent-Teacher Organization. She started a book program where every month a parent would donate a new book to the students.
“Marion’s home. We’ve been fortunate. We really enjoy giving back,” Steve said. “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.”
Support Makes a Difference For Adult Students
Marion Tech president Ryan McCall appreciates the help for older students to be able to start or advance in an in-demand career.
“The impact is so great,” Dr. McCall said. “Every dollar matters when students are juggling college, family and a full-time job.”
Marion Tech serves a range of students from age 13 to senior citizens. The average age for Marion Tech students is 27.
Anyone wishing to support this fund can give to the Foundation and designate the Pursue Your Dream Fund.
“Marion Tech excels at providing an affordable, flexible education that provides a great return on students’ investments,” Dr. McCall said. “Most of our students live here and work here after graduation. When each alumni succeeds the whole community feels the ripples of that impact.”
