MarionMade! Big Tent Event returns to Marion Tech offering food and family fun
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A pillar of the Marion community is planning an event to celebrate its thousands of alumni, students and community supporters.
Marion Technical College invites the community to the Big Tent Event 11 a.m.-2 p.m . Saturday, Oct. 19, on the Marion Campus at 1467 Mt. Vernon Ave. The homecoming includes live, free entertainment and family fun.
“Each year, the Big Tent Event gets bigger and better. We want as many people as possible to come out and enjoy the fun!” said Dr. Amy Adams, executive vice president of planning and advancement at Marion Tech. “The community has long been a supporter of Marion Tech and we want to give back.”
The Columbus Zoo will bring several animals for live demonstrations noon-1 p.m. Families are invited to take their children for inflatables and face painting.
Naturalist James Anderson with the Marion County Parks Department will help kids fish on the campus pond. The Marion Public Library tent will have games and giveaways. Swoop, the library mascot, and Enzo, one of the Marion Tech mascots, will make appearances.
Music, food trucks, drawings, raffle and auction
The Big Tent Event will include live music and a variety of food trucks as well as a drawing for a $500 tuition voucher, 50/50 raffle and a silent auction. Alumni can swing by the Marion Tech Foundation tent to grab some swag. All proceeds will support student scholarships.
“We are so proud of our alumni who are leaders in their communities in health care, engineering, IT, business and public service. We want to connect with them and celebrate their accomplishments,” said Mike Stuckey, director of the foundation.
Several new events this year include the Nursing 5K on campus at 9:30 a.m. Walkers and runners of all ages can sign up and bring their pets.
Funds raised support nursing students in purchasing study materials for the licensing exam as well items for the annual pinning ceremony.
“You will find Marion Tech graduates in dozens of local hospitals, doctors’ offices, and other health care facilities,” Adams said. “Our alumni are known for their quality. Now, students can not only become a registered nurse but also earn a bachelor of science in nursing at Marion Tech at our same low tuition. This is a great way to show support for these students who are critical for our community.”
Esports Tournament looking for teen competitors
Teenagers ready to try their hands can compete in the Esports Tournament sponsored by Pillar Credit Union 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Esports coordinator Hana Cornell will run the tournament.
As October is National Physical Therapy Month, students from the physical therapist assistant (PTA) program will have an open house and offer some free services for those interested in a massage gun.
The in-demand program has a 100% employment rate for licensed graduates. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says the average wage for PTA is $63,080 with an associate’s degree.
Marion Tech has a number of transfer partners to help students seeking to earn a bachelor’s degree. The Big Tent Event will feature a transfer fair to allow students and their families to explore their options.
Since 1970, Marion Tech has offered affordable, convenient pathways to start or advance careers. New programs include the short-term certificates including the Intel semiconductor manufacturing certificate.
With one-year certificates, associate’s degrees and now the new bachelor of science in nursing, Marion Tech trains students for in-demand careers with a great return on their investment.
This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Marion Tech's Big Tent Event happening during October homecoming
