Across the nation, student wellness is increasingly critical to overall student success. According to a 2024 U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) analysis of Department of Education data, 23% of college students experience food insecurity.
On the Marion campus, student wellness is thriving thanks to the incredible generosity and vision of community partners. In January 2025, Dr. Jim and Ellen Bazzoli launched a $100,000 endowed fund (with a goal of $200,000) to ensure permanent support for student wellness initiatives that benefit all students, both from Ohio State Marion and from Marion Technical College.
Additionally, Ron and Marcia Cramer, trustees of the Ray & Charlotte Baldauf Charitable Trust, have supported the fund and have committed to ongoing operating support to enable expansion of wellness programming while we build toward our endowment goal.
In just six months, the campus introduced six new wellness programs, serving nearly 300 Ohio State Marion and Marion Technical College students beyond existing services. These initiatives — ranging from yoga and mental health awareness events to cooking classes, community meals, and fresh food access — reflect Ohio State’s Ten Dimensions of Wellness. With guidance from the campus Wellness Advisory Board, the Marion campus is creating a holistic, inclusive environment where students can thrive personally, emotionally, and academically.
The Wellness Advisory Board oversees program quality and progress. Members include: Leslie Beary – Acting Director of Student Life, and Manager of Mental Health & Wellness Services, Ohio State Marion; Ellen Farrell – Counselor, Mental Health & Wellness, Ohio State Marion; Catherine Gerber – Director, Development & Community Relations, Ohio State Marion; Mike Stuckey – Director, Marion Technical College Foundation; Cathy Crum – Assistant Program Administrator, Nursing, Marion Technical College.
Enhancing Wellness on the Marion campus
