Mary M. Harrison

When Mary Harrison began thinking about how she would like to help students continue their education, she knew she wanted to help students pursing a nursing degree or have a military background. Having three uncles serve in WWII, she and her father have always respected the military services. “I always worked in college and had summer jobs. Whenever I was home on holidays, I worked in the local library also and there were 4 people who helped me get through.”

Having that support encouraged Mary to want to give back. “When I worked in university and public libraries, I helped students and faculty locate foundation grants for their projects as well as scholarships!” Now retired, Mary spent time volunteering with the Red Cross and at Mercy’s Burn Unit. “I met wonderful nurses and techs, some getting nursing degrees and accreditation credits, despite working full time. I wanted to find a way to ‘pay it forward’ and help them.”

After the death of her daughter in 2020, Mary began looking ways she could help others and not just the ones she knew. Having considered many other educational facilities, Mary decided she wanted to impact students who were pursing continuing their education in a technical education or nursing program, also giving priority to non-traditional and military students. “OTC fit the bill both for nursing and returning military veterans.”

When Mary is not actively volunteering, you can find Mary knitting scarves for military members and EMT’s. She is also an avid espionage reader and dog lover and claims to be ‘owned’ by her active Irish Terrier.