Richard & Donna (Converse) Lawrence Scholarship Fund

“Learning adorns riches and softens poverty.”

Richard and Donna graduated first in their respective classes from Marion County’s Claridon and Green Camp high schools. Both attended The Ohio State University. Richard studied agriculture and played in OSU’s marching band, as well as on the freshman basketball team. Donna interrupted her studies to marry Richard, returning after their three children were in school to earn her master’s degree in education. She taught for Epworth Church’s preschool, the River Valley Local Schools and the Marion City Schools. A lifelong farmer on Marion’s east side, Richard served on River Valley’s school board, including a term as its president. In 2003, their farm became the site of a new campus for Marion Harding High School.

Richard and Donna’s family established this fund to honor the couple. While any student attending Marion Technical College or The Ohio State University at Marion may apply, special consideration is given to non-traditional students age 25 and older, as well as to those pursuing degrees of special interest to the family: agriculture, agribusiness, education, English, history, journalism or music.