Through the selfless acts of hundreds of such campus supporters, COTC and Ohio State Newark students received a combined $2.6 million in scholarships during the 2025-26 academic year.
Award winners, new scholarships announced
Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) and The Ohio State University at Newark recognized award and scholarship recipients on April 22 at the campus’s annual Scholarship Dinner. The institutions invited scholarship donors to the dinner as well, allowing students to connect with their generous benefactors.
Our donors truly make life better for our students. They’re part of a collective effort that is inspiring and changing lives every single day. At this event, that impact is on full display.
New scholarships
Two scholarships were given out for the first time at this year’s banquet. The William L. MacDonald Scholarship, established in honor of Ohio State Newark’s former longtime dean and director, went to a pair of impressive students. Brian and Janine Mortellaro, who for more than a decade have funded the Mike Johnson Scholarship Fund for COTC students, created a second unrestricted scholarship that also extends to Ohio State Newark students.
“This scholarship is something that made me feel seen in my academic journey,” said Kyleigh Tyo, a forensic anthropology major at Ohio State Newark and the first recipient of the William L. MacDonald Scholarship. “It made me feel valued as a student. It has only aided me in pursuing my goals.”
William MacDonald, PhD, former Ohio State Newark dean and director; and Kyleigh Tyo, inaugural recipient of the The William L. MacDonald Scholarship
J. Gilbert Reese Next Generation Community Leadership Award
For a pair of students, their pursuit of excellence resulted in the J. Gilbert Reese Next Generation Community Leadership Award. It’s given to those who demonstrate a commitment to service, meaningful involvement on the campus and in the community, and exceptional leadership. One COTC student and one Ohio State Newark student are presented the honor each November and are formally recognized at the scholarship dinner.
This year, Traci Bioh and Sarah Ghiassi took home that distinguished award. Bioh is a COTC respiratory therapy student who also received two additional scholarships. Ghiassi is an Ohio State Newark public affairs student who holds multiple jobs on campus.
This gift is more than just a check. It’s a vote of confidence in my future. Because of this generosity, I’m not just a student — I’m a future healthcare leader ready to serve. I found community here. And community isn't just a place where you live, but it’s a commitment to how you care for the people around you.
The people that surrounded her at the scholarship dinner showcase that commitment through their continued good work — both students and donors alike.
Tracy Bioh (COTC) and Sarah Ghiassi (Ohio State Newark), recipients of the J. Gilbert Reese Next Generation Community Leadership Award