Joseph L. and Marion M. Wesley, founders of The Joseph and Marion Wesley Family Foundation, received Williamson’s Board of Trustees’ prestigious Isaiah Vansant Williamson Award during the Founder’s Day celebration on Feb. 6 in the Clara Schrenk Memorial Chapel.
The award honors those who exemplify in their life and work the ideals of the founder of Williamson College of the Trades, whether they are an alumnus or not.
In his introduction of the Wesleys, William Bonenberger 7W9, board chairman, said “There are not many people who love Williamson more or who have helped Williamson more than Joe and Marion Wesley. The couple love Williamson’s mission so much that they have given generously to the college for several years.
“The most notable gift they have given to Williamson is for the construction of the Joseph L. and Marion M. Wesley Student Center. But, they’ve given us far more than money. They’ve given us encouragement, friendship, and they inspired us. They helped the trustees believe in several of Joe’s personal core values – ‘The harder you work, the luckier you’ll be’ and, my favorite, ‘Persistence overcomes resistance.’ ”
In 2022, The Wesley Family Foundation gave the college $20 million to build the Joseph L. and Marion M. Wesley Student Center, which opened in January 2023. They then added $1.5 million for bleachers, lights for the athletic field, and some landscaping.
Bonenberger said, “Since its opening in January 2023, this building has become the most popular destination on campus. It houses three basketball courts, an indoor running track, a weight room, cardio room, esports room, and rooms for student engagement. It also has a press box, a kitchen, and an outdoor veranda overlooking the athletic field. We are extremely proud of it.
“This amazing facility has made a tremendous difference in the lives of our students. I’ve heard it is a normal occurrence for students to be waiting at the doors to automatically unlock at 5:30 in the morning. The building gets a tremendous amount of use and there is something for everyone to enjoy.
“It also has helped get our alumni back on campus, for gatherings and events with students, such as cornhole tournaments. Many special events have been held there such as Career Fairs and Alumni Days. This building has greatly benefited our mission and vastly improved the day-to-day lives of our students.”
The Wesleys are also members of the Legacy Society, which means they have endowed the Marion M. and Joseph L. Wesley Sr. Scholarship. This scholarship ensures that a young man will receive a tuition-free Williamson education in perpetuity.
In 2022, Joe Wesley gave the keynote Commencement address and at the conclusion of his remarks, was awarded an honorary Williamson diploma, only the third person to receive this honor.
Joe Wesley grew up in humble circumstances with a limited education. He married Marion when he was 16. Bonenberger said, “Like most smart, successful men, he credits his wife for a great deal of the success they achieved in life and business. He often said, ‘None of it would have been possible without the love and support of Marion.’ ”
He joined the Marines at 17, where he learned how to operate cranes. After his service, he worked as a crane operator for several companies. He and Marion then mortgaged their home to buy their first crane and started their crane rental business, the American Equipment Rental Co., in 1967.
They grew the company through hard work and sacrifices until it became a major American crane rental company. They changed the company name in 1976 to AmQuip, “The Crane People.” Under their leadership, the company, headquartered in Bensalem, Pa., became one of the largest crane companies in the world. In 2007, he sold the company to a private equity firm.
As their wealth grew and they neared retirement, Joe and Marion created The Joseph and Marion Wesley Family Foundation, concentrating on educational organizations. They began with generous donations to several schools, and when they learned of Williamson decided to help the college.
Joe Wesley has a desire to help young people receive an education because he grew up in humble circumstances with a limited education and knows how difficult this makes pursuing a career. The Wesleys learned of Williamson in 2017 from a member of the Board of Trustees and, after touring the campus and talking to students, returned for a second visit. He liked that many Williamson students have a background similar to his and he sees the value of a trade education. A patriotic man who believes the United States is a country of opportunity, he also was impressed with Williamson’s values-based education and emphasis on patriotism.
Bonenberger said the Wesleys had been donating to Williamson for several years when they asked him and President Michael Rounds what do the students need most to improve their quality of life and their chances of graduating? “They decided to create something that has changed the face of our campus and the lives of our students. Because they don’t do anything halfway, they made a $20 million gift through their foundation to build the student center that now bears their name. They followed this up with a second gift of $1.5 million to add the bleachers, athletic field lighting, and enhance the landscaping.
“Joe and Marion remind me a lot of our founder, Isaiah Williamson. They came from humble beginnings, worked hard, started their own business, took some chances to make it successful, and in the process became very successful. Joe often says, ‘Only in America could someone from such humble beginnings experience the life Marion and I have lived.’ And, like our founder, they didn’t think only of themselves, they used their success to help others, people they don’t even know, to help them also achieve success. Williamson College of the Trades is honored and proud to have Joe and Marion Wesley as friends and part of our family.”
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