A new scholarship at Marion Technical College will honor the legacy of longtime Marion educator, coach and counselor Norm Dickman while helping nursing students complete their degrees.
The scholarship was established after Dickman's 38 years of service to Marion City Schools, according to a community announcement. The endowed fund was created by Dickman's family, supported by matching funds from the Marion Tech Foundation and supplemented by community donations made after his death.
"He loved his students," said MaryAnn Dickman, his wife for 63 years. "After we lost Norm, it's amazing how many people told us they loved him — from former players to students."
Former student Beth Short recalled Dickman's impact on generations of students.
"He touched thousands of students while maintaining the love and respect of the student body. A life well lived," Short said.
One former student credited Dickman with changing the course of her life and her child's life after she became pregnant as a teenager and considered leaving school. She said Dickman visited her home and encouraged her to return to class and graduate.
"Mr. Dickman truly wanted all of his students to succeed no matter what. His belief in all his students was infectious," the student wrote. "That pregnant girl did more than just make it and that baby she was carrying grew up to have a good life, too. They say it takes a village to raise a child … Thank you, Mr. Dickman, for being part of that village."
Dickman began his education career at Taft Middle School as a teacher and coach. After two years, he moved to Marion Harding High School, where he taught American history and government for 10 years.
He later served 11 years as a guidance counselor before spending 17 years as an assistant principal. Along the way, he also coached varsity tennis and worked as an assistant football coach.
MaryAnn Dickman worked as a nurse and later taught at Marion Technical College. Norm Dickman also served as an adjunct professor at the college.
Norm knew what it was like to struggle. He grew up in Sandusky, Ohio, where he helped raise his younger sister. As the first in his family to attend college, he worked and received a small scholarship and encouragement from his church. He went to Capital University, where he met MaryAnn. He later earned a master's degree.
The scholarship will assist Marion Technical College nursing students pursuing either an associate degree or a bachelor's degree.
"Every dollar truly makes a difference," Marion Tech Foundation Director Mike Stuckey said. "Marion Tech's tuition is low, but many of our students are working parents struggling to make ends meet. Nurses who complete the program open up a new world of well-paying, in-demand jobs that serve our community."
MaryAnn Dickman said the scholarship reflects the personal connections instructors develop with students.
"You get to know them as individuals. You know who had to drive an hour to get there. You care about their kids," she said. "They don't make it through by themselves. They make it through with their families and their instructors. That's what you get at MTC."
Stuckey said Dickman's influence extended well beyond the classroom.
"When you were talking to Norm, he was really paying attention. Norm was a mentor to me and many others," Stuckey said. "He made a tremendous difference in many lives. We are so proud to be able to honor his legacy in this way."
Marion Tech Foundation President Ellen Messenger said the scholarship will continue Dickman's commitment to helping students succeed.
"Norm was the compass for so many students and staff members. Establishing this scholarship is a beautiful way to ensure that his spirit of guidance and encouragement will continue to help students navigate their futures," Messenger said. "The scholarship ensures that his passion for education and his belief in students will never be forgotten."
Additional contributions will help the endowed scholarship grow and increase future awards. More information is available at mtc.edu.
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This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Beloved Marion educator honored with new scholarship