Dr. Hiram and Angela Bazzoli Scholarship established at Marion Technical College

Marion Technical College has a new scholarship to support students who are pursuing health care thanks to Dr. James and Ellen Bazzoli. The new scholarship has been established in honor of Dr. Hiram and Angela Bazzoli, James’ parents. Dr. Hiram Bazzoli became a doctor and a surgeon who was passionate about helping people, a trait he passed down onto his son, along with an emphasis on the importance of education.

According to an article on Marion Technical College’s website, Dr. Jim Bazzoli was quoted as saying about his father’s journey to attend college against his father’s wishes, “Dad believed in the value of education. His father wanted what was best for him, which he thought was continuing the trucking company as a part of Grandpa’s legacy. This caused a lot of tension in the family. Grandma kept working on Grandpa until he finally relented. That changed the trajectory of our family. Isn’t that the American dream?” He added, “Grandma made it work. Eventually, Grandpa was as proud as a peacock to have a doctor in the family.”

During World War II, Hiram enlisted as a reserve U.S. Army officer and went to medical school in St. Louis. Hiram married Angela and had five children, in whom the couple instilled a plethora of values, including education and community service.

“I learned my work ethic from my father and compassion from my mother,” said Jim. 

Hiram’s medical career lasted 60 years until he retired at the age of 83. Throughout his time as a doctor, he treated patients like they were family. 

“Dad was all about medicine. He treated patients, not insurance cards. He didn’t turn people away. I think you have a lot more empathy when you’ve had to struggle. He said while he couldn’t cure everybody, he could be kind to everybody,” said Jim.

Hiram and Angela did not push their children into medicine, but several followed in Hiram’s footsteps all the same. Jim and two of his brothers became doctors, and one sister became a nurse. All in all, ten members of the family are in the medical field.

Speaking of the desire to set up a scholarship in honor of his parents, Jim said, “Dad and Mom stressed the value of education. We can think of no better way to honor their memories than to help give a hand up to another health care professional. This could change their family’s trajectory, too.”

Mike Stuckey, who serves as the director of the Marion Tech Foundation, said, “This new scholarship gives students in need a hand up. We so value this generosity, following the example set by Dr. Hiram and Angela Bazzoli. Many of our students struggle, not with the classes, but with economic challenges outside the classroom. With our student body growing, the need also grows. Every scholarship makes a difference.”

For more information about Marion Technical College’s website, visit the school’s website.