Norm Dickman Family Scholarship established for nursing students at Marion Technical College

The Norm Dickman Family Scholarship has been established to support nursing students at Marion Technical College. The scholarship has been established by MaryAnn Dickman, who was married to Norm Dickman for 63 years before he passed away. The scholarship will honor Norm’s legacy as a beloved Marion City Schools teacher and coach.

According to an article on Marion Technical College’s website, Ellen Messenger, who serves as the president of the Marion Tech Foundation Board of Directors, was quoted as saying of the new scholarship, “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. The scholarship ensures that his passion for education and his belief in students will never be forgotten.”

Norm worked for Marion City Schools for 38 years. He worked for two years at Taft Middle School, then spent 10 years at Marion Harding High School teaching American history and government, where he also served as a counselor. The next 17 years were spent as an assistant high school principal, varsity tennis coach, and an assistant football coach. Norm also served as an adjunct professor at Marion Technical College, where his wife, MaryAnn, a nurse, was also a professor.

MaryAnn said of Norm, “He loved his students. After we lost Norm, it’s amazing how many people told us they loved him – from former players to students.”

Among these former students who shared kind words for Norm after his passing was one woman who became pregnant as a teenager and wanted to drop out of school. Norm encouraged her to return to school and offered her the support she did not have at home.

She said, “Mr. Dickman truly wanted all of his students to succeed no matter what. His belief in all his students was infectious. 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.”

Another student, Beth Short, said, “He touched thousands of students while maintaining the love and respect of the student body. A life well lived.”

The Norm Dickman Family Scholarship will continue Norm’s legacy of supporting students by offering financial assistance to students who are pursuing an associate or bachelor degree in nursing at Marion Technical College. 

Marion Tech Foundation Director Mike Stuckey said, “Every dollar truly makes a difference. 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. When you were talking to Norm, he was really paying attention. Norm was a mentor to me and many others. He made a tremendous difference in many lives. We are so proud to be able to honor his legacy in this way.”

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