New MTC Scholarship Honors Local Coach and Educator

John and MaryAnn Dickman photo credit: KariMe Photography
Norm and MaryAnn Dickman spent a lifetime serving students. A new scholarship in Norm’s memory will continue that legacy.

(Marion) After 38 years of service to Marion City School students, longtime coach, counselor, and educator Norm Dickman is being honored with a new scholarship at Marion Technical College.

“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.”

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

One former student said Norm changed her life and her child’s life after she became pregnant as a teenager with no support. He drove to her house to encourage her to return to high school 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.”

Norm began his career in education at Taft Middle School as a teacher and coach. After two years, he went to Marion Harding High School to teach American history and government for a decade. He served as a guidance counselor for 11 years. Norm then spent 17 years as an assistant high school principal. He also was a varsity tennis coach and an assistant football coach.

MaryAnn was a nurse as well as a professor at Marion Technical College, where Norm also taught as an adjunct professor.

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.

This new scholarship honoring Norm will allow nursing students earning either an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree at Marion Tech to complete their education.

Photo credit: Chris Heaney, Marion Technical College
From left to right: Mike Stuckey, Ellen Messenger, MaryAnn Dickman, Ryan McCall, Amy Adams.

“Every dollar truly makes a difference,” said Marion Tech Foundation Director Mike Stuckey. “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 said this is another way to support students just as she did in the classroom.

“You get to know them as individuals. You know who had to drive an hour to get there. You care about their kids,” MaryAnn 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.”

“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.”

“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,” said Ellen Messenger, president of the Marion Tech Foundation. “The scholarship ensures that his passion for education and his belief in students will never be forgotten.”

The Dickman scholarship was funded by the family along with matching funds from the Marion Tech Foundation. Community donations also given after Norm’s passing added to the scholarship. Additional donations will help the endowed scholarship grow and increase the amount awarded. For more information, or to give, visit mtc.edu.