Newest BTC Foundation Board Member: A Champion of Education

The Blackhawk Technical College Foundation was thrilled to welcome Dr. Gregg Dickinson to its board of directors in January of 2020. Gregg and his wife Helen were eager to lead by example and are funding two $2500 scholarships for Blackhawk students this year.

Gregg and Helen Dickinson were born and raised in Iowa and Wisconsin respectively and met while attending The University of Iowa. Helen completed her master’s degree in dental hygiene education and Gregg completed his degree in dentistry before the couple moved to Janesville to start a pediatric dental clinic and a family in 1976. They raised two children and now have three grandchildren they adore.

Gregg practiced pediatric dentistry in Janesville from 1976 until 2013 while Helen changed careers from dental hygiene to the travel industry. She worked for AAA travel as an agent and, later, as a teacher providing continuing education in computer applications and travel destinations to other AAA travel agents. Helen’s work helped feed their passion for travel, and together they have visited all seven continents and over seventy countries.

The Dickinsons have always been eager to give back to the community. For years Dr. Dickinson volunteered his dental services at the Janesville Healthnet Dental Clinic and volunteered as a part-time dental instructor at a dental school in Managua, Nicaragua. Both are active volunteers in Janesville giving their time and money to those in need, especially in the education field. They contribute annually to The BTC Foundation because it allows them to provide scholarships to students who need support and training to prepare for the changes that lie ahead.

According to Lisa Hurda, BTC Foundation Director, “The Foundation’s newest board member, Dr. Gregg Dickinson, embodies the spirit of community and brings talent, expertise, energy, and philanthropy to the table. We are very fortunate to have him on our Foundation Board of Directors as we continue to strengthen the resources for our student body and the college.”

The Dickinsons have seen their own career fields become more technologically advanced and are eager to help upcoming students succeed in new technological careers. “Put simply,” Dr. Dickinson said, “one to two years in training and education can mean several hundred thousand dollars in lifetime earnings when compared to those who have only a high school diploma.”

This year they have launched the Gregg and Helen Dickinson Scholarship Fund to assist students in advanced manufacturing and health sciences programs. These two $2500 scholarships will help support students as they prepare for changes in the workforce and the world. “We are grateful to our Board members for their commitment to higher education,” Hurda said, “and their passion for championing our cause in Rock and Green Counties."

Since 1978, over 3,200 individuals have achieved their educational goals thanks, in part, to BTC Foundation scholarships. This year alone, the BTC Foundation will award over 100 scholarships.

The BTC Foundation is currently seeking additional Board members. For more information, please contact Lisa Hurda at (608) 757-7704 or lhurda@blackhawk.edu.

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