The lab inside Blackhawk Technical College’s newly updated Dental Clinic has been named after Ben Dickinson, who died in 2014 at the age of 34. Ben was the son of retired local dentist Dr. Gregg Dickinson, DDS, and his wife, Helen.
The Ben Dickinson Honorary Dental Lab was introduced at a special Blackhawk Foundation event on Sept. 16.
“The Dickinsons have been great supporters of Blackhawk Technical College over the years. Honoring Ben was one way we could thank Gregg and Helen while giving a nod to their background in the community,” said Cassie Hartje, Advancement and Foundation Director at Blackhawk. “They are the nicest people and are truly giving from their hearts. They believe in our students.”
Dr. Dickinson practiced pediatric dentistry in Janesville, Wisconsin, from 1976 until 2013. His wife worked as a dental assistant with him for years, then went on to become a travel agent working for AAA Travel. The couple has quietly donated $1.1 million since 2020 in support of scholarships for Blackhawk students.
What began as the Gregg and Helen Dickinson Scholarship Fund, which assisted two students with $2,500 each, has evolved into the Ben Dickinson Memorial Endowment Fund, which today provides $2,500 to six students each year. Three students are selected from manufacturing-related programs, one student is chosen from a law-, public safety- or security-related program, and two students are picked from any program. See blackhawk.edu/Foundation for more information on available scholarships.
The unveiling
The unveiling of the new Ben Dickinson Honorary Dental Lab featured a small gathering of faculty and students from the Dental Hygiene program, along with College and Foundation leadership who shared their appreciation for the charitable work of the Dickinsons and their support of Blackhawk students.
Blackhawk President Dr. Tracy Pierner began by thanking the Dickinsons. “I get to see the impact of your generosity each day. For what you have done for our students, thank you so much.”
Lisa Johnson, the Blackhawk Dental Hygienist Program Director and Lead Instructor noted, “You were the first donors I had the privilege of meeting. It is an honor to dedicate the Dental Lab to your son. Your generous scholarship donations have supported so many students.”
“It’s not often two people like Gregg and Helen Dickinson come into your life—and when they do, you should count yourself lucky. You are a shining example of what it takes to be a part of this community. It is a joy to celebrate with you today,” Hartje said.
“We appreciate your kind words,” Dr. Dickinson said. Following a tour of the new lab space given by Johnson, he added, “This is awesome.”
Of note, when the students arrived to meet Dr. Dickinson, one made a point to say, “Dr. Dickinson—you gave me my braces!”
History of giving
The Dickinsons have a history of giving back to their community. Dr. Dickinson volunteered at the Janesville Healthnet Dental Clinic for many years. He also volunteered as a part-time dental instructor at a dental school in Managua, Nicaragua. The couple has done much volunteer work in Janesville, giving their time and money to those in need, especially in the field of education.
As they each saw their own career fields become more technologically advanced, they decided to help upcoming students succeed in new technological careers.