Joel and Marianne Hickman Scholarship
The Joel and Marianne Hickman Scholarship was established in 1999. Joel graduated from Boise State in 1979 with a marketing degree which helped propel him to a successful 24-year career in the banking business. Joel joined Key Bank in 1987 as a branch manager and worked his way all the way up to president of Key Bank’s Idaho District where he oversees the operations of 30 branches and 475 employees. Joel has been involved with the Boise State Foundation and Alumni Association, the Boise chapter of Junior Achievement, the United Way, Boise Art Museum, St. Luke’s, and the Idaho Youth Ranch. Marianne also graduated from Boise state in 1979 and has a successful career as a CPA in Boise.
Why did you choose to create your scholarship at Boise State University?
Both my wife and I received assistance from scholarships. Someone helped us make our education a reality, and we want to help provide that same opportunity.
What would you want the recipients of your scholarship to know about the person for whom your scholarship is named?
We believe wholeheartedly in the pay it forward mentality. At one point in our lives someone gave us the assistance nesscary to finish our education, to make it possible. We are just regular folks, but we believe that when an opportunity to help someone else out, especially if you have benefited from it before, it is important to jump on that and do the same.
Tell us about your Boise State story, favorite tradition, a ""Bronco"" moment, or what Boise State has meant to you.
I was an economics minor and was taking price theory, one of the hardest classes I had ever taken. In that class I would meet Marianne, who would become my wife of 37 years. I owe everything to Boise State. From the scholarships that helped me, to the coaches that shaped me Boise State has been the jumping point into the rest of my life.
What do you hope your recipients will gain through your scholarship?
Sometimes life happens. You get side tracked, things don’t go the way they are planned, etc. Anytime you get that help to get you back on track, remember it. Later in life when you are in a place you can help, act on it.