The Henry R. Giesman Memorial Scholarship was established in 1998 in memory of Henry “Hank” Giesman, a NIACC instructor for 29 years. Giesman taught biology, anatomy, and physiology in NIACC’s science department.
“Both NIACC and the science department were very special to Hank,” said Muriel Giesman, Hanks wife. “NIACC and other two-year colleges are some of the best things Iowa has to offer because a two-year program fits many students’ needs.”
Ron Jenkins, a fellow NIACC biology instructor and Giesman’s office mate for 28 years, said, “Both Hank and I thought NIACC was the best place to teach.”
Giesman was born in Nebraska and attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, where he played football and studied biology and physical education. After serving in the United States Army, Giesman taught physical education and biology, as well as, coached football at Nora Springs-Rock Falls High School. He received a master’s degree in biology from Humboldt State College in California and joined the NIACC faculty in 1967. Giesman taught at NIACC from 1967 to 199 and was an assistant football coach from 1967 to 1976.
Jenkins said that Hank, as a former coach, could really relate to his students.
Muriel Giesman said that the family chose to endow a scholarship through the NIACC Foundation as a tribute to Henry, as NIACC was very special to him.