Almost 20 years after retiring from LSBE in 1994, Dr. Fawzi Dimian continues as a guiding presence for students, regularly attending the annual LSBE Scholarship Reception to show his support for the students and the School he cares about so much.
Dr. Dimian taught at UMD for 20 years and served as the head of LSBE's Accounting Department, and his passion for the program burns as brightly today as it did when he taught his first courses here.
"Teaching and creating a recognized Accounting Program for students was a high priority for him and of great importance," said Dr. Dimian's daughter, Amal, recently.
Many generations of students have benefited from Dr. Dimian's wisdom, including Scott Swenson, 1981 alumnus and currently Market President for Home Federal Savings Bank in Eagan, MN.
"I was fortunate to have Dr. Dimian as my advisor," said Swenson. "But the term advisor is a significant understatement. Dr. Dimian was an advocate for his students. He went out of his way to support my academic career, my involvement in the accounting club, and ultimately, my being hired by Main Hurdman in Duluth. I cannot think of a faculty member who played a bigger role in where I am today."
Dr. Dimian began his career at Zagazig University in Egypt. With a goal of studying at the University of Washington, he and his wife, Ivonne, moved to the United States from Egypt in 1964, and ultimately gained U.S. citizenship. They eventually made their way to Duluth and to LSBE, where he taught undergraduate accounting courses, including Intermediate, Accounting Theory and International Accounting, while also teaching Management Accounting for students in the MBA program.
Swenson continues to be thankful for the role Dr. Dimian played in his life. "Without his caring and support I am not certain what direction my career would have taken. It was clear that Dr. Dimian took his role in building future accountants and business people personally. I am grateful he took the time to see the potential and to be a champion for his students. His commitment, caring and compassion made a huge difference for so many of us. Thank you Dr. Dimian!"
To honor Dr. Dimian upon his retirement and to assist undergraduate accounting students, the Fawzi G. Dimian Alumni Scholarship was established in 2001.
"Our goal is to endow his scholarship," said Lawrence Johnson, Senior Director of Development for LSBE. "This would take accumulated gifts of $25,000 or more and would ensure that Dr. Dimian's tradition of supporting students is continued"
Additionally, given Dr. Dimian's commitment and dedication to LSBE and its students, a Student Club Room has been named in his honor. An official dedication will take place this summer.