Established on 04.05.2021 by the Norma Tolo Trust
Norma Grant from Osakis, Minnesota, and Norman Tolo, from Fertile, Minnesota, met at Concordia in 1950. She was in the five-year nursing program just back from two years in Minneapolis where she received her RN at Fairview Hospital. He was a sophomore studying social work and active in the Delta Rho society and the Concert Choir. The story goes that they were introduced to each other by a mutual friend while standing in the cafeteria line in front of Gross Hall. She became the “Mid-Century” Homecoming Queen that Fall while he worked on the coronation program and the rest is history!
Norma graduated in the spring of 1951 with a double major in nursing and English and the two were married the fall of that same year. Norma began teaching nursing in Fergus Falls while Norm finished up his degree in Social Work graduating in 1952. The couple then moved to Minneapolis where Norm received his MSW from the University of Minnesota while Norma continued teaching nursing this time at Fairview Hospital.
Within the next few years, they started a family and eventually moved to St. Joseph, Missouri where they lived for forty years. While raising six children there (three girls and three boys) Norm was the Executive Director of the Family Guidance Center leading the way for mental health education and services and Norma was home with the children for a period of time being very active as a volunteer in their many school and church activities. Norma eventually went back to nursing and teaching along with receiving her Master’s in Nursing at the University of Kansas.
The two were very dedicated to their extended families and raising their six children by setting examples of positive Christian love and Faith. They were committed to sharing in the ministry of their church often taking on roles of leadership on the church council, teaching Sunday school and Bible classes, and helping all those in need.
Pursuing education and promoting healthy physical and mental health was of great importance to these two while living a Christ-centered life. “Soli Deo Gloria” was truly their faith walk.
The purpose of this endowed scholarship is to honor the life of Norman and Norma Tolo and to provide educational support and encouragement to young men and women who desire a Concordia education.
The Norman ’52 and Norma (Grant) ’51 Tolo Endowed Scholarship is awarded by the Office of Financial Aid to students of any class majoring in social work or nursing.