Dorman retired as Dow’s Senior Associate Scientist in 2000. He was the company’s first black chemist when he began his career with Dow on November 1, 1960.

In 1983, Dorman was also named Dow’s Inventor of the Year. He has been credited with over 20 inventions and patents in organic chemistry and biomaterials.

“Finally, the education my parents had sought for me was over,” Dorman said of his career with Dow.

Years ago, Dorman earned the title of History Maker when the country’s largest African-American historical archive, the HistoryMakers Collection, presented his story. In 2014, the Daily News previously reported that Dorman’s work began with a chemistry set – which was a friend’s Christmas present.

“It was my first introduction to chemistry, and I’ve been associated with the field since then,” Dorman said of the Historical Archives, which is the holdings of the Library of Congress, in 2012.

In the historical records, Dorman discusses the value his parents placed on education. He was born in 1935 to parents who started out as teachers in rural schools and who attached great importance to the education system.

Now, Dorman’s philanthropic work reaches out to local education systems through various scholarship funds.

The Daily News: What motivated your specific education-related philanthropy work?

Dorman: “Not all parents have been able to save enough money to help them (those interested in attending college) and education seems to be increasing faster than inflation, so without help from others. people, our children could not go to school. It makes me happy to know that they are taking advantage of the opportunities they have by going to school.

Some of your scholarships are named after historical figures, such as Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks. Can you tell me about these scholarships?

“They are my heroes. They have done a wonderful thing in their lifetime that benefits all black Americans, so I have the highest regard for their service. “

Midland prides itself on being a city of chemists. As a former chemist who still lives in Midland, what does City of Chemists mean to you?

“Well, it’s interesting that you got involved in so many things and then retired. (Then,) someone takes your place and progress is made – the business grows… So it shows you that you were just a “cog in the wheel”. When you are done with your work, you walk away and let someone else continue. This is what I am thinking about.

Can you tell me what Midland was like when you worked at Dow?

“Well, I had a lot of experiences. On the one hand, we didn’t develop a ‘ghetto’ where we all lived in the same neighborhood, we were more or less scattered throughout the city. And you won’t find many cities built in this country as if most cities are segregated Luckily ours was not My kids had problems but they were able to overcome them.

What was it like attending the Midland Area Community Foundation‘s Ripple Effect event as a winner?

“They do a lot of things for the community. They’ve grown up and they’re doing a wonderful thing. (MACF President and CEO) Sharon Mortensen keeps the foundation (in) the public eye and many people who have gone to work and retire are donating to the foundation because she was successful in her attempt to helping the community in many ways. “

What motivates you to give back?

“I have been able to give back a lot more than what I have received over time. So, I am very proud to help students who otherwise would not be able to go to school. It does me a lot of good. “

Dorman was honored at the Midland Area Community Foundation’s annual “Ripple Effect” event, held on Wednesday, to celebrate local philanthropic efforts.

He shared his memories of the chemistry set with the over 100 Midland area residents in attendance.

The history of his friend’s chemistry ensemble dates back to Orangeburg, South Carolina, where Dorman was born to parents who started out as rural teachers and valued education.

To learn more about Dorman’s functionality in The HistoryMakers Collection, click here.