Alumni News | Wayne State Honors Outstanding Alumni

Wayne State honored outstanding alumni from each of the college's four schools at a banquet on Oct. 7 during Homecoming. The annual awards recognize alumni for their contributions to the college community and their professions.

Pearl Hansen '71 - School of Arts and Humanities
Dr. Pearl Hansen earned her bachelor's degree in art from WSC and taught K-12 in Brisbane, Australia, after graduation. She spent a period of time backpacking before returning to study at Kansas State University, where she earned her M.A. in sculpture and art history. She furthered her studies at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she received her Ph.D. with research interests in the area of art hazards. She was appointed to the position of admiral in the Nebraska Navy, a state service award, for her services in the area of art hazards. In addition to teaching at WSC, she has served as the Division Head of Fine Arts and Department Chair for the Department of Art and Design.

Daniel Allen '96 - School of Business and Technology
Daniel Allen graduated from WSC with a degree in computer information systems and business administration. While a student at Wayne State College, he completed a cooperative education experience with First National Bank of Omaha at locations in Omaha and Wayne. He was hired by First National Bank of Omaha after graduation and has held several positions with the organization, currently serving as technology officer for First National Information Technology in the National Business - Servicing Department. Allen serves as the First National liaison to the WSC Computer Technology and Information Systems Department and is a member of the CTIS Advisory Board. Allen, his wife Michelle, and their daughter, Joelle, reside in Omaha.

Jaim Foster '00 - School of Education and Counseling
Jaim Foster graduated from WSC with a degree in elementary education. He has taught for 10 years, currently teaching first grade in Arlington, Va. His teaching career started in Omaha at Millard Public Schools. Foster developed a passion for training teachers and future teachers and has become a national trainer. He is a member of the National Education Association and serves as the elected NEA Mid-Atlantic Caucus director, NEA Mid-Atlantic Hispanic Caucus director and serves on the VEA Women and Minority Concerns Committee. Foster was invited to attend the 2011 Bullying Prevention Conference at the White House, where he met with President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama in the Oval Office to discuss his work on preventing bullying in public schools.

Amy Gross '89 - School of Natural and Social Sciences
Dr. Amy Gross graduated from WSC with a degree in psychology/sociology/human services counseling. After earning master's and doctorate degrees in industrial/organizational psychology at Kansas State University, she worked with the Strategy and Process Planning team at Ford Motor Company in Michigan. Gross joined the IDEA Center in Manhattan, Kan., as associate director in 1997. When the center became a non-profit organization in 2001, she became the vice president for integrative client services and serves as vice president for knowledge management and special projects. She is involved in her community, serves on various committees at the Amanda Arnold Elementary School, and is a member of the Kansas State University Psychology Department Advisory Council.