WSC Newscenter | Academic Schools Honor Outstanding Alumni at Homecoming

Wayne State honored four outstanding graduates Sept. 24 during the annual homecoming banquet recognizing alumni for their contributions.

Lynn Dobson '71 - School of Arts and Humanities
Dobson studied art and industrial education at Wayne State, specializing in sculpture. By the time Dobson graduated from college he had designed an organ that he then built during the year after his graduation. He founded Dobson Pipe Organ Builders, Ltd., in 1974, near his home in Lake City, Iowa. Dobson and his firm have built an impressive reputation by completing more than 75 organs and 35 restorations and rebuilds of older instruments. Dobson serves as president and artistic director of his company.

Beverly (Prosch) Newton '70 - School of Business and Technology
Newton received a bachelor's degree in business education. She received a master's degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1978. She works at the Nebraska Department of Education as the career field specialist for communications and information systems. She provides leadership in curriculum development for Nebraska business and information technology instructors. As a secondary business education instructor for 21 years, Newton lives in Lincoln and has received numerous teaching awards and remains active in professional organizations.

Laurie (Buchholz) Millard, MSE '95 - School of Education and Counseling
Millard attended WSC as a non-traditional graduate student and attained a master's degree while working with the State of Nebraska as a protection and safety supervisor, a position she held for 14 years. After receiving her master's degree, she served as a therapist for Health & Human Services. Millard started Good Life Counseling & Support, LLC, in 1999 in Norfolk, where she is a licensed professional counselor and independent mental health practitioner. Her firm has provided internships and licensure supervision for many WSC undergrads during the past 10 years. Millard resides in Norfolk.

Dean Jacobs '86 - School of Natural and Social Sciences
Jacobs earned a degree in biology, with minors in earth science and art. After graduation he was employed at WSC as the assistant to the president, before moving on to Purina Mills and Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. Jacobs left corporate America to pursue a traveling adventure spanning nearly two years and covering 28 countries. Photography became a natural expression of the journey for him as he documented the common ground of humanity. When Jacobs is not traveling, he lives in Fremont and works as a newspaper columnist, photojournalist and keynote presenter across the country.