University News

Dean Retirement Reception, Photography Exhibit

December 7, 2018

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MACOMB, IL -- A retirement reception for Western Illinois University Visual Production Center Photography Lab Manager Larry Dean will be held from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 19 in the University Art Gallery. Dean's photography from throughout the years will also be on display. Dean will retire Dec. 31 after 30 years of service.

A graduate of the Hawkeye Institute of Technology, Dean joined WIU in August 1988. He started his photography career at Delayne Color Lab in Peoria, IL, where he worked primarily as a custom color print technician and processor. He continued to gain experience in post-processing with Delayne for two years before making the transition to Western.

When Dean was first hired as a Photographer I, the field was comprised of film and dark room processing. He was later promoted to Photographer 2, Assistant Manager of the Photographic Lab and then to the Manager of the Photographic Lab. Dean has received numerous awards and recognition from the University Photographer's Association of America (UPAA). He received the UPAA Distinguished Service Award in 2000 and served as the UPAA Print Competition Chair from 2000-2006.

"Larry has provided exemplary service to the University for more than 30 years, and he will be missed," said Darcie Shinberger, assistant vice president for advancement and public services. "From film to digital photography (and even video), Larry has played a pivotal role in capturing Western's history during his time here, and his legacy will carry on through his photographs. We wish him the best as he begins a new chapter in his life."

At Western, Dean has received the Distinguished Service Award, WIU Employee of the Month and WIU Student Supervisor of the Year. He is also active in community service and volunteer activities, including Help Portrait Macomb, Galesburg Nazarene Church, and mission trips with Fellowship of the Carpenter, where he assists with rebuilding areas that have suffered from natural disasters alongside his son, Josh.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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