Dennis Lynn, a retiring senior instructor of human development and family sciences at Oregon State University – Cascades, will give the address at OSU-Cascades’ commencement ceremony on Sunday, June 14.
“Beyond his teaching, Dennis has had a profound impact on the OSU-Cascades community by seeing the potential in everyone he encounters—students, fellow employees and community members,” said Becky Johnson, interim chancellor and dean of OSU-Cascades. “He personifies what it means to teach generously and with gratitude, and I know he will have a valuable message for OSU-Cascades’ graduates.”
Lynn joined OSU-Cascades in 2009 and was recognized in 2019 with OSU-Cascades’ annual Teaching Excellence Award.
He delivered the “Last Lecture” in 2017 and 2018 in a tradition where a faculty member is selected by graduating students to deliver a final lesson in the days before they receive their degrees.
He was invited in 2024 to provide the inaugural “First Lecture” at a retreat of OSU-Cascades faculty where they prepared for the coming academic year.
Lynn also served as a faculty mediator, helping coworkers navigate difficult conversations and conflicts.
Prior to joining OSU-Cascades, Lynn worked as development director of the HIV Alliance in Eugene. Prior to that, he taught and served in administrative leadership roles in colleges in Nebraska, California and Oregon.
Originally from Kansas City, Lynn earned a master’s degree in counseling and family life from Texas Tech University and a doctorate in human development and the family from the University of Nebraska.
Lynn served on the board of the United Way of Deschutes County from 2010 to 2014 and was a volunteer at Family Kitchen in Bend.
He will retire from OSU-Cascades at the end of June.
