Mr. Louie and Mrs. Lynn Dean

Lifelong residents of Gaston County, Louie and Lynn Dean built a successful business in their home community of Dallas, NC. Their business has employed hundreds of their community member, thereby contributing to the well-being and economic success of their neighbors. Education, both formal and informal, is a Dean family value. Louie took classes at Gaston College over the years. Classroom knowledge gained, coupled with a real-world understanding of manufacturing and strong business acumen helped Louie build his own successful glass company. Lynn earned two bachelor degrees from Belmont Abbey College and worked in information technology for Wells Fargo where she retired. Lynn’s steadfast support of her family provided the stability needed for Louie to capitalize upon his entrepreneurial spirit, which ultimately resulted in the founding of Innovative Glass of America. The company was sold in November of 2018, prompting Louie and Lynn to give back to the community that helped drive their corporate and family success. This scholarship is to serve as a reminder to those who hold it that anything is possible with a little grit, a lot of hard work, a sound base of knowledge, and big dream for the future.