LPS grads go on to do incredible things! Each Wednesday the Livonia Education Foundation posts a highlight of an amazing alumni. Today Musings is happy to share the post on Dan West a Franklin 1991 graduate.
Born in Detroit and moved to Livonia at age 13, attending Emerson Middle School and Franklin High School. While in school, Dan wrote for student newspaper and played baseball.
For 21 years, Dan has been married to Amy, a teacher at Allen Park High School. They have two daughters: Janie, 18, Stevenson HS, Class of 2022 – student-athlete at Hillsdale College playing softball, and Natalie, 15, heading into sophomore year at Stevenson HS – student-athlete playing varsity volleyball. They also have four nephews and nieces within LPS (three in school now, 4th graduated from SHS this year).
Dan has been the president of Livonia Chamber of Commerce since November 2006. The Livonia Chamber is a nonpartisan, nonprofit trade organization that has served Livonia business community since 1950.
It currently represents 960 members with a focus on regional collaboration, building the future workforce, and fostering a culture of inclusion. One of its longest-running initiatives is making families and students aware that most future jobs don’t require a four-year university degree.
There are plenty of great careers available to young people interested in skilled trades, medical trades and information technology and only need to complete an associate degree or certificate program.
He previously worked as a newspaper reporter for 12 years, the final three years at the Livonia Observer, and holds a bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University.
Dan has a love of sports and served as the sports public address announcer for Stevenson HS football and other sports for 16 years. He also coached travel softball for several years. His other volunteer activities including being an adult leader for the annual Boy Scout camp at Mackinac Island and serving on several nonprofit boards within the Livonia community.
“My job basically involves being a cheerleader for my hometown. I love my job and working with so many community-minded people who are focused on solving problems and helping others.
“I try to be a cheerleader for others for local business owners and as a coach and scout leader for young people. With all people, you try to support them with their frustrations and help them learn and move forward on their journey.
“I love Livonia because it is a like a big, small town. When you go to the store, go to a high school game, go to a restaurant, or walk in the park, chances are you will run into someone you know. It gives you that small town feel where you feel like you belong to the place, but there is so much to do in our city or nearby."
