John Newlin ’94 and Dan Newlin ’94

John Newlin ’94 recently visited campus to share his journey from studying English at Lake Forest College to working as the Custom Solution Director at Twitch Interactive, a live-streaming video platform owned by Amazon.

He exhorted students to be creatively fearless in their endeavors. Additionally, he noted how the writing skills he acquired at the College remain of great value to him today.

Early Life and Education

John Newlin was a merchant in the early 1800s. He ran several businesses, such as his mercantile shop, tanning yard and leather factory that produced shoes and harnesses. Additionally, he owned property on Haw River’s eastern bank where he established a textile mill to produce yarn for local people to sell.

His lifetime brought about the birth of several children, some members of the Saxapahaw community but majority living in Jasper County, Illinois.

Newlin married Rebecca Long on April 19, 1810. They made their home at Thomas Lindley’s homestead near Spring Friends Meeting House and also leased land from him for farming purposes. In addition to farming, Newlin was also an active member in her church congregation.

Professional Career

Newlin has extensive professional experience, having held positions as both a corporate lawyer and venture capitalist. Currently, he serves as Twitch Custom Solution Director at Twitch Interactive – a live-streaming video platform owned by Amazon.

He has also worked as an independent scholar, creating comprehensive reference works on Charles Dickens and other Victorian novelists. His work has been highly praised by literary studies experts and continues to bring him great pleasure.

His professional interests encompass working in the irrigation industry, specializing in efficient irrigation systems. As an active member of the Ohio Irrigation Association, he serves on several committees. An expert on water conservation technologies and mentor to students alike, he’s also part of Decatur Rotary Club and has volunteered at local schools.

Achievements and Honors

On 3 and 4 July 1967, Newlin distinguished himself by his courage and intrepidity beyond the call of duty while serving as a machine gunner with Company F, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division in the Republic of Vietnam. As the sole survivor of his squad that had been attacked by an organized mortar and infantry assault from an enemy emplacement, Newlin displayed extraordinary bravery and bravery beyond what was expected of him.

He began his career with Pioneer Hi-Bred International (now part of Corteva Agriscience) in 1955 as a research assistant and quickly rose through the ranks to become production manager, division president, then senior vice president. Throughout his career he dedicated himself to aiding farmers around the world through advancement of the seed industry.

Personal Life

John Newlin was an outspoken champion for the rights of slaves. He took part in numerous lawsuits to free them and joined the Manumission Society of North Carolina, becoming a tireless champion for human dignity.

He served in the Navy as a pilot, flying McDonnell F3H Demon and Chance-Vought F8D Crusader aircraft. Additionally, he earned flight time on board a Grumman F-14 Tomcat.

On a recent visit to campus, Newlin shared his journey from English major to Twitch Custom Solution Director at Twitch Interactive. He stressed how the writing skills he acquired while at Lake Forest College have served him well in his current position and encouraged students to be creatively fearless.

Net Worth

Dan Newlin is a renowned personal injury lawyer and the founder of Dan Newlin Injury Attorneys, known for his tenacity in representing clients and achieving settlements and verdicts in personal injury cases.

Dan Newlin has amassed a substantial fortune through his legal career. However, he is best known for his generous charitable efforts and commitment to giving back to the community.

He is a proud husband and father of two, yet prefers not to share any details about his private life with the world.