CROWD HONORS VALLEY’S It was a packed house in the Malcolm Center during Homecoming 2023 for the Missouri Valley College Outstanding Alumni Awards dinner and ceremony. Valley came together to recognize Colin Smith ’10, LaTonya Turner ’86, Derek Lark ’97 and Outstanding Young Alumnus Omar AlRefae ’16. “I was blown away with this event,” said new President Joe Parisi ’94. “The emotional storytelling, the fond memories, the tears, the joy. I’ll never forget it.” Outstanding Alumni
Colin Smith ‘10
Colin Smith is a 2010 graduate with a degree in nonprofit management and leadership. Colin came to Missouri Valley as a student in the spring of 2006. He was a member of one of the most successful Viking football teams in history, a team that was inducted into the MVC Athletic Hall of Fame in 2019. After graduating, Colin stayed on as a graduate assistant and completed a degree in education administration. He took on a full-time role in the athletic department serving as associate athletic director, director of game-day operations and director of diversity and inclusion until 2021. In December of 2021, Colin accepted the position of associate athletic director of internal operations and equity at the University of North Carolina-Asheville. Colin has remained an engaged alumnus, and has served on the alumni advisory board for a number of years. Colin and his wife Kim live in Asheville, NC. Derek Lark graduated with a degree in biology and also an education degree. He completed his masters of educational administration in 2003, and his education specialist degree in 2007. Derek was involved in Sigma Nu, men’s soccer and men’s wrestling, which became his passion. He played both sports his freshman year, but wrestling quickly became his first love. Derek was a two-time all American, and while completing his second degree at MVC, he served as a graduate assistant under Coach Mike Machholz. He was on the coaching staff during all three of the wrestling team’s national championships. He started his teaching career in Marshall and his career moved quickly into administration. He now serves as superintendent of the Santa Fe School District in Alma, Mo., where he and his wife and MVC alumna Gentry reside. They are proud of their three daughters, two who are currently attending Missouri Valley College.
Derek Lark ‘97
12 Viking Views | 2023
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