Four Walton College Alumni Honored

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From left: Walton College alumni Ed Wilson, John W. Collins, Stormey Collins and Greg Colvin will be recognized for their service, entrepreneurship and lifetime achievement on April 27 at the college's annual awards celebration.

Four outstanding alumni of the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the U of A will be honored in April at the college's annual awards celebration.

The April 27 event will recognize outstanding achievement by Walton College students for the 2022-2023 academic year and honor alumni for their success in business and service to the college and the community.

The alumni honorees for 2023 are:

• Lifetime Achievement Award — Ed Wilson: CEO/founder, Dreamcatcher Media LLC, Santa Monica, California. Wilson earned a B.S.B.A. in finance and banking from the Walton College in 1980.
• Entrepreneur of the Year Awards — John W. Collins and Stormey Collins, Bentonville, Arkansas. 
  John Collins: co-founder, OmniiX (acquired); founder, president, CEO, chargeguard; chief marketing officer, Society Brands. John Collins earned a B.S.B.A. in finance in 2003.
  Stormey Collins: co-founder, chief of staff, OmniiX (acquired); co-founder, chief of staff, chargeguard; executive vice president marketing, Society Brands. Stormey Collins earned a B.S.B.A. in marketing/transportation in 2002 and an M.B.A. in 2010.
• Outstanding Service Award — Greg Colvin: principal, Colvin Capital LLC, Dallas, Texas. Colvin earned a B.S.B.A. in finance and banking in 1986.

Walton College recognizes alumni annually in the categories of service, entrepreneurship and lifetime achievement. Nominations for each category are gathered from faculty, staff and alumni. Final approval of the awards rests with Dean Matthew A. Waller with input from faculty and staff.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to those who make significant achievements in his or her career and are recognized as industry and community leaders. To be considered for this award, a Walton College graduate must exemplify the core values of the college, inspire students and be a source of pride for the school.

The Entrepreneur of the Year award recognizes a Walton College graduate who has proven innovative and successful in a business venture of his or her own creation or reinvention. Preference is given to entrepreneurs who have been in business for at least five years. Consideration is also given to emerging entrepreneurs who exhibit the business acumen, drive and dedication essential to long-term success.

The college's Outstanding Service Award recognizes service by a Walton College graduate who helps build and sustain the alumni and student network through active engagement, such as helping students find jobs and internships, participating in and promoting alumni activities and volunteering for one of the many Walton College department, center or advisory boards.