Snow College Legacy Banquet & Awards

The Distinguished Alumni Award celebrates an alumnus who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, professional distinction, and transformative contributions to their field or community. This award honors those who inspire others with their lasting impact, serving as models of excellence and purpose.

Born and raised on a farm and sheep ranch, Manti native Doug Barton discovered his passion for broadcasting at a young age, building a "pirate" radio station in his basement at the age of 13, eventually donating that station to Manti High School. Class of 1968, his journey at Snow College deepened this interest as he served as technical director for the campus radio station KSNO, upgrading it to FM stereo as KEPH-FM (later KAGJ) on a shoestring budget, providing invaluable hands-on experience for hundreds of students. This foundational time at Snow ignited his lifelong commitment to education and community media.

After an LDS mission and earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Communication from BYU, Doug founded KMTI-AM in Manti in 1976, growing it into Mid-Utah Radio—a network of 10 stations serving South/Central Utah with local programming and digital innovations, including the highest commercial broadcast site in the U.S. at Edna Peak near Richfield, Utah. His over 10 years on the Snow College Board of Trustees and his service as the Alumni Association President reflect his enduring ties to the institution, where all eight of his children graduated—two as valedictorians.

A dedicated leader, Doug has volunteered in various church positions. He was also an integral part of the Mormon Miracle Pageant for over 50 years, serving as its technical director until its conclusion in 2019. Inducted into the Utah Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2010, he attributes his achievements to his Snow roots. As Doug reflects, "I credit my success to hard work, a supportive family and surrounding myself with some very dedicated and talented employees."

The Legacy Alumni Award is awarded at the Annual Golden Badger Reunion, recognizes alumni who graduated 50 years or more ago and have left a lasting impact through career achievements, mentorship, philanthropy, or contributions to the college. This award celebrates those who have defined our institution’s identity, fostering a legacy of resilience and purpose.

Mark began his journey at Snow College on a football scholarship, where he was the starting middle linebacker, team captain in 1961, and earned All-Conference recognition. He also lettered in track, served as president of Lambda Delta Sigma fraternity, and was secretary of the Letterman’s Club. After Snow, he attended Brigham Young University, where he was active in student government and was named valedictorian of the College of Health Sciences. He later attended UCLA, completing his residency and earning a master’s degree in hospital administration.

Mark served in the United States Air Force from 1969 to 1974 as a Medical Service Corps Officer, including a tour in Vietnam, where he managed a hospital responsible for returning wounded and sick soldiers to the U.S. For his service, he received the Bronze Star and Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. In 1985, he joined the Utah Air National Guard, eventually becoming Medical Squad Commander of the 151st Medical Clinic and retiring as a full Colonel. Professionally, Mark worked for Intermountain Healthcare and Hospital Corporation of America, serving as CEO and President of Sunrise Mountainview Hospital in Las Vegas until his retirement in 2008, when he was honored with the title “President and CEO Emeritus.”

Throughout his career, Mark held leadership positions in numerous organizations and received many honors, including “Humanitarian of the Year” and recognition as one of Nevada’s most respected CEOs. The city of Las Vegas even proclaimed March 28, 2008, as “Mark J. Howard Day.” Dedicated to education and service, he has served on boards for Snow College, BYU, and Roseman University of Health Sciences. Mark attributes most of the success in his life to his start at Snow College and the experiences he had here.

Mark has now come full-circle and is giving back to the school that gave him a start. He currently serves on the Foundation Board and is raising money for scholarships (among other things) with the hope of impacting students’ lives as his was with one football scholarship.

The Spirit of Snow Award recognizes valued contributors who embody Snow College’s core values of unity, generosity, and community. Alumni are honored for selfless service, philanthropy, or community dedication, fostering connections within and beyond the college. Emeriti are recognized for sustained contributions as former faculty, staff, or retirees, advancing Snow College’s academic, cultural, or institutional growth. This award unites recipients under the enduring spirit of Snow College.

Brach Schlueter’s 32-year tenure at Snow College began humbly in a cramped Noyes Building office, assembling his own desk as President Steve Bennion shared the college’s pioneering history of “Sunday eggs” fundraisers and classes in the Co-op, now Alumni Center. This encounter shaped Brach’s approach, defining enrollment and student expectations with selfless service and heartfelt dedication.

With a BA from BYU and an MS from Utah State, Brach drew on his experience managing Illinois department stores, where he prioritized welcoming customers. As Director of Enrollment, he transformed recruitment with vibrant mailers and viewbooks, reaching thousands across Utah and Nevada, inspiring campus visits. His pioneering Snow Ambassador program, now a statewide model, empowered students to share Snow’s warmth through tours, high school visits, and SnowBlast bus tours, offering scholarships and unforgettable experiences.

Brach’s signature hugs and forehead kisses became the “Spirit of Snow,” a metaphor for his transformative love, inspiring students, including one who credited his encouragement for their graduation. As Dean of Student Life, he mentored leaders with compassion, earning praise from President Gerald Day for innovations like Scholarship Days and early PowerPoint use in recruitment. “Every effort reflected Snow’s rich history,” Brach reflects. “I’m proud to have been a small part.” His notepad sketches became lasting contributions, mentoring countless professionals and advancing Snow’s values of unity and generosity.

The legacy is rich in what Brach did for students – he taught them, he loved them, and he gave them experience and confidence to go make a difference and share that love of Snow.

The Rising Alumni Award celebrates a Snow College graduate from the past 20 years who has shown innovation, leadership, and impact in their profession, community, or personal pursuits. This award highlights emerging leaders who carry Snow College’s values forward, inspiring future generations.

Milinda Weeks began her remarkable journey at Snow College, earning her Associate of Science in General Studies with a focus on Performance and Fine Arts in 2007. This foundation propelled her to a BFA in Theatre Arts from Utah State University in 2009 and an MFA in Scenic, Lighting, and Media Design in 2012. Returning to Snow as Scenic and Lighting Designer from 2009 to 2011, then advancing to Adjunct Professor (2011-2013), Assistant Professor (2013-2017), and Associate Professor and Head of Theatre Design and Technology (2017-2022), she transformed the department through innovative curriculum development, securing over $50,000 in grants for equipment upgrades like LED systems and intelligent lighting, and mentoring dozens of student designers who earned regional recognition.

Now at Brigham Young University as Associate Professor of Scenic Design since, Milinda serves as Associate Program Head for Theatre Arts Studies and holds key roles on departmental committees. Her national leadership includes Director of Exhibits for the USITT National Scenic Design Commission (2025-present) and President of the Intermountain Desert Region (2024-present), alongside memberships in the Guild of Scenic Artists and Women in Theatre National Network. Her acclaimed designs for productions at Sundance Summer Theatre (Newsies, The Sound of Music), Lyric Repertory Theatre (Home, I’m Darling), and Utah Valley University (Machinal) integrate student mentorship, reaching tens of thousands and extending her impact to international projects like set design for The British Pageant in Preston, England.

Milinda's commitment to community outreach shines through her leadership in Snow's Theatre for Young Audiences program, bringing performances to rural Utah schools, and her volunteer work as a consultant and adjudicator for high schools. Honored with awards like the USITT/Rose Brand Scholarship (2024), KCACTF Regional Design Awards, and BYU grants, she embodies Snow's values of innovation and generosity. As reflected in her nomination, Milinda is "widely respected ... for the generosity, integrity, and insight she brings to every collaboration," highlighting her dedication to uplifting students and communities tied to her Snow origins.