Mark Parker (1975 – 2002) was born in Timaru and attended Timaru Boys' High School. He attended the University of Otago and was a resident at UniCol in 1994. He graduated with a BCom with a double major in marketing and management in 1998. During his time at UniCol, Mark met many young people and developed close friendships which played a huge part in his life from then on. He studied, flatted, played sport, travelled and lived with many of these friends. Mark traveled extensively, worked in London and played cricket in the Hampshire Leagues. Mark was increasingly showing leadership skills which were having a significant impact on the lives and situations surrounding him. Mark was returning to New Zealand to play first class cricket for Wellington when he was tragically killed in the Bali bombings in 2002.
The Mark Parker Memorial Trust was formed to provide scholarships to further the education of young New Zealanders who have demonstrated potential to enhance the quality of New Zealand society through leadership in areas of interest including but not limited to business, sport, art, music, education, law, accounting, politics or community service.
Past Mark Parker Scholars are:
2019 - Annabel Clarke
2018 - Jack Power
2017 - Heena Desai
2016 - Antony Stadnyk
2015 - Alice Anderson
2014 - Riley Gilbert-Burne
2013 - Edward Bowie
2012 - Macgregor Fea
2011 - Jess Fountain
2010 - Hannah Smeaton
2009 - James Greenland
2008 - Connor Archbold
2007 - Antoinette Robinson
2006 - Matthew Harrop
2005 - Timothy O'Brien
" UniCol has been amazing so far. The environment has been welcoming and enjoyable. The organised activities, competitions and raves have been so much fun."