Teamwork Wins
Lance Sparks pays it forward with major athletic department contributions
Lance Sparks, bs ’93, tailgating at a Washburn football game with his daughter Sophie. Photo submitted
From Bell Tower - 2023
By Annie Flachsbarth
"Basketball was my ticket to an education. I didn't think I would end up at Washburn, but it was the best place to play."
Following in the footsteps of his dad and three older sisters, Lance Sparks, bs '93, received a full-ride basketball scholarship to attend Washburn University. But his basketball career was just the beginning of his success.
While at Washburn, Sparks received business degrees in economics and finance, setting the stage for a successful career in the financial industry. Even after graduation he continued to put in the reps, learning everything he could from colleagues and peers. Eventually, he and his friend and mentor, Mark Heitz, ba ’74, jd ’77, H ’01, decided to purchase a local company and started CreativeOne, an insurance marketing organization, in Overland Park, Kansas. At the same time, he began Market Synergy Group, an insurance product development company, in Topeka. Their hard work paid off, and success followed.
Today, Sparks and his wife, Vicky, are doing their part to pay it forward to Washburn through significant charitable contributions – including contributions to the Indoor Athletic Facility and Robert J. Dole Hall, the new law school building, as well as significant multiyear pledges to the Men's Basketball Program Fund and the Football Program Fund. They also have an endowed scholarship fund in his name that supports business students participating in varsity athletics.
Washburn University Alumni Association and Foundation President Marshall Meek said Sparks has been an excellent teammate to Washburn Athletics.
"We've had great success the last couple of years, and the Sparks have been a big part of that," Meek said. "It's because people like him are willing to get involved, come to the games and tailgates and get others involved that we're able to create a tremendous student-athlete experience. We appreciate everything he's done."
Sparks said giving back to his alma mater feels like the right thing to do for several reasons, but community pride and growing the local workforce are at the top of the list.
"The reason I like to give to different projects at Washburn is not just about making Washburn better – it's about making Topeka better," Sparks said. "I feel like we've gotten a lot from Washburn. We've hired a lot of former athletes, and part of it is giving back to cultivate that line of recruiting."
If you ask Sparks, the teamwork you learn from college athletics is paramount to being a good co-worker and employee. In fact, many of the principles you gain from being on a team are the same things he looks for in staff.
"Athletics aren't the most important thing in university life, but it can teach you a lot about working hard, dealing with adversity and working as a team," Sparks said. "Teamwork is needed for business success. And when you win a championship, one person doesn't cut the net down; you each take your turn. That's what it's all about."