Pleasant Valley Community School District is proud to announce Mark Murphy, Class of 1983, as the 2025 inductee to the Pleasant Valley High School Wall of Honor.
The Wall of Honor Program, established in 1999, recognizes distinguished alumni who have achieved academic excellence, professional success, and made significant contributions to their communities and society.
A Spartan Through and Through
A 1983 graduate of Pleasant Valley High School, Mark Murphy is the youngest of five Murphy siblings to attend PV schools. From his earliest days as a Spartan, Mark stood out as a student leader, athlete, and musician — embodying the well-rounded excellence that defines the PV experience.
During his years at PVHS, Mark excelled both in and out of the classroom. He was a multi-sport athlete, lettering in cross country and track, earning MVP honors in both, and also participating in football and basketball. Beyond athletics, Mark was a drum major for the marching band, a member of the Wind Ensemble, and an active contributor to student life as Spartan Assembly Vice President, co-editor of the Spartan Shield sports section, and even Pleasant Valley’s first Spartan mascot.
Mark’s academic achievements matched his extracurricular success. A member of the National Honor Society and recipient of multiple journalism and civic awards, he was chosen by his peers to serve as the 1983 commencement speaker. His writing earned recognition from the National Quill & Scroll Society and the Iowa Press Association, and he received several scholarships, including the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award and the Creighton University Presidential Scholarship.
A Life of Leadership and Service
After graduating from Pleasant Valley, Mark attended Creighton University, where he made history as the school’s first recipient of a Bachelor of Science degree in Statistics in 1987. His career has been marked by both innovation and service, combining success in the technology industry with deep advocacy for inclusion, education, and human rights.
Today, Mark serves as Director of Global Marketing for Cisco Systems, where his leadership has been recognized worldwide. His dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion has earned national and global honors, reflecting his commitment to ensuring all voices are valued.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mark has remained deeply connected to Pleasant Valley. A longtime supporter of the Pleasant Valley Education Foundation, he has generously contributed to student scholarships and continues to invest in the next generation of Spartans.
A Lasting Impact
Mark Murphy’s life and career reflect the very best of Pleasant Valley — excellence, integrity, and service to others. His journey from PV’s classrooms and playing fields to leading on a global stage is a powerful reminder of the impact Spartan graduates can make in the world.
Pleasant Valley is honored to recognize Mark Murphy as the 2025 Wall of Honor inductee, celebrating not only his many accomplishments, but also his continued commitment to lifting others through education, advocacy, and leadership.
Congratulations, Mark — and thank you for representing what it means to be Committed to Excellence.