During Derek’s years at FCC, he was named to the Maryland JUCO First Team twice and the All- American Team once. He was voted the team’s Most Valuable Player, and served as co- captain. He scored the most points in a game (45), grabbed the most rebounds in a game (20), and tallied the most points and steals in a season. He earned a full scholarship to George Mason University, from which he graduated

in 1994. While at George Mason, Derek was a two-year starter, and was in the top 10 for the three-point percentage record. He was named to the second team all-conference, and was team captain his senior year. He later played semi-professional basketball with the Frederick Flyers of the Atlantic Basketball Association.

Since his college years, Derek served as head basketball coach for Frederick High School for eight years, and as assistant men’s basketball coach at FCC for nine years. He was elected to the Alvin G. Quinn Frederick County Sports Hall of Fame in 2012. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., was a member of Who’s Who of Professional Management, and was named to the People to Watch 1999. He is a former member of the Frederick County Human Relations Commission, and is an ordained minister and founder of the City of Hope Ministries. Derek holds degrees in Theology and Ministry from Wesley Theological Seminary.

“Frederick Community College prepared me for being successful in life,” Derek said. “The relationships that were established at FCC still continue today and I value the friendships that mean so much. The institution does an excellent job in providing an education while allowing the opportunity for students to grow and mature. I would not trade the valuable experience at FCC and the lessons that were learned which still can be applied in my life today.”