The Professional Audio Manufacturers Alliance (PAMA), in partnership with Shure Incorporated, is accepting applications for the 5th annual Mark Brunner Professional Audio Scholarship, offered to students worldwide who are pursuing an education in professional audio. Brunner, a long-time Shure executive, PAMA founding member, and leading voice in the audio community who passed away in 2020, had an unwavering passion for education and mentorship throughout his career. Scholarships of $2,000 are targeted to recipients following their passion for audio in an accredited audio program. PAMA and Shure are specifically interested to learn how the applicants plan to share their knowledge with others in a manner consistent with Mark’s legacy. Scholarship applications are open as of April 1, with a submission deadline of May 31. Visit https://www.pamalliance.org/scholarship for more information and to submit an application.
On behalf of PAMA, the organization’s president, Yvonne Ho, stated, “We are approaching the five-year benchmark of this scholarship, and we are pleased to continue paying tribute to the late Mark Brunner by assisting these young audio professionals in their studies. Brunner was a strong supporter of audio education, and a friend and mentor to countless people working in audio today. His absence is deeply felt, but his impact and legacy continue to inspire.”
“I can’t believe it is already the fifth year of offering this scholarship,” said Chris Schyvinck, president and CEO of Shure. “To be able to help six students with the Mark Brunner Professional Audio Scholarship to date, I know Mark would be proud of how PAMA is stepping up to provide this opportunity for students to pursue their dreams.”
The recipients of the first scholarship were Dennis Freeman from Middle Tennessee State University and Emma Brooks from Berklee College of Music. The second scholarship went again to Freeman and Brooks, as well as Benjamin Nix-Bradley of CSU Northridge. The third went to Freeman and Nix-Bradley, as well as Valor Swezey of University of New Haven. The fourth went to Swezey, Narek Manoukian from Southern Utah University and Mei Hei from Berklee College of Music.
About Mark Brunner (1965-2020):
A former President of PAMA from 2011-2013, Brunner provided a consistent voice to the strategic implementation of various PAMA activities. During his tenure at Shure, he held several key positions, including Director of Advertising, Managing Director of the Musical Instrument and Touring Sound business unit, and Vice President of Global Corporate & Government Relations. Mark worked on numerous industry issues, including the FCC rules for wireless device operation/frequency, spectrum allocation, and protecting the wireless microphone market sector. Additionally, he was a prominent member of The Recording Academy® Producers & Engineers Wing® Manufacturer Council, where he frequently shared his views on legislative wireless white space and broadband issues as well as other related industry matters.
For more information, please go to https://www.pamalliance.org/scholarship.
About PAMA:
Founded in 2003, the Professional Audio Manufacturers Alliance (PAMA) is the collective voice and forum for the leading manufacturers of professional audio products and the people who use them. PAMA member companies conduct business worldwide in support of high-quality audio across a wide range of industries – pursuing the state of the art in technology and practice to enable audio professionals to elevate their craft and delight listeners and audiences every day. PAMA’s mission is to promote awareness and appreciation of high-quality professional audio through market leadership, communication and education. Our core customers are pro-audio professionals around the world with an interest in promoting high-quality audio. Learn more at www.pamalliance.org.
