PAMA and Shure unveil Mark Brunner Professional Audio Scholarship

In partnership with Shure, the Professional Audio Manufacturers Alliance (PAMA) has announced the establishment of the Mark Brunner Professional Audio Scholarship, offered annually to students worldwide pursuing an education in professional audio. Brunner, who tragically passed away in October 2020, was a long-time Shure executive, PAMA founding member and leading voice in the audio community, had an unwavering passion for education and mentorship throughout his career. The US$2,000 scholarship will go to a recipient in an accredited audio programme, with PAMA and Shure interested in learning how the applicant plans to share their knowledge with others in a manner consistent with Brunner’s legacy.

A former president of PAMA from 2011-2013, Brunner was also a key member of PAMA’s Marketing and Retreat Planning Committees, providing an important and consistent voice to the strategic planning and implementation of various PAMA activities. On behalf of PAMA, chair of the board of directors Chris Regan stated: “We established the Mark Brunner Pro Audio Scholarship as our way of paying tribute to one of the leading voices of our industry. One of Mark’s tenets was his unwavering pursuit to educate. Whether he was at the US Congress representing the industry on spectrum allocation issues, on one of the countless industry panels he participated in, or with colleagues at Shure and across the pro audio industry, Mark truly embodied the persona of teacher. He valued his time in his personal studio and shared his wisdom with so many throughout his career with passion. It’s with that same passion that we wish to award an annual scholarship in his name.”

Brunner held several key positions during his three decades at Shure, which he joined in 1989, including director of advertising and managing director of the musical instrument and touring sound business unit. Most recently, he was VP of global corporate and government relations, working on industry issues including the FCC rules for wireless device operation/frequency and the spectrum allocation, which he lobbied to protect the wireless microphone market sector. Additionally, he was a prominent member of the Recording Academy Producers and Engineers Wing Manufacturers Council, sharing his views on legislative wireless white space and broadband issues and other industry matters.

“Mark Brunner was a treasured colleague, peer and friend,” commented Shure president and CEO, Chris Schyvinck. “Our company valued his expertise, whether he was sharing his knowledge with fellow associates, at front of house with a sound engineer, interviewing an endorser, or on the front lines in Washington, DC. In 2003, I appointed Mark to lead our company’s charge in fighting for legislation to protect wireless microphone users and we have been sounding the alarm ever since. Like the classic David and Goliath story, our company was up against prominent technology leaders that wanted all of the ‘white spaces’ available for consumer use. Because of Mark’s passion, expertise, diligence and resolve, Shure’s voice was heard. He effectively educated key individuals about the importance of spectrum protection, created important partnerships with user communities and helped us retain the trust and loyalty of our customers. Mark was a steadfast ambassador for Shure, helping us preserve our legendary reputation with associates, customers, influencers, and the public. I knew Mark for more than three decades, and I dearly miss his presence every day. I know that this scholarship would mean so much to my friend, as it does to our company.”