The REPORTER
The Pacers Foundation is accepting applications for the David Benner Memorial Scholarship, which seeks to strengthen the journalism profession by supporting students pursuing degrees in the field. The scholarship is named for long-time Pacers public relations director David Benner, one of the NBA’s most respected and beloved public relations professionals who passed away in 2023.
“From his days as a copy boy at the Indianapolis Star, to his coverage of some of Indiana’s most coveted sports beats, and then to his long-term role as media relations director for the Indiana Pacers, where he and his team were recognized by their peers as the NBA’s best, David Benner personified excellence, professionalism, and dedication,” said Bill Benner, brother of David Benner. “That his name and reputation will be carried forward by this Pacers Foundation scholarship and the students who benefit is a wonderful tribute to his exemplary career.”
The Pacers Foundation and Pacers Sports & Entertainment, the Indy Star, and David’s family and friends established the annual scholarship to support undergraduate students aspiring to careers journalism, radio, TV & digital broadcasting, and other related disciplines. Applicants must be currently enrolled in an Indiana four-year or two-year college or university, and the application can be found at pacersfoundation.org/david-benner-memorial-scholarship.
Benner, a life-long Hoosier, played a prominent role in the chronicling of sports in his home state for nearly a half-century. He began his career as a sportswriter covering the Pacers, Notre Dame football, and Indiana University basketball for the Indianapolis Star, and later joined the Pacers’ staff in 1994.
During his 28 years with the Pacers, Benner earned the admiration of public relations professionals, reporters, executives, and players here in Indiana and across the country. He and his Pacers public relations staff were twice awarded the Brian McIntyre Media Relations Award, presented annually by the Professional Basketball Writers Association to the NBA’s top media relations staff.