Gary Bender graduated from the University of Wichita in 1962 with a Bachelor of Arts in speech but, during the past 40 years, his fervor has been broadcasting — the focus of his newly endowed scholarship at Wichita State University.

“Gary has experienced enormous success and yet he has maintained a delightful sense of humility,” said Elizabeth King, WSU Foundation president and CEO. “His gift establishing the Gary Bender Scholarship in Broadcast Communication in our Elliott School of Communication will make a significant difference in helping us attract and retain outstanding students.”

Bender recently contributed $25,000 to the WSU Foundation to establish the scholarship, which will be awarded for the academic year 2010-11 initially to one student. During subsequent years, it is possible that it will be awarded to multiple students.

“It’s a way for me to give back to the university, a thank you to WSU for taking a kid from a small western Kansas town into its fold and launching my career,” said Bender.

After a shoulder injury forced Bender off the WU football field, he announced Shocker football and basketball games on KMUW 89.1 FM. While at WU, Bender participated in theater productions and joined Phi Delta Theta Fraternity.

“Going to Wichita University gave me a chance to be a part of things, to experience college,” said Bender. “They were four wonderful years.”

He continued his education, receiving a master’s in radio/television/film from the University of Kansas in 1964. He launched his career calling games for the Jayhawks’ basketball and football programs.

Bender is best known for the two NCAA Basketball Championships he called, when Michael Jordan's North Carolina team beat Georgetown in 1982, and the next season when North Carolina State beat Houston with the “shot heard around the world.”

He also called the “hail mary pass” when Roger Staubach beat the Minnesota Vikings in 1975. And during the 1988 Calgary Olympics, he covered the speed skating event that involved the tragic story of American Dan Jansen.

Today he is in his 17th season as the voice of the Phoenix Suns.

His wife, Linda, is a native of Abilene, Kan., and received a Bachelor of Arts in Education, majoring in elementary education in 1963 from the University of Wichita. She was an elementary teacher for many years. The Benders have two sons.

MEDIA NOTE: For reporters who would like to interview Bender, he will be attending Rockin’ the Roundhouse, hosted by the WSU Alumni Association and the WSU athletic department, at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at Charles Koch Arena, and he will be the emcee at the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame Banquet at 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame, 238 N. Mead. For a photo of Bender, contact Belinda Venters at (316) 978-5624 or belinda.venters@wichita.edu.