B. Allen Bunk (Department of Communications)

B. Allen Bunker

When B. Allen Bunker saw an opportunity to honor his late wife, Merle's, memory and assist the broadcasting field she had enjoyed so much, he didn't hesitate. Allen is giving a portion of his estate through his will to the Department of Communication to establish an endowed scholarship in his wife's honor.

Allen and Merle were college sweethearts and married in 1946. After their graduation from the University in 1948, they moved to Las Vegas—where Merle worked as a newspaper correspondent, the host of the local Romper Room show, and as writer, producer, and star of Cinderella Time, a children's television program. The Bunkers later moved to Arizona, where Merle ran her own public relations company and assisted Allen in their family mortuary business for more than 30 years.

Throughout her life, she worked tirelessly as a spokesperson for children's rights, a community volunteer, and a civic leader. Following her death in 2006, the Department of Communication honored her with the Quintus C. Wilson Alumni Achievement Award.

Recently, Allen provided a major gift for the department's HD Digital Transition Project; and, through his bequest, the Bunker legacy will continue to touch the lives of future students for countless generations to come.