Nina Mason Pulliam (1906 to 1997)

Nina Mason Pulliam was a journalist, a business leader, a humanitarian and a lover of all creatures. She was born and raised in central Indiana in a farming family of seven children. She lived her adult life in Indianapolis, Indiana, and Phoenix, Arizona and traveled the world extensively. She was the founding secretary-treasurer and a director of Central Newspapers, Inc. which her husband, Eugene C. Pulliam, established in 1934. Among its many newspaper holdings were The Indianapolis Star, The Indianapolis News, The Arizona Republic, and The Phoenix Gazette. Mrs. Pulliam was both a journalist and a business woman; she was the first female member of the Sigma Delta Chi, now the Society of Professional Journalists. During her lifetime many charitable and civic organizations benefited from her generosity.

“Nina was a strong believer in education. She made sure I went to college and she encouraged other children to go to college through the many scholarships she provided.”
- Joe Peden, Nephew of Nina Mason Pulliam

Nina Mason Pulliam Legacy Scholars Program Mission/Purpose

The Nina Scholars program is dedicated to providing educational opportunities for individuals who would not normally receive traditional academic scholarships, and whose personal commitments and financial circumstances would preclude their attendance without substantial, long-term scholarship support. The Trust is interested in providing scholarships to Arizona and Indiana residents who face barriers to obtaining higher education. The partnering schools provide special outreach and support to each of the Nina Scholars, strengthening the opportunities for success.