ORLANDO, Fla. – Longtime Binghamton athletics communicator
David O'Brian was honored by the College Sports Communicators Wednesday afternoon at the #CSCUnite25 annual convention, held at the Orlando World Center Marriott Resort.
O'Brian, assistant athletics director for communications with the Bearcats, received a 25-year award for his lengthy, exemplary service to Binghamton University and the profession of college sports communicators. He was recognized during the Special Awards Luncheon.
"David has been the unsung workhorse in our office for 25 years and he is so worthy of this recognition and more," Senior Associate AD
John Hartrick says. "He epitomizes the essence of an SID with an unrelenting and humble approach to his job. David bleeds Binghamton Green and his passion for promoting our student-athletes, coaches and staff is second-to-none. We are fortunate he chose to stay at Binghamton and continues to shine, all while putting others in the spotlight."
O'Brian came to Binghamton in June 2000 and has carried a heavy workload with sport coverage, media and student-intern relationship building, archives expansion and key championship roles throughout his 2+ decades. He arrived to campus with NCAA Division I experience from University of Maryland and was instrumental in helping guide the publicity during Binghamton's historic elevation from Division III to I.
Former colleague and Hall of Fame member Jim Norris was one of many to share praise.
"As an employee, David is tireless, passionate, highly skilled and he takes great pride in his work on behalf of the student-athletes, coaches and teams he covers," Norris says. "But he truly excels as a person … he is trustworthy, loyal and genuinely concerned for others. David continues to be an outstanding role model and a terrific human being."
Retired longtime Director of Athletics and Hall of Fame member Joel Thirer echoed that sentiment.
"David's devotion to Binghamton University, the athletics department and to the coaches and student-athletes has been as complete as one could ask," Thirer says. "He has always provided that effort in a relentless and humble fashion. I am proud to say that David counts among the special people I've worked with during my career."
David and his wife, Lora, live in Apalachin and have three children: Natalie, Justin and Brandon.
