From the IU Athletic Department
Bloomington, Ind. - For the seventh consecutive year, the Indiana University Varsity Club has seen an increase in annual donations, IU Director of Athletics Rick Greenspan announced today. With nearly $7.7 million in donations in 2007-08, this is the fourth year in a row that annual giving has set a new record for IU Athletics.
The Varsity Club, which has nearly 7,000 members, has seen annual giving nearly double over the last six years, and the department of athletics is incredibly appreciative of their generosity.
"On behalf of the IU Varsity Club National Board of Directors, I would like to personally thank the thousands of IU fans and alumni who continue to support our wonderful and talented student-athletes and the traditions of IU Athletics," Varsity Club National Board of Directors President Jennifer Sinclair said. "This record-breaking achievement in annual giving is a testament to the love and loyalty that IU fans have for our University and for our athletics programs."
Greenspan expressed his gratitude to both the donors and the employees that helped make this record-setting number possible.
"The support, generosity and resilience of our loyal Varsity Club members is a huge strength of the IU Department of Athletics," he said. "Our Varsity Club volunteer board, led by Jennifer Sinclair and many others, has much to be proud of. Scott Dolson and the Varsity Club staff continue to do outstanding work not just in annual giving, but also in capital and major gift work, and in growing our athletic endowment to a record level."
"The very significant challenge of meeting the rapidly rising cost of tuition, books, fees and support services for our 650 student-athletes is the most critical issue we have," he added. "We will near $9 million in annual scholarship cost this year and we will meet this goal entirely with private gifts from Varsity Club donors through annual gifts and endowment support."
Associate Athletic Director for Development Scott Dolson was incredibly enthusiastic about the donations during the 2007-08 season.
"Our members continue to raise the bar in showing their support for IU Athletics," Dolson said. "I'm extremely proud of both our Varsity Club members and our staff for setting a record despite difficult circumstances. With giving up 95 percent over the last six years, the student-athletes at Indiana are in good hands with Varsity Club members providing their support. With exceptional coaches like Tom Crean, Felisha Legette-Jack and Bill Lynch leading our programs, the future of IU Athletics is strong."
