Last modified: Wednesday, July 11, 2012
IU Varsity Club breaks annual giving record
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 11, 2012
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- The Indiana University Varsity Club has once again broken its record for the amount of funds raised during its annual giving campaign for student-athlete scholarships, IU Athletics has announced.
With $9 million in contributions received in the 2011-12 fiscal year ending June 30, 2012, Varsity Club donors exceeded last year's annual giving record by more than $1 million, or 13.3 percent. June 2012 was the single largest month of giving in the Varsity Club's annual giving history, with $2.4 million received.
"Breaking another fundraising record is a remarkable achievement and demonstration of the tremendous love and generosity that donors have for IU Athletics and our student-athletes," said Fred Glass, IU vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics.
Funds donated by the Varsity Club's more than 6,000 donors support student-athlete scholarships in each of IU's varsity sports. Donors to this fund are eligible for a number of benefits, including discounted and reserved parking, priority points for preferred seating at football and basketball games and invitations to special events.
More than 70 percent of IU's 560 varsity student-athletes receive scholarship assistance each year. More than 30 percent receive full scholarships, while 40 percent receive partial scholarship support.
IU's student-athlete scholarship program will require more than $13 million this year. Student-athlete scholarships are funded through the Varsity Club's annual giving campaign, earnings from the IU Glaubinger Athletic Endowment Fund, athletic department support and the IU Foundation's Matching the Promise campaign.
"Sometimes people are unaware that IU Athletics pays full in-state and out-of-state tuition, fees, books, and room and board for our student-athletes on scholarships," Glass said. "With ever-increasing educational costs and no subsidy, discount or other financial support from the university, the Varsity Club's annual giving campaign is vital to attracting talented student-athletes and impacting overall team performance both on and off the field."
"Today's IU student-athletes are an inspiring group of young men and women dedicated to doing everything they can for this university," Varsity Club National Board of Directors President Greg Fox said. "And every buzzer beater and first-place finish traces back to Varsity Club donors. On behalf of the board, I want to thank all of the Varsity Club's donors for providing opportunities for student-athletes to follow their dreams and become part of the winning Hoosier tradition."
"I would also like to congratulate and thank the efforts of the Varsity Club staff and volunteer board," Deputy Athletic Director Scott Dolson said. "These two groups work tirelessly throughout the year with donors, alumni, partners and fans. Their commitment and dedication to Hoosier success is essential to fully funding IU Athletics scholarship program each year."
About IU Varsity Club
Established in 1954, the Varsity Club serves as the development arm of IU Athletics. Through its fundraising efforts, the Varsity Club enables 560 student-athletes in 24 varsity sports to receive quality academic and athletic experiences at Indiana University. Varsity Club donors support student-athletes in IU's varsity sports through contributions for scholarships, facility projects, renovations and improvements.
Varsity Club donors represent loyal and passionate Hoosier alumni, friends and fans. Their devotion to preserving and enhancing the rich tradition of IU Athletics makes a direct impact on Hoosier success and is important to maintaining a tradition of excellence at IU. To learn more about the IU Varsity Club, contact us at varsity@indiana.edu or 812-855-0866.
