After three-plus decades of service to the University of Indianapolis, Senior Associate Athletics Director for Development Matt Donovan announced his retirement this week, effective this Friday. The longtime administrator will continue to serve the University as "Honorary Director of the Greyhound Club," and a retirement celebration will be scheduled at a later date this spring. 

"It has been an honor to serve this University and its students and student-athletes," said Donovan. "I'm grateful for the relationships, the experiences, and the chance to play a small part in advancing a place I deeply believe in.

"I am thankful for the opportunity to serve a community that has meant so much to me. The friendships, memories, and shared accomplishments will stay with me long after I step away."

After spending five years as the UIndy Director for Annual Giving, Donovan shifted over to the Athletics Department in 1999 to build financial support for UIndy Athletics by spearheading the development and growth of the Greyhound Club. With a dedicated staff and Board of Directors, the Greyhound Club membership grew to more than 1,800 individuals under his direction.

Recognized by his peers as a dedicated and visionary leader in his field, Donovan was named the National Association of Athletic Development Directors (NAADD) Fundraiser of the Year for the College Division in 2016. Under his leadership, the Greyhound Club generated nearly $8 million in annual gifts since its inception.

"It is difficult to put into words the profound impact Matt Donovan has had on UIndy Athletics over the past three decades," said Kim Pate, Director of Athletics. "His unwavering dedication has been instrumental in transforming the Greyhound Club into the organization it is today, generating millions in support of our student-athletes and enhancing the entire game-day experience.

"Matt is a nationally respected leader and a true professional in every sense; his legacy here is not just measured in the funds raised or the memberships secured, but in the countless relationships he's built. We are incredibly grateful for his immense contributions and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement."

In addition to the development of the Greyhound Club, Donovan initiated numerous other successful ventures, such as a comprehensive partnership program that has netted over $2.1 million in sponsorship dollars. He also created a planned giving society that secured future commitments totaling over $350,000 for the University.

Donovan was also an integral leader in some of the University's most extensive and comprehensive fundraising campaigns. One such campaign, entitled Champions Challenge, raised over half a million dollars in the 2014-15 fiscal year, more than doubling the initial set goal. He was also instrumental in soliciting a $500,000 gift in 2014 for the naming rights of the basketball court in Nicoson Hall.

Donovan was an active member in a number of professional organizations. A past president of the National Association of Athletic Development Directors, he has presented at various national conferences, sharing revenue-generating ideas and best practices for BOSCA, NAADD and NACDA, as well as at the NCAA Convention.

Donovan helped transform home football games by introducing enhancements like "Tailgate Town," a Stadium Club, and a reserved parking program for fans. He established the Greyhound Club Golf Outing and Invitational Golf Outing as well as other events including an Online Auction, Florida Golf Outing, Nicoson Golf Outing, and Vera Bradley outlet trip. He chaired the UIndy Athletics Hall of Fame board and also served as a University liaison to the NFL and local organizing committees as UIndy was a practice site for Super Bowl XLVI.

A respected professional, a trusted mentor, a dedicated team member. Matt Dovovan helped usher UIndy Athletics to new heights. He will forever be a Greyhound.