Indiana University Athletics
Letter from Varsity Club Board President Ron Remak
12/19/2005 12:00:00 AM | Varsity Club
Jan. 2, 2005
Winter 2005-06
Dearest IU Donors, Alumni & Friends:
I wanted to take this opportunity to express some heartfelt thoughts as 2005 comes to an end and we welcome the start of 2006.
General Dwight D. Eisenhower said, "You can measure men by the way they respond to a challenge." If this is also true about organizations, then I am proud to confirm that the Varsity Club, its National Board of Directors, and the hundreds of loyal donors, have responded in a resounding and impressive way over the past two years.
As I look back at the numerous accomplishments over the past two years, there are a few things that stand out:
- Our Endowment Fund rose to over $33 million, the highest endowment in the Big Ten
- Annual giving increased by 22%.
- Annual expenses decreased by 15%.
- The hiring of Rick Greenspan, who has brought experienced and proven leadership to IU Athletics, along with an impressive new administrative team.
- The hiring of Coach Terry Hoeppner, who in one year has transformed IU football to a program we all can be so proud of.
With all of this being said, the challenges ahead of us are still significant, but with the daily dedication of the Varsity Club Staff led by Scott Dolson, the leadership and vision of the National Varsity Club Board of Directors, and most importantly, the continued loyalty of our passionate donors, the future of IU Athletics is very promising.
Finally, regardless of what the future holds, may all of us who dearly love IU and IU Athletics also remember the real reason we chose to exist, and that is to assure a world class educational experience on and off the athletic field for our student athletes.
As I pass the torch to Dave Gibson, my more than qualified successor, I can honestly say, "The best is yet to come" for the Hoosiers!
Thank you for the opportunity to help lead this organization. It's been an experience of a lifetime.
With appreciation and respect,
Ron Remak
