Indiana University Athletics
The Varsity Club - A Closer Look
6/7/2007 12:00:00 AM | Varsity Club
June 7, 2007
The Varsity Club: A Closer Look
Established in 1954, the Varsity Club serves as the development arm of the IU Athletic Department, leading fund-raising efforts for annual scholarship support, endowment support, and capital projects. The Club provides 100 percent of the funding for our student-athletic scholarships for our 24 Varsity sports (13 women's and 11 men's teams) with 600 plus student-athletes.
The Varsity Club has a staff of eleven, with Scott Dolson, the Director, and Kelly Bomba, the Associate Director leading the club. Scott has been with the Varsity Club for 16 years, first as the Assistant Director and then as the Director for the past 5 years. He graduated from Indiana with a bachelor's degree in Management from the School of Public and Environmental Affairs. While at IU, he was a manager for the men's basketball team for four seasons, including the 1986 NCAA championship season. Scott is always in "overdrive," going to meetings, talking on his cell phone, driving and flying to events or to meet with donors, and otherwise working to raise money for Indiana University Athletics. Scott's wife Heidi works at the IU Alumni Association and together they have five children, Kristen, Nick, Luke, Sam, and Zack.
Kelly directs the Club from inside--a calming force in a very busy office. She is Scott's second in command and is now focusing on directing the Capital Campaign. Kelly came to the Varsity Club 4 years ago from the Indiana University Foundation, where she served as the Associate Director of the Wellhouse Society. She graduated from Indiana with a bachelor's degree in Telecommunications. Kelly is married to Matt Bomba, a former IU football player and coach; they have two children, James and Mason.
We have three Associate Directors of Development, whose efforts are directed toward the development of new donors and working with our current donors. You will find Mark Deal on the road, calling on donors throughout the state. He also oversees the Stadium Club at Memorial Stadium (with all 300 seat sold!). Mark was an IU student-athlete in football and an assistant coach under Cam Cameron. Anthony Thompson travels the state, meeting with current and new donors, and he runs our Courtesy Car program (with a record 36 cars). Anthony was a record-breaking running back for IU under Coach Mallory and the Heisman Trophy runner-up in 1989. He played in the NFL for four years and then served as an assistant coach under Cam Cameron. Jim Harris is the newest addition to the Varsity Club Development staff. He covers the state of Indiana in his new role and his focus is on Annual Giving. Jim graduated with a bachelor's of science degree in Kinesiology from Indiana University and received double master's degrees from Ohio University, one in Business Administration and the other in Sports Administration.
The other members of the staff include Carol Thoren, Assistant Director for Business and Development, who is the "mortar and bricks" of the Club; Anne Fagen, Director of Events & Suite Coordinator; Katie Watson and Julie Jarrett, who handle the thousands of donor records; Ricki Chastain, Scott's Administrative Secretary; and Linda Quigley, the "Director of First Impressions" (read, front desk).
The Varsity Club's success depends entirely on the contributions made by our donors: These come under the categories of Annual Giving, Endowments, and Capital Fund gifts. It is with these donations that we pay for all of the scholarships for our student-athletes and our athletic facility improvements. In return, our donors receive first priority on football and men's and women's basketball season tickets, post-season tournament seats, complimentary and discounted parking, and you will receive updated information on our sports programs and invitations to special events.
It is with sincere appreciation that we thank all of you who are currently giving to Indiana University Athletics, and we encourage those of you who are not giving now to consider giving what you can to support the future of IU Athletics and to ensure the continuing excellence of our student-athletes on and off the field.
Every gift helps! Go HOOSIERS!
