Indiana University Athletics
Former Varsity Club Director, Fundraising Pioneer Martin Passes Away
4/1/2021 1:33:00 PM | General, Varsity Club
Bloomington, Ind. - Dave Martin, former Director of the IU Varsity Club and a pioneer in athletic fundraising, passed away this morning in Bloomington. He was 81.
Martin joined the IU Foundation in 1969 to work on the university's sesquicentennial celebration before moving to Athletics two years later as the third director of the IU Varsity Club. For the next 35 years, Martin played a leadership role in IU Athletics, either as the Varsity Club director, Associate Athletic Director, or as a Special Advisor to the department and its fund-raising body. During those three-plus decades he spearheaded the department's fundraising efforts and revolutionized the field.
"Dave Martin is a legendary figure not only at IU, but in the world of athletics fundraising," said IU Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Scott Dolson. "So much of what we still do today can be traced back to him, and so much of what he did was ultimately emulated by others around the country.
"As much of an impact as he had on our department, though, he had an equally profound impact on me. He was my mentor, someone who knew how to build relationship and get things done. His love for IU was unmatched, and his contributions unsurpassed. He will be missed."
Among the ground-breaking Varsity Club initiatives that took root during Martin's tenure were the Athletic Endowment Fund, the University Ticket Priority System, the Varsity Club National Board and the IU Athletics Hall of Fame. Martin was inducted into that same Hall of Fame in 2012, and was also the recipient of the Z.G. Clevenger Award in 2005.
A Bloomington native, Dave was a standout IU Football player from 1959-61. He was honored as the team's Defensive Lineman of the Year in 1961.
Dave is survived by his daughters, Kim and Kelly, and one granddaughter, Tatum.
Martin joined the IU Foundation in 1969 to work on the university's sesquicentennial celebration before moving to Athletics two years later as the third director of the IU Varsity Club. For the next 35 years, Martin played a leadership role in IU Athletics, either as the Varsity Club director, Associate Athletic Director, or as a Special Advisor to the department and its fund-raising body. During those three-plus decades he spearheaded the department's fundraising efforts and revolutionized the field.
"Dave Martin is a legendary figure not only at IU, but in the world of athletics fundraising," said IU Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Scott Dolson. "So much of what we still do today can be traced back to him, and so much of what he did was ultimately emulated by others around the country.
"As much of an impact as he had on our department, though, he had an equally profound impact on me. He was my mentor, someone who knew how to build relationship and get things done. His love for IU was unmatched, and his contributions unsurpassed. He will be missed."
Among the ground-breaking Varsity Club initiatives that took root during Martin's tenure were the Athletic Endowment Fund, the University Ticket Priority System, the Varsity Club National Board and the IU Athletics Hall of Fame. Martin was inducted into that same Hall of Fame in 2012, and was also the recipient of the Z.G. Clevenger Award in 2005.
A Bloomington native, Dave was a standout IU Football player from 1959-61. He was honored as the team's Defensive Lineman of the Year in 1961.
Dave is survived by his daughters, Kim and Kelly, and one granddaughter, Tatum.
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