#NAADD25th: In honor of NAADD's 25 years of commitment to the development of collegiate athletics, NAADD will be featuring the full testimonials of Past Presidents throughout 2018.

Here is the full testimonial from Matt Donovan, NAADD President for 2008-09 and current senior associate AD for development at the University of Indianapolis.

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A graduate of Western Illinois University, Donovan has already had a profound career in fundraising. He has served as project director for "The Campaign for Penn" at the University of Pennsylvania in 1993-94, was associate project director for the Purdue University Phone-a-thon prior to his time at Penn and worked as the UIndy Director for Annual Giving, building a fifteen percent (15%) increase over five years. In that role, Donovan created and implemented new socialization programs for parents, faculty/staff, and advanced degree recipients, raising record amounts from each.

Donovan joined the University of Indianapolis athletics department in 1999, and quickly became the face and heart of fundraising for Greyhound athletics. As the first full-time person to focus on athletics development he set out to revitalize a dormant Greyhound Club. During his tenure, the Greyhound Club has generated more than $3.3 million in charitable gifts since inception.

In 2014, Donovan assisted in the solicitation of a gift of half-a-million dollars to replace and name the basketball court in the legendary Nicoson Hall on campus. The corporate naming rights gift, was given by a non-alumnus who was cultivated and connected to UIndy by Donovan along with others. The gift not only garnered the funding needed for the project but was regarded as a springboard to deepen and broaden connections with athletics alumni.

Donovan is now in his 20th year as senior associate AD for development and is recognized by his peers as a dedicated and visionary leader in his field. Named NAADD Fundraiser of the Year for the College Division in 2016, Donovan has been instrumental in the Greyhound Club membership growing to more than 1,300 individuals, a record for the organization.

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 $1.4 million in sponsorship dollars. Results of the increased support of Greyhound Athletics brought a host of capital improvements, including facility renovations and enhancements to the athletics venues for the institution.

Nearly a decade after his Presidency, Donovan continues to serve NAADD as a Convention speaker, demonstrating his dedication to not only the Association, but the collegiate athletics development industry.

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Here's what Matt had to say about NAADD:
Why should someone become a NAADD member?
If you are intending to be in the athletic development profession than a NAADD membership is critical for the advancement of your career. Without question, the association provides its members with resources to improve in the field.

What has NAADD meant to you?
It has allowed me to enhance my skills, consistently grow as a professional, and has provided me with a number of colleagues who I consider to be my best friends. It is by far the greatest association I could ever be affiliated with. I grew from being a young rookie to an advanced professional all due to my affiliation.

What impact did your time as NAADD President have on you as a professional?
As I have stated many times, serving as president of the association was one of the greatest opportunities I have been afforded. To lead the prestigious organization with a diverse group of professionals, was a tremendous honor. While it was great for my institution, it was tremendous for me to be affiliated with a number of great colleagues who helped me develop my skills not only as a fund raiser, but as a leader as well.

What is your fondest memory of serving as NAADD President?
I'm not sure I did anything significant during my tenure as president, other than continuing the advancement of our association. I can say I am humbled and fortunate to have served as president and I will always be grateful for that opportunity.

How do you see NAADD progressing in the next five years? Next ten years?
I see the association continuing to develop opportunities for those affiliated with NAADD so they can continue to enhance their skills. Whether it's five or 10 years, I have no doubt the association will continue to grow much like it has done, making it a tremendous organization to be a part of.

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Check @NAADDevelopment next week as NAADD closes the first decade of the new millennium with 2009-10 President, Tim McMurray, director of athletics at Texas A&M University - Commerce.

Stay up-to-date on the 25th Anniversary celebration and all things NAADD related by following @NAADDevelopment on Twitter by using the hashtag #NAADD25th and #PastPresidentTestimonial.

About NAADD: NAADD is the first organization of its kind to provide educational and networking opportunities, enhancement of acceptable operating standards and ethics, and establishment of the overall prestige and understanding of the profession of athletics development and fund raising. For more information about NAADD, please visit www.naadd.com. NAADD is administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), which is in its 54th year. For more information on NACDA and the 17 professional associations that fall under its umbrella, please visit www.nacda.com.