Former IU Athletics Director Clarence Doninger has passed away, the school announced on Tuesday morning.
Doninger was the IU AD from 1991 to 2001.
He also played for Branch McCracken’s IU basketball program in the 1950s and won a Big Ten title.
Doninger’s tenure as IU AD is perhaps best remembered for an at times contentious relationship with basketball coach Bob Knight, who was fired in 2000.
Here’s a release from IU Athletics on the passing of Doninger.
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BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Clarence Doninger, Indiana University’s athletic director from 1991–2001 and a member of IU Basketball’s 1957 Big Ten Championship team, passed away last night at his Indianapolis home surrounded by loved ones. He was 90 years old.
“IU Athletics extends its deepest condolences to the Doninger family on the loss of Clarence,” said IU Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Scott Dolson. “Words cannot adequately express the impact Clarence had on Indiana University and our department through his lifetime of service to his alma mater. He loved Indiana University as much as anyone I’ve ever known. I was incredibly fortunate to work for Clarence during his time leading our department; he had a profound impact on me as a leader, a close friend, and a trusted advisor.”
Doninger served as Indiana University’s Athletic Director from 1991–2001, overseeing a period of sustained success and growth for the department. During his decade-long tenure, IU’s athletic programs captured 27 Big Ten regular season or postseason championships and won two NCAA Championships in Men’s Soccer. Additionally, the department added four varsity sports under his leadership: Women’s Soccer, Women’s Water Polo, Rowing, and Field Hockey.
Doninger’s impact on Indiana University extended well beyond his years as athletic director. An Evansville native, he earned his B.S. in Business from IU in 1957 while playing for the 1956–57 Big Ten Championship Men’s Basketball team. He subsequently earned his law degree from IU in 1960 and transitioned into a highly successful law career in Indianapolis.
While his legal career flourished, Doninger remained deeply involved with his alma mater, holding national leadership roles for both the IU Alumni Association and the IU Varsity Club. He was honored for his service with the Clevenger Award (1990), IUAA President’s Award (2000), the Distinguished Alumni Service Award (2005), and the Bicentennial Medal (2020). He was inducted into the IU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011.
Clarence is survived by his wife, Judy, and his children, Gretchen and Eric.
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