Clarence H. Doninger is the model of what universities search for in looking for alumni to be of service to their alma maters. His love for IU, which started as a student, has never wavered. He was a member of IU's 1957 Big Ten co-championship basketball team. As a student, he was active in his fraternity, in student government and as a rider in the Little 500. He was elected president of his freshman and sophomore classes and later was student body president.
After earning at IU a Bachelor of Science degree in business in 1957 and a law degree in 1960, Doninger began what was to become a very successful law practice, while continuing his interest in and service to IU. Starting as president of the IU Men's Club of Indianapolis, he eventually served his alma mater in every role he was asked to do. He was national chairman of the IU Alumni Association and national president of the Varsity Club Board of Directors.
Although he had a successful law practice at the time, Doninger agreed to become the university's athletic director in 1991, a task that he fulfilled with dignity. Since 2001, he has been counsel to the Indianapolis law firm of Stark, Doninger and Smith. He continues to serve on the IU Foundation Board of Directors.
Doninger served as athletic director from 1991-2001. During his tenure, IU athletic teams won 27 Big Ten regular season or tournament championships and participated in 52 NCAA team championships, and won two NCAA team titles. IU added four women's varsity sports during his tenure as one of the leading institutions in gender equity compliance. Doninger won a basketball letter in 1957 and was a member of a Big Ten championship team. He won the Clevenger Award in 1990. Doninger also served on IU's Athletics Committee, and is a former member of the IU Foundation Board and served as Alumni Association President. In 2020, Doninger received Indiana University's Bicentennial Medal, in recognition of his distinguished service and support of the university.
