Belmont Promotes Russell Grimm To Executive Director Of The Bruin Club

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Russell Grimm. Photo: Courtesy of Belmont University

Belmont University is promoting Russell Grimm to Executive Director of the Bruin Club and has hired Collin Sonderman to the position of Assistant Director of Athletic Development, Vice President/Director of Athletics Scott Corley announced Wednesday.

Hired as Bruin Club Director in 2016, Grimm spearheaded a 1700 percent increase in giving to athletics and 300 percent increase in annual fund giving over the last six years.

“Russell has grown all aspects of athletic development,” says Belmont Vice President for University Advancement Perry Moulds. “From significantly increasing Bruin Club membership and revenue to raising much needed support for Belmont’s transition to the Missouri Valley Conference, Russell has proven to be a steadfast leader for both the Departments of Development and Athletics. I could not be more happy to see Russell serve as the first Executive Director of the Bruin Club, and look forward to seeing even greater success under his leadership.”

Grimm has overseen all aspects of Belmont University athletic fundraising, including the Bruin Club, the newly created Athletic Excellence Initiative, endowed athletic scholarships, The Betty Wiseman Mission Fund, facility projects, donor relations, hospitality, the Bruin Club Golf Classic, and other special events.

“Russell has been an incredible asset to Belmont Athletics,” Corley adds. “Through his dedication and hard work, our athletic fundraising has reached historic levels. The future of the Bruin Club is very bright under Russell’s leadership; I am excited for him on this well-deserved promotion.”

The Franklin, Tennessee native graduated from the University of Tennessee in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and electronic media. Following his time in Knoxville, he returned to Nashville to pursue his master’s degree in sport administration from Belmont, graduating from the University’s MSA Program in 2009. Grimm previously served in athletic development roles at VCU, Boston College and Michigan.

Sonderman will be reporting to Grimm and will support all aspects of Belmont University athletic fundraising and hospitality. Sonderman spent the past year as a development intern for membership services for The Rams Club at the University of North Carolina which raised over $500 million for the Campaign for Carolina Athletics and $12.5 million for the Rams Club Annual Fund.

“We are thrilled for Collin to join the Belmont Bruin family,” says Grimm. “Collin’s experience will prove valuable to his transition to Belmont. His friendly, easy-going nature, passion for college athletics, confidence in his ability to get the job done and clear desire to be at Belmont shone through in the interview process. Additionally, his impeccable references spoke to his ability and readiness to take the next step and advance his career in athletic development here at Belmont.”

Steven Boero
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