B RUIN CL UB W E L COME S COL L IN SONDE RM A N Belmont Athletics is pleased to announce the hire of Collin Sonderman to
Russell Grimm was promoted to Executive Director of the Bruin
the position of Assistant Director of Athletic Development.
Club in May 2022.
Reporting to newly elevated Executive Director of the Bruin Club Russell
Hired as Director of Athletic Fundraising in 2016, Grimm has
Grimm, Sonderman will support all aspects of Belmont University athletic
spearheaded a 1,700 percent increase in giving to athletics and
fundraising, including the Bruin Club, the newly created Athletic Excellence
300 percent increase in annual fund giving over the last six years.
Initiative, endowed athletic scholarships, The Betty Wiseman Mission Fund, facility projects, donor relations, hospitality, the Bruin Club Golf Classic and other special events.
Grimm oversees all aspects of Belmont University athletic development, including the Bruin Club, the newly created
Departments of Athletics and Development. I could not be more happy to see Russell serve as the first Executive Director of the Bruin Club, and I look forward to seeing even greater success under his leadership.“ Grimm led gift conversations resulting in over 50 major gifts to Belmont Athletics and the creation of more than 25 new endowed scholarships.
Athletic Excellence Initiative, endowed athletic scholarships, The
Grimm previously served in athletic development roles at VCU,
“We are thrilled for Collin to join the Belmont Bruin family,” Grimm said.
Betty Wiseman Mission Fund, facility projects, donor relations,
Boston College and Michigan.
“Collin’s experience will prove valuable to his transition to Belmont. His
hospitality, the Bruin Club Golf Classic and other special events.
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.” Sonderman spent the past year as a Development Assistant for Membership Services for The Rams Club at the University of North Carolina, part of a team that raised over $500 million for the Campaign for Carolina Athletics and $12.5 million for the Rams Club Annual Fund.
“Russell has been an incredible asset to Belmont Athletics,” said
Following his time in Knoxville, he moved back home to Nashville
his dedication and hard work, our athletic fundraising has
to pursue his Masters of Sport Administration from Belmont,
reached historic levels. The future of the Bruin Club is very
graduating from the University’s MSA Program in 2009.
bright under Russell’s leadership; I am excited for him on this well-deserved promotion.” Added Vice President of University Advancement, Perry Moulds “Russell has grown all aspects of Athletic development, from significantly increasing Bruin Club membership and revenue
His responsibilities extended to donor relations, football
to raising much needed support for Belmont’s transition to the Missouri Valley Conference. He is a steadfast leader in both the
Sonderman was also a ticket and donor relations advocate during North Carolina’s March Madness run to the National Championship game. “Collin’s appointment is a clear nod to the positive trajectory Belmont Athletics—and more specifically the Bruin Club—continues to follow under the leadership of President Greg Jones, Director of Athletics/ Vice President Scott Corley and Vice President of Advancement Perry Moulds. I am appreciative of their efforts to help us grow the Bruin Club staff as we aim to support our student-athletes and coaches at a higher level than ever before.” Sonderman also spent three years working for the Seahawk Club at his alma mater, the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Of note, Sonderman helped raise $1.09 million for scholarships at UNCW in 2020-21, the second-highest total in Seahawk Club history. A native of Greenwood, Indiana, Sonderman earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing strategy. Sonderman’s first day at Belmont was June 6, 2022. COLLIN SONDERMAN Assistant Director of Athletic Development 615.460.5051 // COLLIN.SONDERMAN@BELMONT.EDU
Tennessee in 2007 with a B.S. in Journalism and Electronic Media.
Vice President & Director of Athletics Scott Corley. “Through
and men’s basketball pre-game hospitality, student worker management, data analysis and digital media.
The Franklin, Tennessee native graduated from the University of
Russell and his wife Erin live in west Nashville with their dogs, Jackson & Franklin. RUSSELL GRIMM Executive Director of the Bruin Club 615.460.5668 // RUSSELL.GRIMM@BELMONT.EDU
45 | 2022–23 MEMBERSHIP GUIDE
2022–23 MEMBERSHIP GUIDE | 44
E X E CU T I V E DIRE C T OR OF T HE B RUIN CL UB : RUSSE L L G RIMM
