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Coffman Announces Retirement from Duke Athletics
12/9/2021 10:00:00 AM | Athletics
DURHAM – Following a Duke career that spanned more than 15 years, Tom Coffman will retire from his position as Deputy Director of Athletics for Philanthropy at the end of the 2021-22 academic year.
"It has been an honor to join with other members of the Iron Dukes team in representing Duke University and Duke Athletics," said Coffman. "The funds given by Duke alumni, parents and friends, have made an immeasurable impact on the Duke student-athletes, giving them the opportunity to compete at the highest level both academically and athletically, while learning life skills that will serve them long after graduating from Duke. To be a part of all that has been very special for my wife Debby, our two sons and me. We will continue to follow the Blue Devils with great interest and enthusiasm."
Primarily responsible for coordinating fundraising for the entire Duke Athletics Department, Coffman manages the Iron Dukes Annual Fund, major gifts, principal gifts, the varsity club for each specific sports program and campus recreation and club sports.
Under Coffman's watch, Duke has experienced unparalleled success in fundraising. During his remarkable tenure, Duke has raised funds totaling over $500 million and secured the seven largest financial commitments in Duke Athletics history. Coffman was recognized for his fundraising efforts in 2013 when he was named the National Association of Athletic Development Directors "Fundraiser of the Year".
From 2012-2017 Coffman directed Duke's ambitious and transformative Building Champions Campaign, which exceeded the $250M goal by raising $341M. The campaign had three primary goals, for operating, facilities, and endowment, and exceeded all three objectives.
"Over the course of his tenure at Duke, Tom Coffman proved to be an instrumental leader, tremendous colleague and incredible fundraiser with a true passion for the student-athlete experience," said Duke Vice President and Director of Athletics Nina King. "His belief in the value of creating and cultivating relationships enabled us to reach new heights in philanthropy, and for that we will be forever grateful. We wish him and Debby all the best in retirement."
As a Deputy Director of Athletics, Coffman is a member of King's executive committee, which is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the department. Outside of Durham, he served as the Chair of the ACC Development Directors group from 2012-13 and Chair of the ACC Men's Tennis Committee from 2014-2016.
After over 15 years on college campuses, Coffman joined the Orthopaedic Research & Education Foundation in 1992 as Executive Vice President and CEO before being named President and CEO in 1997. In this capacity, Coffman guided the fund-raising efforts for major gifts while directing the organization's $100 million Anniversary Campaign. Upon leaving the Foundation in 2001 to help build crippled children's hospitals in East Africa, Coffman was made an Honorary Member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
A 1974 graduate of Heidelberg College, Coffman is a past president of both Cure International (2000-02) and Orthopaedic Research & Education Foundation (1997-2000). His experience on the collegiate level stems from stints at Tiffin University (director of athletics and dean of men from 1974-78 & 1980-81 and director of alumni relations and development from 1981-82), Albion College (vice president for institutional advancement from 1986-88; also served in other capacities from 1982-86) and University of Missouri-Rolla (vice chancellor for university advancement from 1988-92).
A native of Greenville, Ohio, Coffman earned a bachelor of science degree in psychology from Heidelberg College in 1974, and later received a master's degree in education from Bowling Green State University in 1976. Coffman was enshrined in the Heidelberg College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1986 and the Tiffin University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1998.
Coffman resides in Durham with his wife, Debby. They are the proud parents of twin sons, Jon and Ben.
#GoDuke
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"It has been an honor to join with other members of the Iron Dukes team in representing Duke University and Duke Athletics," said Coffman. "The funds given by Duke alumni, parents and friends, have made an immeasurable impact on the Duke student-athletes, giving them the opportunity to compete at the highest level both academically and athletically, while learning life skills that will serve them long after graduating from Duke. To be a part of all that has been very special for my wife Debby, our two sons and me. We will continue to follow the Blue Devils with great interest and enthusiasm."
Primarily responsible for coordinating fundraising for the entire Duke Athletics Department, Coffman manages the Iron Dukes Annual Fund, major gifts, principal gifts, the varsity club for each specific sports program and campus recreation and club sports.
Under Coffman's watch, Duke has experienced unparalleled success in fundraising. During his remarkable tenure, Duke has raised funds totaling over $500 million and secured the seven largest financial commitments in Duke Athletics history. Coffman was recognized for his fundraising efforts in 2013 when he was named the National Association of Athletic Development Directors "Fundraiser of the Year".
From 2012-2017 Coffman directed Duke's ambitious and transformative Building Champions Campaign, which exceeded the $250M goal by raising $341M. The campaign had three primary goals, for operating, facilities, and endowment, and exceeded all three objectives.
"Over the course of his tenure at Duke, Tom Coffman proved to be an instrumental leader, tremendous colleague and incredible fundraiser with a true passion for the student-athlete experience," said Duke Vice President and Director of Athletics Nina King. "His belief in the value of creating and cultivating relationships enabled us to reach new heights in philanthropy, and for that we will be forever grateful. We wish him and Debby all the best in retirement."
As a Deputy Director of Athletics, Coffman is a member of King's executive committee, which is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the department. Outside of Durham, he served as the Chair of the ACC Development Directors group from 2012-13 and Chair of the ACC Men's Tennis Committee from 2014-2016.
After over 15 years on college campuses, Coffman joined the Orthopaedic Research & Education Foundation in 1992 as Executive Vice President and CEO before being named President and CEO in 1997. In this capacity, Coffman guided the fund-raising efforts for major gifts while directing the organization's $100 million Anniversary Campaign. Upon leaving the Foundation in 2001 to help build crippled children's hospitals in East Africa, Coffman was made an Honorary Member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
A 1974 graduate of Heidelberg College, Coffman is a past president of both Cure International (2000-02) and Orthopaedic Research & Education Foundation (1997-2000). His experience on the collegiate level stems from stints at Tiffin University (director of athletics and dean of men from 1974-78 & 1980-81 and director of alumni relations and development from 1981-82), Albion College (vice president for institutional advancement from 1986-88; also served in other capacities from 1982-86) and University of Missouri-Rolla (vice chancellor for university advancement from 1988-92).
A native of Greenville, Ohio, Coffman earned a bachelor of science degree in psychology from Heidelberg College in 1974, and later received a master's degree in education from Bowling Green State University in 1976. Coffman was enshrined in the Heidelberg College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1986 and the Tiffin University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1998.
Coffman resides in Durham with his wife, Debby. They are the proud parents of twin sons, Jon and Ben.
#GoDuke
Â
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