Feb. 10, 2011

ROCHESTER, Mich. - Assistant Director of Athletics for Development Joe Impellizzeri is leaving the Oakland University athletic department on Friday, Feb. 11, announced by Director of Athletics Tracy Huth on Thursday. Impellizzeri joined the OU staff in the summer of 2007.

"Joe is pursuing other professional opportunities," said Huth. "Since his arrival to Oakland Athletics in August 2007, Joe has had a profound impact on our development efforts and the entire department. He has worked extensively to improve every aspect of friend building, fund raising, special events, alumni programs and donor relations.

"Every area of donor contributions has increased on an annual basis since his arrival. Joe has built a solid foundation for Oakland Athletics and our development office."

During Impellizzeri's tenure, Athletics launched a number of new initiatives that have resulted in record results. Donors to Athletics have more than doubled, exceeding 1,000 for the first time. Gifts and pledges to the department will also establish a new record this year. Membership in the Basketball VIP Program has more than tripled from 40 to 140 and in 2010, the Varsity O Association was conceived to recognize and engage Oakland's alumni student-athletes. More than 500 alumni have joined the program in the first nine months.

Impellizzeri also reestablished the Athletics' Board of Visitors, created an Endowed Scholarship program and helped Athletics achieve 100 percent participation in the University's employee giving campaign for two consecutive years.

"I want to thank Oakland, Tracy Huth, the entire athletics staff and all the volunteers that spent countless hours helping achieve the many goals we were able to attain," said Impellizzeri. "I felt privileged to be able to assist the department in the support of all the student-athletes and wish everyone the best of luck. I know that Oakland will continue to build on its successes as they move forward."

Impellizzeri will be taking a position at St. Joseph Mercy Oakland in Pontiac where he will be responsible for major gifts and planned giving. He begins his duties there later this month.

-OAKLAND-