Sabrina Donovan did not attend Butler University, but she was a Bulldog through and through. An ardent Butler Basketball fan, Donovan passed away on September 6 at her Westfield home following a lengthy battle with cancer. With deep ties to the Butler program, Sabrina was married to former Butler basketball player Rick Donovan '90 for twenty-nine years. Rick and Sabrina's son Campbell '21 played basketball for Butler, and daughter Ali '11 was a member of the Butler cheer team. The Spirit of Sabrina Donovan Endowed Fund, recently established in Donovan's memory, will carry on her faithful legacy of support for the Men's Basketball program.
 
"She didn't have a stranger in Hinkle Fieldhouse. Everyone knew Sabrina, and everyone knew the joy she shared with others," says close friend Barb Matta '93.
 
Sabrina attended Purdue University, earning her instrument rating and a private pilot certificate before ultimately graduating with a degree in Organizational Leadership. While finishing school, she began a career in the fitness industry as a fitness instructor and certified personal trainer. Sabrina instructed, trained, coached, taught, and mentored hundreds of clients and students, encouraging fitness, good health, and wellness during her 35+ years in the industry.
 
Developing a deep sense of loyalty to the Butler basketball program, Sabrina attended countless games and traveled around the country to support the Bulldogs. She and Rick were instrumental in establishing the All Good Dawgs NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) collective and hosted several fundraisers to raise financial support for the program.
 
"When I think of Sabrina and Rick, actually, the entire Donovan family, I think of the Butler Basketball pillars: toughness, tenacity, and a fight-to-the-end, never give up attitude," says Butler Head Coach Thad Matta. "Given our close relationship with Sabrina, I witnessed firsthand her faith, passion, joy, and toughness until the end. These are the characteristics that have made Butler basketball what it is today. She will always be a motivating factor of what we strive to be."
Her cancer diagnosis in November of 2019 didn't deter her passion for the Butler program. Always with a smile on her face, Sabrina continued to frequent Hinkle Fieldhouse despite enduring multiple chemotherapy treatments. Two days prior to her passing, she texted multiple members of the Butler community to thank them for their friendship and to encourage them to continue their support. 
 
"Sabrina battled cancer courageously but also with a smile," said Butler Vice President and Director of Athletics Grant Leiendecker '11. "She inspired so many who had the privilege of knowing her. Sabrina and Rick – and their entire family – have supported the Bulldogs in so many ways over the years, and Butler is humbled that those who have been impacted by Sabrina have chosen to continue her legacy through this endowed fund."
 
In Sabrina's memory, the Spirit of Sabrina Donovan Endowed Fund has been established to promote and enhance the academic and athletic success and personal growth of the student-athletes involved with the Men's Basketball program. In just over two months, more than 100 donors have collectively raised more than $250,000. Close friends Rodney and Becca '01 Byrnes helped establish the fund with a lead gift.
 
"Sabrina and her family introduced us to Butler Basketball more than a decade ago," said Rodney and Becca. "She was the center of any basketball event from tailgates with a champagne bottle and saber in hand, to the impromptu get-together post-game, and the always-fun road trips. We are blessed for all the time we got to spend with Sabrina and honored to get the ball rolling on the fund in her name."
 
"Sabrina was truly moved when we shared with her the idea of establishing a meaningful way to support the Men's Basketball program in her memory," says Sabrina's husband, Rick. "She married into the Butler family but was a true Dawg in her love, support, and passion for Butler Athletics.  The spirit Sabrina shared with those involved with the program throughout our years in Hinkle was felt through a smile, an encouraging word, or a friendly hug.  Ali, Campbell, Madelyn, and I look forward to working with the program's leadership to honor that same spirit and make a meaningful impact on the young lives of those involved with the program for years to come."
 
To make a gift to the Spirit of Sabrina Donovan Endowed Fund for Men's Basketball, please visit: https://give.butler.edu/sabrina