2023 Clayton Family Circle of Honor Induction
April 18, 2023
5:30 p.m. | Reception
6:30 p.m. | Program and Dinner
Location | Marian University Arena and Convocation Center
Download the printable guide to the 2023 Clayton Circle of Honor
The Clayton Family Circle of Honor was created in part to honor, but also to inspire. Joseph Clayton (1949-2018) and his wife, Janet, agreed to lend their names to these awards because they believed in the character-building qualities associated with athletics in a university community. At Marian University, the faith tradition and values are activated in many ways, including athletics. On the fields and courts of competition, student-athletes learn respect, fair play, and teamwork. These values carry over into all areas of their lives—personal relationships, careers, parenthood, and community service.
2023 Clayton Family Circle of Honor Inductee
The Irsay family
The Irsay's have been synonymous with the Indianapolis sports community since moving the Indianapolis Colts to the city in 1984. While many associate the Irsay family with football, induction into the Clayton Family Circle of Honor is in recognition of their longstanding commitment to the philanthropic, civic and overall well being of Central Indiana.
In 2020, the Irsay family launched Kicking the Stigma, an initiative to raise awareness about mental health and remove the stigma surrounding mental health disorders. The program aligns with Marian’s Franciscan values of dignity of the individual and responsible stewardship and has committed more than $17 million toward increasing awareness and expanding treatment and research in Indiana and beyond.
2023 Clayton Family Circle of Honor Wall of Fame Inductee
In just her second season, Katie Gearlds led the Knights to a 28–6 record, earning the program’s second-ever NAIA Division II National Championship Tournament berth, and first Crossroads League title. In her third season, she led the Knights to a record of 32–6 (.842) and won the 2016 National title, the first in program history. The Knights repeated as National Champions in 2017, winning their final 23 games to finish with a school-record 35 wins.
The former Indiana Miss Basketball and Purdue University standout came to Marian University in 2013 for her first head coaching position. Before coming to Marian, Gearlds played professional basketball abroad in Spain, Portugal, and Greece. She was drafted as the number seven overall pick in the 2007 WNBA Draft by the Seattle Storm after graduating from Purdue University.
2023 Clayton Family Circle of Honor Emcee
Anthony Calhoun
Emmy Award-winner and Evansville native Anthony Calhoun leads the most dynamic TV sports team in Indiana as Sports Director and main anchor at WISH-TV.
In addition to his daily reporting and anchoring, A.C. hosts several highly rated shows including, SportsLocker, seen every Sunday at 10:15pm on WISH-TV. During football season, you can also catch A.C. on the Emmy-award-winning Countdown to Kickoff Colts pre-game show on Sunday mornings.
As one of the most versatile sportscasters in Indy, A.C. has also served as a play-by-play announcer for NCAA Basketball on ESPN, as well as the voice of Butler Basketball on WNDY-TV.
When he’s not on the air, A.C. spends his free time helping others, whether as serving as emcee for charitable organizations, or fundraising to help children in need. The AC Golf Classic has raised over $2 million to promote excellence in inner-city youth education. Each year, A.C. brings together local athletes, celebrities, business and community leaders in what has now become one of the most successful and popular golf fundraisers in Indiana.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Presenting Sponsor
- Recognition on signage and digital sponsorship display at the event
- Recognition on all printed materials (sell sheet, invitation, program, etc.) and marian.edu/clayton website
- Ten reserved parking spots
- Two tables of ten with preferred placement
- $75,000
Dinner Sponsor
- Recognition on signage and digital sponsorship display at the event
- Recognition in the printed program and marian.edu/clayton website
- Six reserved parking spots
- One table of ten with preferred placement
- $50,000
Banner Sponsor
- Your company name/logo on banners celebrating Marian University athletes displayed during the event
- Recognition in the printed program, on digital sponsorship display at the event
- marian.edu/clayton website recognition
- One table of ten with preferred placement
- $25,000
Program Sponsor
- Recognition for the Clayton video(s) debuting during the event
- Recognition in the printed program and on digital sponsorship display at the event
- marian.edu/clayton website recognition
- One table of ten
- $15,000
Giveaway Sponsor
- Opportunity to have a company labeled item at each seat (Number TBD)
- Recognition in the printed program on digital sponsorship display at the event
- marian.edu/clayton website recognition
- One table of ten
- $10,000 – exclusive
- $5,000 – 2 unique company giveaways
Video Sponsor
- Recognition for the Clayton video(s) debuting during the event
- Recognition in the printed program and on digital sponsorship display at the event
- marian.edu/clayton website recognition
- One table of ten
- $7,500
Knights Fan Table Sponsor
- Recognition in printed program and digital sponsorship display at the event
- marian.edu/clayton website recognition
- One table of ten with preferred placement and the opportunity for a future meet and greet with a coach of your favorite sport
- $5,000
Table Sponsor (unlimited available)
- Recognition in printed program
- One table of ten
- $2,500
Individual Ticket
- $250
Gifts can be fulfilled over a three- to five-year span. While gifts are tax deductible, the fair market value of each seat/individual ticket is $100.
Questions? Contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at RSVPClayton@marian.edu or call (317) 955-6599.
The Clayton Family Circle of Honor
The Clayton Family Circle of Honor was created in part to honor, but also to inspire. Joseph Clayton (1949-2018) and his wife, Janet, agreed to lend their names to these awards because they believed in the character-building qualities associated with athletics in a university community. At Marian University, the faith tradition and values are activated in many ways, including athletics. On the fields and courts of competition, student-athletes learn respect, fair play, and teamwork. These values carry over into all areas of their lives: personal relationships, careers, parenthood, and community service.
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Marian University does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin, age or disabilities in the selection
of administrative personnel, faculty and staff, and students.
*Placement rates are gathered from data collected from graduates within six months of graduation.
Students may make a complaint to the Indiana Commission of Higher Education.
Marian University is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg, Indiana.
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