Gene DeFilippo

director, athletics, Boston College

Since Gene DeFilippo became Director of Athletics in September of 1997, he has led the BC athletics program to an unprecedented period of innovation, growth, fundraising, athletic and academic success. DeFilippo has made a significant impact on the program internally, in the Boston community, and from a national standpoint while molding it into one of the nation's elite both on and off the playing field. He also led the program through one of the most significant periods in its history as it transitioned to full membership in the Atlantic Coast Conference. DeFilippo is credited with spearheading efforts to strengthen BC's athletics program in a number of areas, including facilities, fundraising, staffing and academic support. Boston College student-athletes' achievements in the classroom have become an immense source of pride for the University and its supporters. The Office of Learning Resources for Student-Athletes recently moved into a brand new home in the Yawkey Athletics Center. Under DeFilippo's leadership, 379 BC student-athletes maintained a grade point average of 3.0 or better during the 2007-08 academic year, earning the Athletic Director's Award for Academic Excellence. The football team won the 2004 American Football Coaches Association's Academic Achievement Award with a 100% graduation rate and BC's graduation rate for all student-athletes has consistently ranked in the nation's top ten. Also under DeFilippo's leadership, U.S. News and World Report honored Boston College as one of the top 20 athletics departments in the country.