Boston College Athletics
BC Extends Contract Of Athletic Director Gene DeFilippo
August 26, 1999 | Boston College Athletics
Aug. 26, 1999
CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. - Boston College Athletic Director Gene DeFilippo has received a five-year extension of his contract, according to an announcement made today by University President William P. Leahy. SJ.
DeFilippo has been in charge of intercollegiate athletics at the University since September of 1997. His new contract will extend through the 2004-05 academic year.
"Gene DeFilippo is keenly aware of the mission of Boston College and the important role that athletics plays in the formation of our students," Said Fr. Leahy in announcing the new pact. "I am pleased with the work he has done as athletic director. He has been a great asset to the athletic program and to the University."
In addition to strengthening the BC athletic program during his two years in Chestnut Hill, DeFilippo has also initiated an overhaul of Boston College's athletic facilities that includes new football practice facilities, lighting, scoreboards and improvements to Shea Field, renovations to Conte Forum, two new soccer fields on the Newton campus, new AstroTurf for Alumni Stadium, and an air-inflated bubble that covers the stadium turf during winter months, providing an indoor practice facility for all sports.
DeFilippo has also renamed the Athletic Association's fundraising arm (formerly Blue Chips) in honor of longtime Athletic Director Bill Flynn. In 1998-99, the University's athletic fundraising effort finished nearly $200,000 over its annual giving goal. The Barber family gift of $2.5 million to endow the position of head football coach was the largest athletic gift in the school's history.
DeFilippo, who was athletic director at Villanova University before accepting the position at Boston College, has also introduced a five-year strategic plan that will result in equal opportunity for participation by men and women in BC athletics.
"I have been at Boston College for two years now," said DeFilippo, "and it is definitely the place from which I want to retire.
"I love working with Fr. Leahy and I appreciate and respect the academic mission of Boston College where we have students who truly exemplify the term 'student-athlete'."
