CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- A catalytic gift from Dr. Howard Gillis (1967) will establish the Dr. Howard Gillis (1967) Fund for DAPER to provide general support to athletics within the Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (DAPER). In recognition of Dr. Gillis' gift, holders of the position of the Director of Athletics at MIT shall be known as the Dr. Howard Gillis (1967) Director of Athletics.
A varsity swimmer and diver during his undergraduate years, Dr. Gillis is a devoted champion of MIT Athletics and has also made significant contributions to the Charles Batterman Swimming & Diving Fund. After receiving a Bachelor of Science in Biology from MIT (1967), Dr. Gillis earned his MD at Northwestern University (1971). He completed his residency training at Penn State College of Medicine before embarking on a distinguished twenty-year career as a physician with the United States Air Force prior to transition to private practice in obstetrician-gynecology.
Now in his seventh year at MIT in 2026-27, Dr. G. Anthony Grant is the Dr. Howard Gillis (1967) Director of Athletics and DAPER Department Head. Grant leads one of the most comprehensive Division III athletics programs in the country. He directs a department featuring 33 intercollegiate teams, including four Division I rowing programs, while providing opportunities for over 800 student-athletes.
"I am deeply grateful for Howie's unwavering belief in our student-athletes and our mission to cultivate leaders who will leave a lasting impact within their respective teams and communities, said Dr. Grant. "This transformative gift serves as a powerful testament to the significance of athletics at MIT and the crucial role DAPER plays in the Institute's educational mission. Having Howie's name associated with the Director of Athletics position is an honor and it is also a reminder of the immense responsibility that those who serve in this role bear in fostering the holistic development of student-athletes who will truly go on to change the world."
MIT has achieved remarkable success under Dr. Grant's leadership, winning six NCAA team national championships. Most recently, MIT finished 11th in the 2025-26 LEARFIELD Directors' Cup standings while capturing the NEWMAC Women's Presidents Cup for the 11th straight season and 12th time overall. Grant was recognized by his peers as one of 28 recipients of the NACDA Athletic Director of the Year Award in 2025-26, following a remarkable 2024-25 academic year that saw the Engineers win four NCAA championships.
