DAYTON – The University of Dayton has announced that Dr. Steve Levitt has created a multi-million dollar endowment that will fund Dayton men's basketball head coaching position.  The Dr. Stephen B. Levitt Head Men's Basketball Coaching Chair is the largest donor-funded endowment involving a chaired position in UD history, and the first head coaching chair endowment for the Flyers.

The gift will accelerate the University's ability to invest in the head coach's salary and increased program excellence associated with men's basketball.

"I, along with Flyer fans everywhere, am grateful for Dr. Levitt's longtime support of the men's basketball program," UD Vice-President and Director of Athletics Neil Sullivan said.  "He has stood alongside the men's basketball program for decades, supporting hundreds of players and dozens of coaches. An endowed chair is one of the highest honors in higher education, and through his generosity, he deserves it."

An ardent fan and longtime season ticket holder, Dr. Levitt has always taken enormous pride and interest in the players and coaches at the University of Dayton – and has particularly enjoyed sharing his appreciation and deep knowledge of past Flyer players, coaches, and history with current coaches, players, and fans.

"The University of Dayton men's basketball program has always been very special to me," Levitt said.  "For the past 45 years, I have been particularly active as an ardent fan, medical consultant, supporter and season ticketholder.  I have had a very close and lasting relationship with many of the players, coaches and administrators over those past four-and-a-half decades.

"In the past year, I have talked at length with Neil Sullivan as to what would be a meaningful legacy to give to this wonderful program, one that would be there for perpetuity.  It was decided that the endowment of the men's basketball coaching chair would be the most lasting and appropriate action.  An endowed chair is a special opportunity, carrying with it considerable prestige and demonstrating the strongest commitment on the part of the donor and the University to a particular program."

Anthony Grant, who will be entering his sixth season as the head coach of the Flyers, will be the first Dr. Stephen B. Levitt Head Men's Basketball Coaching Chair.

"We are extremely grateful for Dr. Levitt's generosity and commitment to the future of Dayton basketball," Grant said.  "Having known Doc since my days as UD undergraduate, I'm honored to be the inaugural head coach for his endowment.  His impact on our program will be felt for generations to come."

Grant, a Dayton co-captain and MVP who graduated from UD in 1987, is 102-52 in his previous five seasons at UD.  He was the consensus national coach of the year in 2020.  A respected leader in the coaching profession, he is a member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches Board of Directors.

"I am extremely proud to create this endowment, and very happy that Anthony Grant is the first recipient," Levitt added.  "I have known Coach Grant since his playing days and I know he is most deserving of this honor.  I would like to conclude by offering a special thank-you for this opportunity to Neil Sullivan, as well as UD President Eric Spina"

Dr. Levitt's previous philanthropic leadership on behalf of Dayton Athletics led to the creation of the Levitt Wall of Recognition in 2014. Located prominently in the south concourse of the University of Dayton, it honors UD's most generous benefactors. It's named in honor of Levitt, whose generosity has supported the men's and women's basketball programs, construction of facilities and other needs for a first-rate student-athlete experience.

The Levitt Wall of Recognition includes names of the numerous alumni, fans and friends who have financially supported Dayton throughout their lifetime. As individuals reach the $100,000 giving milestone, their names will be added to the wall. Special recognition is given to those who have donated $1 million or more.  Their gifts have lifted Flyers teams to unprecedented success and established a foundation for more to come.
 
Dr. Levitt founded Dermatologists of Southwest Ohio in 1978. He is a member of many professional medical organizations, including the American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, Dayton Society of Internal Medicine, Montgomery County Medical Society, Ohio Dermatological Association, Ohio Society for Dermatologic Surgery and Ohio State Medical Association.  He retired from actively practicing medicine in 2018.

Dr. Levitt's long-time devotion to Dayton basketball gives him a perspective on the program's history.  His willingness to share that appreciation and knowledge with current team members and coaches is only surpassed by his humble approach and willingness to lead by example.