Headquartered in New York City, the BIG EAST Conference is comprised of Butler University, Creighton University, DePaul University, Georgetown University, Marquette University, Providence College, St. John's University, Seton Hall University, Villanova University and Xavier University. The BIG EAST institutions are located in seven of the nation's top 35 largest media markets, including New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Indianapolis, Milwaukee and Cincinnati. The brainchild of former Providence College men's basketball coach and athletic director Dave Gavitt, the BIG EAST Conference became a reality on May 31, 1979, as Providence, St. John's, Georgetown, Syracuse, Seton Hall, Connecticut and Boston College formed the original seven-school alliance. While the membership has evolved, the focus of the BIG EAST has not wavered. The conference reflects a tradition of broad-based programs, led by administrators and coaches who place a steadfast emphasis on academic integrity. The league has long been considered a leader in innovative concepts in promotion and publicity, particularly regarding television. Those efforts have resulted in unparalleled visibility for the conference and BIG EAST student-athletes. BIG EAST student-athletes sport significantly high graduation rates, and the league has always been able to boast that many of its best students are also its best athletes.