Syracuse Sun

The Coach Mac Food Pantry at Hendricks Chapel has been dedicated in honor of the late Syracuse football coach Richard "Dick" MacPherson. Known for his commitment to faith, family, and the Orange community, Coach Mac's legacy continues through this initiative.

His daughters, Janet Sweeney and Maureen MacPherson, unveiled a plaque commemorating the dedication at a ceremony attended by their families, Chancellor Kent Syverud, Dr. Ruth Chen from the College of Engineering and Computer Science, Sean McDonough ’84, and Hendricks Chapel Dean Brian Konkol.

Coach Mac led Syracuse football for ten seasons and was remembered not only as a legendary coach but also as a man deeply committed to service. His experiences during the Great Depression influenced his lifelong concern for those struggling with food insecurity.

Sean McDonough '84 contributed a lead gift for renaming the pantry. He described Coach Mac as "a father figure, a mentor," highlighting his embodiment of Catholic faith through love and kindness. "He cared about everyone," McDonough said.

Dean Brian Konkol emphasized that naming the pantry after Coach Mac reflects his life of compassionate care. "We decided the food pantry would be the right place...to honor Coach Mac," he stated.

Chancellor Syverud shared memories of meeting Coach Mac shortly after arriving in Syracuse in 2014. "His greatest joy would be seeing the great human beings that each member of his family continues to be," he remarked.

Maureen MacPherson spoke on her father's dedication to service off the field: “When he did food drives with the Salvation Army, it was personal to him."

The campus hosts two food pantries: one at Hendricks Chapel named after Coach Mac and another on South Campus. Both rely on donations to support students in need.

Alison Murray from Hendricks Chapel noted that supporting the pantry directly benefits students. Leondra Tyler added that it plays an important role on campus by reducing student worries and enhancing their college experience.

Following the dedication ceremony, Coach Mac was inducted into the Ring of Honor during halftime at an Orange vs. Connecticut game in JMA Wireless Dome.