The family of Ed McMahan, Sr., recently made a scholarship gift to Carolina Men’s Golf in his name. His son, Ed McMahan, Jr., shares in his own words why he and his sisters, Debbie and Julie, chose to honor their father in such a personal way.

Dad is one of the biggest Carolina fans in the world. He served on the Board of Governors and Trustees in addition to advocating for the University during his time in the General Assembly. My sisters and I could see no better way to honor him than through a gift to Carolina.

As kids, we grew up going to Kenan Stadium for every home game in the fall. We also traveled with the football team, particularly when Mark Maye, a family friend, was quarterback. We saw games at West Point, Maryland, Oklahoma, and a few bowl games, including a very cold Peach Bowl game in Fulton County Stadium. My birthday parties were always at tailgates in Kenan Stadium in September.

I have been extremely lucky to attend a bunch of final fours with my dad, starting in 1991 for one of the worst days of Carolina Final Four history. We were also together for 1993, 2005, 2009, 2017, and what I like to think of as my fifth in-person championship, the Duke Final Four game last year.  Mom and Dad also attended the 1982 championship. It is hard to imagine better memories than what Carolina Athletics has given us over the years.

While it was clear that supporting Carolina Athletics was going to be a great way to honor my dad, we worked with The Rams Club to find the best way. We were attracted to supporting Olympic sports in an effort to support programs and student-athletes that may not benefit as much from the media dollars and other resources. I have a daughter committed to play lacrosse in the ACC and my daughters and I enjoy watching the many Olympic sports that are now available on the ACC Network. We chose to support the men’s golf program as my dad is a lifelong avid golfer and has supported the golf program over the years. We also liked the idea of supporting both scholarships and the capital campaign around the golf facilities.

At the N.C. State football game in November, we held a tailgate to announce the gift to Dad in the Karen Shelton Stadium team building and were able to honor Dad on the field as part of Rams Club Day that afternoon. It was a day we will never forget – a perfect way to honor a man who loves Kenan Stadium and loves Carolina.