Former Northwestern Baseball player Dennis LaPidus has made a significant contribution to establish the Sidney and Mildred LaPidus Head Baseball Coach position at Northwestern University, in honor of his parents. This endowment will provide financial support to the university's athletics and baseball program, impacting student-athletes positively.
Ben Greenspan is the first to hold this endowed coaching position and is currently in his second year leading the Wildcats. He joins three other coaches at Northwestern with endowed positions: David Braun as the Dan and Susan Jones Family Head Football Coach, Kelly Amonte Hiller as the Combe Family Head Lacrosse Coach, and Chris Collins as the Sullivan-Ubben Head Men’s Basketball Coach.
“Dennis knows firsthand the opportunities that being a Northwestern student-athlete provides our players, both academically and athletically,” stated Mark Jackson, Vice President for Athletics and Recreation. “Through his philanthropy, he is making a meaningful impact on the program that helped shape him.”
LaPidus has been an active supporter of Northwestern Athletics over time. The Sidney and Mildred LaPidus Dugout within Rocky and Berenice Miller Park was named after a previous commitment from him. Additionally, he established a basketball scholarship for men’s and women’s programs at Northwestern.
“When I enrolled at NU, I had no idea I would form a lasting bond with the school,” said LaPidus. “The education I received was first class, but athletics was my passion. It is so special for me to help the baseball team continue to prosper.”
LaPidus graduated from Northwestern's McCormick School of Engineering in 1964 with a degree in mechanical engineering and earned an MBA from Roosevelt University in 1967. He previously served as president of MBI Leasing, a real estate firm based in Chicago.
Greenspan became head coach of the Wildcats in August 2023 after serving as associate head coach at Michigan during that season. His coaching career includes positions at Cal Poly, Arizona State—where he contributed to four NCAA regional berths—and Indiana University.
“I’m tremendously honored to be the Sidney and Mildred LaPidus Head Coach,” Greenspan expressed gratitude for LaPidus’ generosity which aids their vision of building a championship-level program.
Recently, Northwestern Baseball achieved its first season-opening series victory since 2008 against Long Beach State. The Wildcats are set for their home opener against Penn State on March 14 at Rocky and Berenice Miller Park.