CALGARY – Greg Vavra had a famous football career on the field for the University of Calgary. Off the field, he had an equally illustrious career of giving back to the Dinos football program. On June 6, the 58-year-old will receive the Order of the University of Calgary at spring convocation in recognition of his devotion to giving back to the University community. 

Vavra's outstanding playing career saw him become the school's first Hec Crighton Trophy winner as the most outstanding player in Canadian university football, quarterbacking the Dinos to their first Vanier Cup in 1983. He became the first student-athlete to have their jersey (No. 17) retired and is a member of the inaugural class in the University of Calgary's Athletics Hall of Fame. 

The Order of the University of Calgary honors recipients who have a record of exemplary and distinguished service to the university. It is available to any current or past member of the university community. Candidates nominated for membership in the Order may include, but are not limited to, current or former faculty, staff, alumni and volunteers. It was established in 1994 as a result of a suggestion which came forward from the Senate. The Chancellor at the time, David Smith, was instrumental in bringing forward this idea to the university. 

Athletic Director Jason Kerswill realizes the impact Vavra has had on the University.

"This recognition is very fitting and well deserved for one of our most celebrated and committed Dinos alumni. Greg has shown tremendous leadership in his efforts to ensure that today's football student-athletes have every opportunity to represent the University of Calgary on a championship caliber program.

"His dedication to the 5th Quarter continues to inspire others to get involved, and stay involved, in developing the next generation of business and community leaders." 

Before returning to the University of Calgary to complete his law degree in 1991, Greg played professionally in the Canadian Football League for five years. Vavra works in the oil and gas industry, something he has done for three decades. Married to wife Jody for 32 years, he was active in the community coaching his children in youth sports, but always found time for the Dinos football program. 

Vavra began coaching the Dinos in 2006 serving as position coach, offensive coordinator, and mentor. He helped develop the Dinos 5th Quarter Alumni Association into one of the elite sport alumni groups in the country that has committed to providing financial support through endowments, scholarships, and operational costs to the Dinos football program. 

Greg has been on the executive of the 5th Quarter serving as chairman, president, and director for over three decades. He has been the face of the organization doing whatever was needed to keep the Dinos football program as one of the premier programs in U SPORTS football. 

Greg and his wife have given back to the University of Calgary through their time and leadership skills. Greg has promoted the university, helped build the football alumni association and worked collaboratively with the university through the 5th Quarter Alumni Association. 

Vavra becomes the second member of the Dinos football program to receive the Order of the University of Calgary. Legendary coach Peter Connellan, who was Vavra's head coach in 1983, was honored with the award in 2012. 

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