CALGARY – A pair of Dinos legends headline a diverse group that is set to receive either an Honorary Degree or the Order of the University of Calgary at spring convocation, Chancellor Jon Cornish and President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Ed McCauley have announced Thursday.

Both Wayne Thomas and Wayne Harris – both of whom are legends within the Calgary Dinos athletic department – are set to receive The Order of the University of Calgary early next month.

The Order of the University of Calgary is awarded to individuals with a significant history of service to the university. Recipients may include current or former members of the UCalgary community.

Wayne Thomas, BA'67 
Presentation – June 9, afternoon ceremony

Wayne Thomas is an educator, coach and lifelong advocate for Canadian basketball who has played a key role in developing the sport in Calgary and beyond. 

A standout athlete in basketball, he was part of the 1965-66 Dinos Men's Varsity Basketball team that won the Canada West title and reached the national final. 

Thomas spent more than 30 years teaching, counselling and coaching at Calgary high schools, including Crescent Heights, Western Canada and William Aberhart. He coached the UCalgary Dinos men's basketball team across two stints and has been a driving force behind the Dinos Basketball Foundation and 6th Man Club. 

As editor of the 6th Man News for more than 15 years, he's provided in-depth coverage of Canadian university basketball and its athletes. 

A Dinos Hall of Fame inductee, he was recently named honorary chair of the 2026 U SPORTS men's basketball Final 8 championship.

Wayne Harris, Jr., BPE'81 
Presentation – June 10, morning ceremony 

Wayne Harris, Jr., has dedicated more than 45 years to the Calgary Dinos football program, serving as a player, assistant coach, defensive co-ordinator and head coach between 1977 and 2023. 

As assistant coach and defensive co-ordinator, he helped guide the Dinos to eight Hardy Cups, four Mitchell Bowls and four Vanier Cup appearances, including the 1995 national championship. As head coach, he led the team to a further three Hardy Cups, two Mitchell Bowls and a 2019 Vanier Cup title, earning Canada West Coach of the Year honours three times and the national Frank Tindall Trophy in 2015. 

A UCalgary alum and standout athlete in football and wrestling, Harris was a three-time Canada West all-star and 1980 conference champion in his weight class. 

The son of Canadian Football Hall of Famer Wayne "Thumper" Harris, he built his own legacy as a leader, mentor and builder in the university's athletics community.

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