Greg Dick wins prestigious 2023 Dr. Ivan Smith Award

By Amy Samson

At the 2023 Alumni Awards Celebration, Greg Dick, BSc ’93, was awarded the Dr. Ivan Smith Award, Western Alumni’s highest honor. Greg played on the Western Mustang Football team from 1988 until 1993. Along with his teammates, Greg won the Yates Cup in 1988, 1989 and 1990, and the Vanier Cup in 1989. He served as Captain in 1993.

Since graduating from Western, Greg has had a long career in the financial sector, holding various leaderships roles, most recently within the Canadian Football League (CFL). He is currently the Chief Football Operations Officer and Head of Grey Cup and Events.

Greg is known as a pillar of Western Mustang football and the alumni community. As a leader with great passion for sport, Greg has built effective, respectful and inclusive environments. His positive influence on the Western football community is profound.

For 25 years, he has organized and administered an alumni golf tournament that has raised over $400,000 to support and enhance Mustang football.  He is a committed philanthropist who has backed many athletic financial awards for student- athletes at Western. He has also been instrumental in encouraging his former teammates to support these awards. 

Greg is currently in his second term as a member of Western's Board of Governors and serves on various committees. His extensive experience in the financial sector continues to be a tremendous asset to Western. Since 2018, he has also served as a board member for the Alumni Association.

Greg is a true team player who makes a difference through volunteerism and leadership. He is known as someone who represents the best of Western University – living his life to enable those around him to do their best. This is a sentiment echoed by Greg’s coaches, teammates and colleagues.

Reflecting on Greg’s tremendous contribution to Western and the Mustang football program, Greg Marshall, Head Football Coach, names him an outstanding contributor and supporter.

“Greg works tirelessly to make events a success, including the auction at our Wall of Champions dinner [and our alumni golf tournament]…He attends most of our football games each year and is at every mustang alumni event. His positive encouragement and support has made an impact on our team members and staff.”   

Greg’s teammates had similarly kind things to say when asked about the former defensive back.

"Greg Dick, our teammate, captain, and the enduring force that binds us together. His dedication to the game, marked by sportsmanship and achievement, still resonates. On and off the field, he's built a legacy of camaraderie and has united mustangs past and present for the love of the game and the team.”

- Michael Clawson, Mustangs Football 1989 to 1992 (2023 inductee into the Mustangs Football Wall of Champions)

"For 35 years Greg has been the ultimate ambassador for the program. He has truly been a game changer – a very special person whose leadership legacy will be centred around his incredible ability to develop and support meaningful connections with others. Greg has been as influential off the field as he was on the field and it’s so gratifying to see him recognized for his leadership and dedication to Western. So very proud of you … your roommate, teammate and forever friend! Go Stangs 💥"

- Rich Leslie, Mustangs Football 1987 to 1991 (Co-captain 1991)

"Greg has long established himself as a fierce competitor on the field, in the weight room and through his many accomplishments post-football. That is what his teammates and the program appreciate the most about him. From the day he showed up at camp a baby-faced kid from Kingston, he has proven his mettle. He does not back down from a challenge and steps up continually to deliver on doing things the right way. I know he does it for the right reason - to keep his many friends connected under the banner of Mustangs football.  Something we all appreciate in the most profound way. His recent recognition is well deserved to say the least."

- Chris Walker, Mustangs Football 1987 to 1991 (Co-captain 1991)

Congratulations on the well-deserved recognition, Greg! Thank you for all that you do for Western and its football program.