University of Calgary President Ed McCauley was recognized with an award from U SPORTS during Dinos football game on Sept. 27.
McMahon Stadium buzzed with excitement and pride as the community gathered to celebrate both athletic excellence and a significant university milestone at the recent Dinos football game. The day was electrifying as fans filled the stadium after the pancake breakfast and tailgate party, cheering on their home team with an enthusiasm that echoed the spirit of UCalgary60 the celebration of 60 years of innovation, achievement and community connection.
From left: Ben Matchett, Ed McCauley, Pierre Arsenault and Lois Mitchell. Photo Credit: Adrian Shellard
The atmosphere was nothing short of exhilarating. As the Dinos took to the field, the stands erupted in a sea of red and gold from the UCalgary60 T-shirts that were handed out to the first 3,000 fans, with students, faculty, alumni and community members all coming together to show their unwavering support. The energy was palpable, a true testament to the university's ability to start something extraordinary by fostering a sense of unity and pride that extends far beyond the campus borders.
McCauley is the 2025 recipient of the L.B. "Mike" Pearson Award, which is presented annually to a distinguished Canadian citizen of outstanding lifetime achievements, who, having participated in and/or supported university athletics, has exemplified the ideals and purposes of university athletics and amateur sport.
Since becoming UCalgary's ninth president and vice-chancellor in January 2019, McCauley has made supporting student athletics a priority in his presidency.
"I am here to cheer on our Dinos student-athletes, because they are the true champions," says McCauley.
"Not only do they excel in modelling resilience, focus and strength in competition, but they also use these skills after convocation. An entire support system of athletic therapists, coaches and academic advisers is dedicated to helping each Dinos athlete be their best.
"This award is dedicated to our entire Dinos Athletics program, because they inspire me to be my best."
The award is named after the 14th prime minister of Canada, who coached the University of Toronto's hockey and football teams and served as a professor at U of T. Previous recipients include Sportsnet personality Donnovan Bennett and long-serving member of the International Olympic Committee, Dick Pound.
McCauley was nominated for the award by the Hon. Lois Mitchell, former lieutenant-governor of Alberta, who was also in attendance.
"President McCauley joining that list is a testament to the importance he has placed on the position of athletics within university life," says Ben Matchett, BA'06, BComm'06, director of athletics for the Dinos. "The biggest one right away is the investment."
Those investments include $4.3 million of extra support for Dinos athletics over five years, raised through targeted proposals. These funds went to a variety of areas, including direct funding of varsity programs, expanding opportunities for women in coaching, expansion of the university's sports science program, and investing in marketing and sponsorship to expand the reach of Dinos Athletics both on and off campus.
"He's also our No. 1 fan," says Matchett. "His position at football games is on the sidelines, right next to the bench. He wants to be right there in the action, and that's not just in football, but in many other sports."
Video Credit: Haley Martin, Communications
