Greg Bednar '82: Lifelong friendships spark philanthropy

(Generosity Matters is a series of spotlight stories about alumni who give back to Augustana College.)

When Greg Bednar graduated from Augustana in 1982, little did he know he would still be in touch with a large contingent of his football teammates and friends almost four decades later.

"People are amazed to hear that we have an annual gathering for a long weekend for teammates and friends to catch up and reminisce — we have coined that gathering ‘Hasseyfest,’” Bednar said. “We also have almost 100 guys on an email chain that celebrate life events — birthdays, business accomplishments, etc. These are 40+ years of relationships that still connect. It’s pretty amazing and special.”

Bednar has remained connected to the college more directly by serving on the Alumni Board in the 1990s, and recently serving on the President’s Advisory Council. He has stayed connected to Augie athletics through “one of my favorites – Dave Wrath.” Wrath, a 1980 alumnus, is associate director of athletics/media and alumni relations and has served the college for more than 40 years.

Beyond Bednar’s volunteer commitments to the college, he and his brother Kirk ’87 recently funded the construction of a football players’ lounge named in honor of their father Gene, who passed away in 2017. 

“We looked for something that would impact the football program,” Bednar said. “Dad rarely missed a game during each of our four years, and was a proud dad and Augie fan. He also taught us the importance of giving back. In our small town of Streator, Illinois, he was a driving force in establishing youth sports programs in the ’60s and ’70s. 

“Coach Bell had the idea for the players’ lounge, and Kirk and I felt that funding the development and construction was the ideal way to recognize Dad’s contribution to our lives and his dedication to Augie football.”

In addition to the skills and friendships he gained through football, Bednar believes his Augustana education was the “backbone that supported the many opportunities that came my way.” He is now retired, after serving as a partner for Ernst and Young in Chicago.

"In my view, Augie was the launchpad for me to gain the skills and opportunity to have a career that allowed me to give back,” he said. “It was easy for me to make a commitment to give because I felt the college had given so much to me, and I felt so positive about my Augie experience.”