This May, Prof. Ian Wilson handed on the batten of Senior Treasurer to Dr Sam Grimshaw. Ian has been a constant in the life of CUHC since 2013 when he took on the role and has overseen a hugely successful period for the club. This has included the installation of two new pitches at Wilby, 4th teams being added to the CUHC roster and both Womens and Mens sides playing National League hockey.
Ian grew up in Northern Ireland and came to Cambridge to read for a BA and MEng in Chemical Engineering at Jesus College between 1985 and 1989, during which time he earned his hockey Blue. After completing a PhD at the University of British Columbia, he returned to Cambridge in 1994 to take up a Chemical Engineering Lectureship as well as becoming a Fellow of Jesus College.
Alongside his academic career, Ian remained deeply involved in hockey. While playing for Cambridge City, he coached the CUHC Men’s 2nd XI, the Wanderers, and continued to represent Jesus College well into the 2000s. Notably, in 2005 he scored a decisive penalty flick in a shootout victory against St Catharine’s in the Cuppers final.
In 2013, Ian succeeded Dr Dick McConnel as Senior Treasurer of CUHC and has made an outstanding contribution to the club over more than a decade in the role. His commitment extends far beyond his careful stewardship of the club’s finances. He regularly umpires matches, supports teams at Wilberforce Road, officiates National League fixtures, and has even been the minibus driver for the Men’s Blues.
Ian is a constant presence at Varsity Matches – often after completing the Cambridge Half Marathon earlier that same day – and he has overseen four highly successful alumni dinners. He also established and continues to administer the Vann Club Bursary, providing vital financial support to CUHC players in need.
Perhaps most significantly, Ian’s dedication is reflected in the guidance he has offered successive Junior Committees. Tasked with running a large, successful, historic club, these students have benefited enormously from his calm, thoughtful, and incisive advice, learning a great deal from his experience and unwavering support.
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