TIME
Chris Graham – putting service before self
I nternational software company director, United Nations military observer, College clay target programme instigator, and Old Boy Chris Graham believes strongly in the role of service in enabling and empowering others. A member of Harper House from 1980–1984, Chris took his first steps into service at College, becoming a Venture Group instructor, undertaking cadet courses at Burnham Military Camp during the holidays, and attaining his Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. He was also a member of the title-winning College artillery/ gun team, handling 105mm howitzers. The cadets provide leadership, personal development opportunities, and adventure- based training to youth aged 13–19, “sparking an interest in a military career” for Chris. Alongside his many service- related commitments, Chris played football, cricket (“poorly”), and tennis (“socially”). He also
appeared in two school musicals, Oklahoma and The Mikado , and was a member of the Chapel Choir. Among those College teachers who have had an impact on his life, Chris recalls Choir Master Robert Field-Dodgson, Physics teacher Michael Fogden, and Mathematics teacher David Ellison. The latter two were involved in the school cadet programme. “Robert Field-Dodgson demonstrated passion and commitment to the things he valued above all others, particularly in the Chapel,” Chris says. “He made an indelible mark on generations of College students for whom Saturday mornings will bring back memories of congregational practice. Michael Fogden
was an inspirational teacher with a fascinating World War II background in radar, and David Ellison was an eccentric Korean War veteran with a great sense of humour and varied toolkit of ways to teach Maths to the unwilling.” David Ellison was commissioned as an officer in the Royal Artillery in England and later took a degree in Mathematics at Oxford University. During his time teaching at College, he also was known to play the bagpipes from the roof of Richards House. Chris also values his “life- long friendships formed from common experiences” at College, along with the opportunities to “learn basic discipline and leadership skills” with the cadets, undertake Venture Group
“In everything, it is vital to treat people the same way you want to be treated and listen twice as much as you speak.”
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PHILANTHROPY
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