In Memoriam: Simon Porter (1950-2017)
After completing his DPhil in Engineering, Simon Porter decided on an administrative career, becoming Bursar of St Cross. He moved to Nuffield as its first full-time Bursar in August 1988. Previously the Bursar on a part-time basis was the late A.H. (Chelly) Halsey. David Cox, who one month after Simon started at Nuffield, came from Imperial College, London to be Warden, writes: “Simon was an outstanding academic administrator. He combined well-judged speed and decisiveness with careful discussion as the situation merited. He was supportive to any with personal problems, notably but by no means only students and non-academic staff. I believe that after a while he was widely regarded as one of the two most able and effective College Bursars in Oxford. The very occasional crisis in the College concerning an individual student was handled with subtlety, effectiveness and speed. A private man, I hope Simon realized how deeply and widely he was appreciated.” Simon Porter was a fine cricketer, of essentially professional standard. After leaving Nuffield in 1996, he made a large contribution to the organization of cricket both in Oxfordshire and nationally. An obituary appeared in the Oxford Mail on 16th February and is available online.