There have been many changes at Ormond in the last 33 years: five Masters, thousands of students, many dedicated staff. But one thing – until now – has remained the same: Dennis Stammers.

Having begun his Ormond career in 1975 as an electrical and maintenance contractor, Dennis went on to become the College’s workshop coordinator, electrician and finally Head of Property Services. It was therefore a significant moment when he retired recently.

Dennis’s contribution to the College has been enormous. From helping guide a series of significant building projects and redevelopments to successful completion, to challenging projects such as hauling building materials into the tower to fireproof it, Dennis’s contribution to the College will endure.

Less visible but equally important has been Dennis’s impact on the Ormond community. In a farewell speech to Dennis in December, then Master Rufus Black applauded Dennis’s rapport with and mentoring of students.

Dennis’s knowledge about the College buildings and grounds is encyclopaedic; there is likely not a pipe or a cupboard anywhere in College that Dennis is not familiar with. Similarly, his knowledge of Ormond is unrivalled; he can be relied upon for an anecdote about any significant part of the College’s recent history.

Asked about his time at Ormond, Dennis said that his highlights had been twofold: working with Ormond’s exceptional buildings and with its staff. There had never been a point in his 33 years where he didn’t enjoy the company of his workmates, he reflected.

Dennis wasted no time starting his new life as a retiree: within an hour of finishing at Ormond he and his wife Carol were on the road with his caravan heading north for a two-month trip. He also plans to continue helping with care of his grandchildren.

Asked about Dennis’s contribution to Ormond, Acting Master Robert Leach noted that Dennis once described being Head of Property Services as “the best job in the world”. Rob added “while that might not have been Dennis’s first thought when we rang him in the middle of the night for something like a broken pipe, he was always unstinting in his help, even via long distance phone calls when he was overseas.”

Robert reflected that Dennis’s enthusiasm came from his love for Ormond and its buildings and grounds, and his care for students and staff. There isn’t a part of Ormond that doesn’t either literally or metaphorically have Dennis’s touch in it, from the careful maintenance of the 130-year-old stonework, to the innovative design of our newest buildings.

Though he has moved on to the next stage of his life, and we wish him all the best with his retirement, there will always be some of Dennis in Ormond.