A Fond Farewell to the Bursar

Two former Presidents and over a hundred staff, alumni, Fellows and other members were on hand Friday to send off Christopher Lawrence, former Bursar of Wolfson College. 

Christopher was educated at Hampton School, Queens’ College (University of Cambridge), and Durham University Business School. His degree in Classics from Cambridge prepared him for a career in corporate strategy (Prudential Corporation) and orchestral management (BBC Symphony Orchestra and the Academy of Ancient Music), before becoming Bursar of Wolfson in 2007. During his time here, he oversaw the renovation of much of the College accommodation and other infrastructure, significantly increased the endowment and built  the administrative and operational staff to meet the needs of our 800-strong student body.

Popular with staff and students alike, Chris brought his musicianship to the College, participating in the College Choir and organising and conducting numerous College concerts, particularly with his brass dectet of young musicians, Junior Prime Brass. He was also the captain of the President's XI cricket team, which squared off against a student team each year for the coveted President's XI trophy.

In the Lee Hall on Friday, both Professor Gordon Johnson and Professor Sir Richard Evans, former Presidents of the College, spoke of Chris's commitment to Wolfson's students and staff, his friendly and energetic nature and his contribution to making Wolfson the open and egalitarian College that it is today. One of his first acts as Bursar was to insist that the front gates, formerly closed at all times, were kept open so that the first impression greeting visitors and members when they arrive at College is that Wolfson truly does welcome the world. 

Christopher will take up the post of Bursar at Newnham College in April. We wish him all the very best in his new role and thank him for his many years of service. 

Photo: Christopher Lawrence with his wife, Emma Lawrence, and students Andrew Brooke, Max Mulvany, David Izuogu and Paul Matthews.