Ian May honoured with British Empire Medal
Monday, 27 June 2016
The University’s Head of Building Maintenance, Ian May, has been awarded a British Empire Medal for services to Higher Education.
He is among nine people associated with the University and Henley Business School to have been named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
Ian joined the University in April 1990 in what was then called the Buildings Office, and now looks after the maintenance services for Estates and Facilities.
He is heavily involved in the local community, having supported the Scouts for more than three decades. He is currently a Deputy District Commissioner and Training Advisor in Reading, and the Health & Safety Coordinator for Berkshire Scouts.
He is also a school governor and trustee at Maiden Erlegh Academy and Chair of the Local Advisory Board for the new Maiden Erlegh School in Reading.
Ian said he was happy to see his contribution recognised. “I am very proud to have been put forward by the University and to have received this award in the Queen’s Birthday honours list especially during Her Majesty’s 90th year.
“I am delighted that my voluntary work in supporting the Reading community is also recognised as part of this award, both in my school governor and Scouting roles. In both my work and volunteering roles I have always had the support of both colleagues, friends and family which has always been appreciated.”
Colin Robbins, Director of Estates and Facilities, said there could not be a more deserving recipient of the honour. “Ian is always the first to offer to help, not just in the workplace but also in the wider community – taking on a wide variety of voluntary roles. This is recognition for many years of selfless service to others”.
Among other recipients of the Queen’s Birthday Honours are University alumni Dr Roger Coates and Gweneth Moulster who received the OBE, Dr Anthony Moore who received the BEM and Matthew Toresen who received an MBE.
Henley Business School alumni Roger Cadbury received a CBE and Dr Steve Huntington and Lesley Forsdike received OBE.
Paul Bettison, who received an OBE, is a former member of the Council and the Court.