| Category: | Builder (Administration) |
| Sport(s): | Fundraising |
| Years Active: | 1962+ |
| Year Inducted: | 2010 |
Ian Oulton was a Dalhousie art history and economics student from 1962-66. During his time at Dalhousie he was also a member of the varsity football and hockey teams. Impressive both on the ice and on the field, Ian was honoured by Dalhousie in 1963 as football’s Lineman of the Year and later selected as the hockey team MVP in the 1965-66 season.
When asked about his university experience Ian says, “I learned more in the athletic field than the academic field. Much of what you learn in athletics helps you to survive in life. In athletics you learn how to win and lose and get along. In my business now the ability to communicate and work with people is by far the most important aspect. I attribute that to athletics.”
While a student Ian was also a member of the Zeta Psi fraternity.
After graduation from Dalhousie in 1966 Ian became an irreplaceable supporter of Dalhousie’s athletic program. He has put tremendous effort in planning and organizing extensive fundraising activities, including programs such as the Dalhousie Hockey Club and the facilitation and installation of premium seating at Memorial Arena.
The Dalhousie Hockey Club was created in 2009 and hosts fundraising events for the men’s hockey team. This club has been essential to the foundation of the men’s hockey program. In 2002 196 premium arena seats were installed at Memorial arena, donated by Ian. The gift of these seats has provided ongoing revenue stream for the team as funds generated through the annual sale of these seats are directed to the men’s hockey program.
Ian spent the 2005-06 season as chair of Dalhousie’s Athletic Endowment Fund campaign to support student-athletes. This fund is essential in raising money to fund scholarships and programs to attract top-quality competitive, talented student-athletes.
In 2008 Ian received Dalhousie’s President’s Circle medal, an honour that is given to university donors whose cumulative lifetime giving to Dalhousie totals $100,000 or more.
When asked about his generous contributions to the Tigers programs, Ian states, “Dalhousie was a contributor in giving me confidence to achieve goals in my lifetime. I would not be able to do it without the experience and exposure that I got at Dalhousie.”
Ian’s dedication and support of Dalhousie athletics has been an essential ingredient of the program’s success. To recognize his contribution we honour Ian Oulton by inducting him to Dalhousie’s Sport Hall of Fame.