Meet Ivan Landripet: the dedicated Porter with championship strength

Can you tell us about your journey to Trinity Hall and becoming a Porter?

Becoming a college Porter was not something I initially planned. Before joining Trinity Hall, I ran a small personal training studio supporting clients to reach their fitness and wellbeing goals. When Covid hit, I started to look for a more stable role and when the opportunity arose to work at Trinity Hall, I was immediately drawn to the College. I have always enjoyed working with people and supporting them on their personal journeys, so being able to help students and staff felt incredibly meaningful. Working for an institution that genuinely cares about its people is something I feel very proud of.

What is your favourite thing about working at Trinity Hall?

I think the variety is one of the aspects I enjoy the most. Our team of Porters cover all three Trinity Hall sites and we regularly work across different locations, which means I meet different people from all parts of the College community. Being surrounded by people with such incredible potential is truly inspiring and being able to support them is very rewarding. I also greatly value the support of my fellow Porters. We come from very different backgrounds, and many of my colleagues bring a wealth of life experience, skills and wisdom, which I enjoy learning from every day.

What’s something people may not know about the Porter’s role at the College?

From the outside, the role of a Porter can appear simple, but it is far more wide-ranging than many people realise. Our core responsibilities include safeguarding students, staff, Fellows and visitors, ensuring College security and fire safety, and supporting events so everything runs smoothly. We are available 24/7, 365 days a year – whether someone needs an Allen key to fix their bike, a reassuring conversation during exam season, or a warm cup of tea on a rainy day, we are always here. All Porters are trained first aiders and mental health first aiders so we also play a key role in student welfare and safety. From practical help to emotional support, we are here to make sure everyone feels safe and cared for.

Outside of your role as a Porter, you are also a personal trainer. When did you first get into fitness and why do you think sport and fitness is so important for general wellbeing?

I’ve been involved in sports from a young age. I fell in love specifically with fitness, strength and conditioning, so much so, that I completed a Master’s in it! Then working as a personal trainer, I saw first-hand the positive impact movement had, not only on physical health, but also on mental resilience, confidence and in general just quality of life. Regular exercise helps manage stress and improves focus, which is especially important in university and professional environments. Sport is a big part of my life.

What sporting achievement are you most proud of?

Outside of work, I am a competitive natural bodybuilder, and I recently represented GB at an international level at the World National Bodybuilding Federation World Championships in Los Angeles, USA. I placed fourth in the championship overall, and got to compete among the best athletes in the world. I trained incredibly hard and the championship was a culmination of years of discipline, consistency and resilience, and it is something I am extremely proud of. Although bodybuilding is an individual sport, I am fortunate to have an amazing partner and son who supported me throughout the year, as well as my fellow Porters and the Trinity Hall community, who were incredibly encouraging throughout this journey.