Longest-serving chaplain is honoured by University

The Reverend Prebendary Geoffrey Wynne has worked for the University for 43 years - believed to be a national record for a chaplain.

He was honoured for his long and dedicated service to the spiritual, social and welfare needs of University students and staff at a ceremony at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre on Friday September 11.

Rev Preb Wynne said: “Someone said to me once, ‘How many lives you must have touched’ but the joy of ministering has been how many lives have touched my heart.

“I am so proud of our University.”

He told graduating students from the University’s School of Sport, Performing Arts and Leisure that they had added an extra dimension to their characters and thanked his colleagues, friends and family for the support they have given him.

Rev Preb Wynne has achieved much in his time with the University.

In 1979 instigated an appeal to build an interdenominational Chaplaincy centre on the Wolverhampton Campus.

After many years of public fundraising, over £100,000 was raised to build a centre open to all faiths, now called The Faiths Centre. It is well used by staff and students of the University as well as the wider community for pastoral care, counselling, social activities, teaching and worship.

He also conducts the University’s annual carol service at St Peter’s church, which appeals to everyone, regardless of faith, and has done much work in Wolverhampton to foster multi-cultural harmony.

Dean of the School of Sport, Performing Arts and Leisure, John Pymm, said the Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams had written to Rev Preb Wynne to congratulate him on his award.

Mr Pymm praised Rev Preb Wynne’s dedicated service to the University and said: “His influence on the development of the University and support for generations of students and staff is beyond measure.”

Grandfather Geoffrey was watched by his wife Gaynor, son Andrew and daughter-in-law Sarah as he received his award.

Further information

For more information please contact Emma Kilvert in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322003.