University to bid fond farewell to Chaplain

The Reverend Prebendary Geoffrey Wynne retires this summer and will be greatly missed.

His varied career has included conducting marriage ceremonies for both staff and students and leading residential weekends with high profile figures such as Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams.

He has also presided over 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.

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 what is now The Faiths Centre, well used for pastoral care, counselling, social activities, teaching and worship.

Last year, he received an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters from the University for his dedicated service to the spiritual, social and welfare needs of staff and students. 44 years is believed to be a national record for a chaplain.

“Being involved in students’ life journeys and watching their growth has been very rewarding,” said Rev Preb Wynne. “When I leave, I will miss the people most of all.

” We have a tradition of being a caring university and that has been built up over many years; we change people’s lives for the better.”

The Rev Preb Wynne is looking forward to some relaxation time for the first three months of retirement - he enjoys gardening and caravanning – but will then help in parishes.

He will also be spending more time with family - his wife Gaynor, son Andrew, daughter-in-law Sarah and two grandchildren Charles and Lydia. “I owe so much to Gaynor; she has been so supportive over the years. Living on site, she has dealt with students when I haven’t been there and has done a lot of unseen work.”

A special lunch to recognise his many achievements will take place on July 1, with staff from all departments invited. Students who have been influenced by Rev Preb Wynne will also attend and speak about how he has inspired them.

ENDS

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