A loyal friend and long-time supporter of the University of Winchester, John McKenna, has sadly passed away after a short illness. The whole University community’s thoughts are with John’s wife and son at this sad time.
John’s 40-year association with the University began when he studied for a DipHE in Social and Environmental Problems at what was then King Alfred’s College, later becoming the University of Winchester. During his time at the University he was elected and served as the President of Winchester Students’ Union.
In 2012 John was elected to the Board of Governors as an Alumni Governor and he also sat on the University’s Employability Committee. In this role, John was pivotal to the reorganisation and guidance of the graduate employability strategy. He volunteered hundreds of hours of his spare time to building relationships with external stakeholders for the benefit of the University. John also supported the University’s work with alumni over many years.
In 2022 John was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Business Administration. In his citation for that award, he was described as “a role model for making the difference for our student and business community”. That same year John received the Services to the University Award at the Winton Society Awards.
Last year John, who worked as a senior director with international pharmaceutical company Sanofi, became a member of the University’s newly-formed Employer Advisory Board for the Faculty of Business and Digital Technologies.
John was also Chair of Trustees at the homelessness charity Emmaus Hampshire, whose website tribute to him said: “He brought energy, warmth and a deep sense of commitment to everything he did. As Chair, he played a pivotal role in guiding the organisation and supporting its continued growth.”
A fundraising page has been set up by Kingsgate Lawn Tennis Club to support Emmaus Hampshire in memory of John.
To hear the wise and inspiring advice John had for graduates following the award of his honorary doctorate in 2022 visit Post | LinkedIn.
Pictured top: John at the 2022 graduation ceremony, when he received his honorary doctorate, flanked by Reverend Professor Elizabeth Stuart and Vice-Chancellor Professor Sarah Greer.
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