Professor Geraint H. Jenkins honoured for lifelong contribution to Welsh-medium education

Professor Geraint Jenkins’ family receiving a certificate in his memory.

Eminent Welsh historian, the late Professor Geraint H. Jenkins, has been honoured by the Coleg Cymraeg at its annual gathering in Aberystwyth.

A long-serving former member of staff and head of department, Professor Jenkins taught Welsh History at Aberystwyth University for 25 years from 1968 until 1993. He was renowned for his support and invaluable contribution to university education through the medium of Welsh.

At the Coleg Cymraeg’s Annual Congregation this week, Dr Ioan Matthews, its Chief Executive paid tribute to Professor Jenkins, saying:

“Geraint was one of Wales' most distinguished historians. He was a former headteacher and inspirational leader of the Welsh History department at Aberystwyth University and then the University of Wales Centre for Advanced Welsh and Celtic Studies.

“He was very enthusiastic in supporting university education and research through the medium of Welsh. He was the author of several volumes, the editor of the influential series Cof Cenedl, and he placed great emphasis on encouraging and supporting researchers at the beginning of their careers.

“He will be greatly missed by all of us, but his influence on Welsh studies will be long lasting.”

Professor Geraint H. Jenkins

Emeritus Professor Eleri Pryse from the Department of Physics at Aberystwyth University also received an honorary fellowship for her academic advancement and her contribution to the teaching of Physics through the medium of Welsh at the University since 1989.

She said:

"I greatly appreciate this honour from the Coleg Cymraeg – which is a very unexpected invitation for me.  It has been a privilege and pleasure to work with students and fellow lecturers from universities across Wales and with the staff of the Coleg to expand the provision of Welsh-medium higher education in Science.

"The Coleg Cymraeg’s vital role and support in expanding Welsh-medium education in Science must be recognised."

Professor Emeritus Eleri Pryse receiving her certificate for life-long contribution to Welsh language higher education

The evening also saw the presentation of certificates to PhD students for achieving a doctorate under the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol Research Scholarship Scheme, which is celebrating twenty years since its establishment.

One of those receiving his certificate was Dr Cennydd Jones, who recentlycompleted his PhD at Aberystwyth University investigating the environmental reservoirs of bovine Tb (Mycobacterium bovis) on Welsh farms, and is now a Lecturer in Agricultural Grassland Management at the University.

Dr Cennydd Jones said:

“Receiving the certificate from the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol was the culmination of my doctoral degree. It was great to receive the honour on an evening where the Coleg Cymraeg was celebrating 20 years since the Welsh-medium PhD scholarship scheme was established.”

Dr Cennydd Jones

David Jones OBE, who grew up in Ciliau Aeron in Ceredigion and is the former Chief Executive of Coleg Cambria, was also conferred as an Honorary Fellow.

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