A FORMER teacher and university lecturer has been praised for his “astonishing commitment” to the community after getting the MBE.

John Maw, an alumni and long-serving past member of staff at York St John University, has received the honour for his services, spanning 42 years, to higher education and the York community.

He initially came to the then York St John College in 1955 as a student. He spent some time teaching at Joseph Rowntree School and St Peter’s School in the city before returning to work at York St John, where he remained as a much-loved member of staff until he retired.

He held posts as a principal lecturer at Ripon and York and as a senior resident tutor.

Professor Dianne Willcocks, vice-chancellor of the university, said: “John’s commitment to York St John and the local community is quite astonishing in both its breadth and depth.

“His love of education, contribution to our university legacy and support to young people is an example to us all.”

John is the general secretary of the Former Students Association, which encompasses alumni from both York and Ripon, and chairman of the committee that provides financial help to students undertaking community projects.

His particular passion has been the research, cataloguing and promotion of the history of York St John, which has contributed to the launch of a university heritage trail. He has always enjoyed sport and continues to supporting student sports activities.