Dr. D.L. “Pete” Warren, one of the most beloved members of the University of Lynchburg community and the city of Lynchburg, died March 22, 2013 at age 84. His memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 30 at Snidow Chapel with Associate Chaplain Anne Gibbons officiating. Overflow seating will be available in Sydnor Performance Hall in Schewel Hall with a simulcast of the service.
In an interview with WSET, Gibbons said, “I think if Pete were here right now, he’d say pay it forward. He was a good counselor, so he’d say of course you need to grieve, that’s part of it, but take that grief into positive care and concern for others. That’s the way Pete Warren will live on.”
“Pete’s pretty much the most special person anybody’s ever met,” said Dr. Ed Polloway, LC dean of graduate studies. “He cared about all the things I think are important in the world and did something about it.”
The News & Advance also published a story and an editorial on Warren’s many contributions to the Hill City.
From 1969 through 1994 Dr. Warren took on a diverse set of roles at University of Lynchburg including professor of counseling and human development, dean of the school of education, dean of students, interim director of church relations, and director of counselor education. He also served as the executive director of the Virginia Counselors Association. In August of 2008 Dr. Warren was asked to serve as interim chaplain at University of Lynchburg until June 30, 2009. In 2012, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by the College.
In 1996, Dr. Warren was elected to Lynchburg City Council, and served as mayor from 1998 to 2000. His numerous local volunteer activities have included board service for Kids’ Haven, Big Brothers-Big Sisters, Mental Health Association, Free Clinic, Interfaith Outreach, New Land Jobs, Christmas in April, Lynchburg Grows, Voices, and America’s Promise. In 2006, Dr. Warren served as chair of the United Way of Central Virginia’s Annual Campaign.
Among Dr. Warren’s numerous awards are: Humanitarian and Caring Person Award from the American Counseling Association, Peace Education Award from the Lynchburg Peace Education Center, National Conference of Christians and Jews Humanitarian Award, the Liberty Bell Award from the Lynchburg Bar Association, the Career Service Award from the Virginia Counselors Association, and the George Stewart Award from the Lynchburg Area Chamber of Commerce.
