​Lights, camera, action! Stellenbosch University (SU) has launched a series of documentary short films that showcases the personal stories of current and former Matie students and their experiences.

The series, titled Always a Matie/Altyd 'n Matie, aims to address some of the curiosities of alumni regarding their alma mater and to explore the central question of "What does being a Matie mean to you?".

Says Karen Bruns, SU's Senior Director of Development and Alumni Relations: "Stellenbosch University is synonymous with academic excellence and innovation, picturesque campuses, well-equipped buildings and vibrant student communities. But what are the lived experiences of current and former students? How have things changed and do we still deliver well-rounded graduates who are on a path to become captains of industry?

"We decided to use the medium of film to explore these questions and enlisted the help of older and more recent alumni, as well as current students, to tell their stories," she explains.

The first short films in the Always a Matie series specifically look at six areas, namely bursaries, disability, sport, innovation, student leadership, and the arts, and give alumni and current students the opportunity to share what impact the University has had on their lives.

The films feature SU's Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Wim de Villiers, together with recent graduates of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wandile and Wanele Ganya; Melanie Verwoerd, a student leader during the 1980s and former MP, diplomat, and director of UNICEF Ireland and Axolile Qina, current chairperson of SU's Student Representative Council; world champion Paralympian Ilse Hayes, and artist Louise Gelderblom, to name but a few.

These films will be placed on SU's Alumni YouTube channel , and will also be shared on Facebook and Twitter .  You may also request a copy of the DVD of all six films by emailing alumni@sun.ac.za.

• Each of the Maties featured in the series thus far generously shared their journey with us and we invite you to suggest other stories that demonstrate what it means to be a Matie.