A music extravaganza, a taste of those familiar class days with "Back to Class" lectures, class reunions, a fun run and mountain-biking experience for sports enthusiasts and a host of Woordfees shows. These were just some of the special events organised for alumni at Stellenbosch University's (SU) second annual Homecoming and Family Weekend for 2017 held on the Stellenbosch campus from 2 to 6 March.
"It was a blast – there's nothing better than welcoming back alumni to a place that shaped their future. This year's Homecoming and Family Weekend gave Maties the opportunity to revisit their alma mater, take a stroll down memory lane and reminisce about the good old student days. And by the looks of things, they certainly did just that," says Shaun Stuart, Manager: Alumni Relations.
"We also had repeat visitors who were here for our inaugural Homecoming Weekend in 2016 and who made sure to participate in 2017," he adds.
The Alumni Office once again elected to collaborate with the Woordfees, SU's literary and art festival, which has made quite a name for itself since its inception in 2000. This partnership meant that alumni could claim a special discount for selected Woordfees shows.
The Homecoming Weekend had an exciting start with an opening concert at Coetzenburg where a host of popular South African artists and musicians performed music by Queen, Abba, Barbara Streisand and Tina Turner, as well as some classical favourites. Artists included Corlea, Jannie Moolman, Emo Adams, Timothy Moloi and Lindiwe Bongani, among others. A special Homecoming VIP area was reserved for alumni, where Prof Wim de Villiers, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of SU, was on hand to do the official welcoming.
For some cerebral stimulation, alumni could support their respective faculties at a series of "Back to Class" faculty talks. Topics covered included the state of the economy and career choices for the world of work in 2050, how technology affects the learning environments, the ageing process and whether you really need Botox, corruption and what you can do about it, and genetically modified food.
Sport enthusiasts could also take in the breath-taking scenery at Coetzenburg while keeping fit at our Homecoming Veldtrap met Woorde race for an 18-km or 35-km mountain bike experience or a 6-km or 12-km fun walk/run.
Don't miss Homecoming 2018 during the University's centenary celebrations!
