Stellenbosch University
Welcome to Stellenbosch University
Help us raise R99 999 in 99 days
Author: Development & Alumni / Ontwikkeling & Alumni
Published: 14/09/2017

​​Stellenbosch University (SU) is gearing up for its 100th birthday celebrations in 2018! And what better way to drum up some excitement around the upcoming centenary and add to our bursary coffers, than with a campaign to highlight everything worth celebrating about SU.

With that in mind, the Development and Alumni Relations Division (DAR), in collaboration with the Student Representative Council (SRC), launched the #SU99 campaign on Wednesday, 20 September. And even SA musician, Garth Taylor, was on hand to help with the lunchtime launch in the Neelsie when he performed a few of his songs. ​

This campaign will run for 99 days until the 27th of December and provides ample opportunity for staff members and current students to give their small change to make a change on campus and for alumni and friends of the University to add SU onto their Christmas gift list.

Says Marvin Koopman, Alumni Relations Co-ordinator: “We will place branded collection boxes on the Stellenbosch, Tygerberg and USB campuses for staff and students to donate their 99 cents (or more) with the aim of raising R99 999 in 99 days."

“#SU99 is also a way to show you just how easy it really is to give back and make a positive difference. From bursaries, to capacity building programmes, with your support this university can send skilled students out into the world, prepared to contribute to a brighter future."

According to Cheryl Benadie, Donor Relations Manager at DAR, the objective is to raise awareness of the upcoming centenary and the new Stellenbosch University Annual Fund. The money raised will go into the new Annual Fund. Money in this Fund could be directed towards worthy causes - in this case, bursaries for deserving students - at the discretion of the Rector, Prof Wim de Villiers.

Benadie says there is a perception that Stellenbosch University is a 'rich' institution and therefore does not need money. “The assumption that all Stellenbosch students are from affluent backgrounds is also incorrect. A recent analysis showed that 41% of our students last year were from the so-called missing middle, i.e. households with a combined income of R600 000 or less per annum.

“We therefore need to implement numerous fundraising initiatives to augment the finances needed to keep us on track to our vision and mission. By giving to Stellenbosch University, you are investing in an inclusive, innovative and future-focused institution, a place of discovery and excellence where staff and students are thought leaders in advancing knowledge in service of all stakeholders," she adds.

"I want to encourage all staff and students to dig deep and wherever you see the alumni-branded boxes, be sure to add a coin or two! And don't forget to use #SU99 on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook and Instragram," concludes Koopman. 

Photo: At the launch of the #SU99 campaign were Hazel Seseko (SRC representative), Cheryl Benadie (Donor Relations Manager), singer Garth Taylor, Kieran Maharaj (Maties Sport), and Shaun Stuart (Alumni Relations Manager).