The first graduation ceremony of the centenary year of Stellenbosch University (SU) kicked off in splendour tonight (19 March 2018) with more than 1500 degrees and diplomas that were awarded to students in the University's biggest faculty: Economic and Management Sciences.
As part of its centenary commemoration, SU also bestowed honorary doctorates upon Mr Patrice Motsepe and Mr Jannie Mouton during the ceremony. They are part of 13 prominent thought-leaders to be honoured with honorary degrees during this graduation week.
The Vice-Rector: Learning and Teaching, Prof Arnold Schoonwinkel, addressed the graduates and guests at the ceremony stating that over the past hundred years SU has grown into one of Africa's leading higher-education institutions.
“Against the background of valuable lessons from our complex history, our Centenary signifies a new beginning for Stellenbosch University. We strive to be a relevant institution playing a key role in the development of our nation, and our continent. And we are committed to contribute to a society of dignity, healing, justice, freedom and equality for all," said Schoonwinkel.
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According to Schoonwinkel the group of graduands at SU represent the priorities the University values namely inclusivity, excellence and social impact.
“By the end of this week's graduation ceremonies, and following those of December 2017, we will again have awarded a record number of qualifications for a single academic year – 9 032 qualifications in total, including 1 620 master's degrees and 305 PhDs. These are phenomenal numbers! Clearly, Stellenbosch University is making an invaluable contribution as a national asset," he says.
“Our Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences was created seven years after the University was established in 1918. Back then, it was a bold step, because the field of commerce was a novelty just appearing on the academic landscape. Soon, however, the success of this experiment became apparent, judging from the Faculty's continuous growth, the influence of its academics and the outstanding careers of its many alumni through the years."
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The Faculty's current student numbers – some 5 200 undergraduate and 3 500 postgraduate students, with nearly as many women as men – are far removed from the first intake of only 15 men in 1925.
Schoonwinkel welcomed the recent announcement by the state that “fully subsidised, free higher education and training for poor and working-class South Africans" will be phased in. He said that additional bursary support will still be required and thanked all donors helping SU to provide opportunities to the next generation of talented students making an impact globally.
Messrs Motsepe and Mouton both addressed the audience.
“We are celebrating Stellenbosch university and Madiba's 100 years. This country needs to uphold the principles of Nelson Mandela," said Motsepe.
Mouton said: "Take your time, focus on the opportunities, do not focus on the bad. Start a great company and employ people."
Read more about the 13 recipients of the honorary doctorates of SU here .
