​“We are thankful to people who, with generous donations, make it possible for others to get a good education. We thank them because they help to change the lives of students for the better."

With these words, Prof Wim de Villiers, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University (SU), on Wednesday (10 October 2018), expressed the institution's gratitude to one of its most prominent donors Mr Pat Goss. Having made his mark in the business world, Goss recently donated a significant amount in the form of bursaries for needy students in Simonsberg Mens Residence on the Stellenbosch campus. He is a former Matie and resident of Simonsberg and it was therefore fitting that a function was held at the residence to thank him.

Apart from De Villiers and the Goss couple, some of their friends, Dr Leslie van Rooi, SU's Senior Director for Social Impact and Transformation and also Simonberg's Residence Head, and Prof Niel Krige, Chair of US's Development Office, attended the event. The bursary holders were also announced during the function. A total of 13 students received bursaries.

For Ridhwaan Allie, a BA Humanities student, it was wonderful to hear that he was one of the bursary holders, while Edward Buys, who studies towards a degree in Education, was surprised to be a recipient.

“This bursary means a lot to me because it will relieve the finance pressure on my mother," Buys said.

Another happy recipient, Simon van Eeden, who studies Sports Science, said the scholarship will help him complete his studies in the allotted time.

“My mother is very pleased that I got a scholarship because now she does not have to worry about where the money for my studies will come from," said Jay Stevens, another Sport Science student.

In his short address, Mr Goss said it is an enormous pleasure to contribute to the overall funding of SU and to help students study here.

• ​Main photo: Bursary holders with Pat Goss, his wife Karin, Jannie Mouton, GT Ferreira and Prof Wim de Villiers at the event.
  
• Photo 1: Pat Goss speaks to the bursary holders and other Simonberg's residents. Photographer: Marcel Kok