| Professor Tulio de Oliveira honoured with 2024 honorary award at mass SRC reunion | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10868 | | Professor Tulio de Oliveira honoured with 2024 honorary award at mass SRC reunion | Development and Alumni Relations/ Afdeling Ontwikkeling en Alumnibetrekkinge | <p>Stellenbosch University's (SU) Development and Alumni Relations Division, in collaboration with the Old SRC Chairpersons' Club, hosted a prestigious mass SRC reunion during the 2024 Maties Homecoming period (on Friday13 September) where Prof Tulio de Oliveira was presented with the Club's Honorary Award.<br></p><p>This award is given annually to a member of the SU Convocation who has made a significant contribution to South African society. Among the 270 guests were esteemed alumni including Amanda le Roux from the 1968 SRC, Dr Theo de Jager, current SU Convocation President, and Justice Edwin Cameron, SU Chancellor and former 1976 SRC member. Peggy Vreken (2000), Nomzamo Ntombela (2017), Wynoma Michaels (1999) and outgoing SRC President for 2023-2024, Phiwokuhle Qabaka, were some of the women former presidents who attended the reunion.</p><p>De Oliveira, a world-renowned bioinformatician, received the award for his groundbreaking contributions to science, most notably his work in sequencing the Omicron variant of COVID-19. In his acceptance speech, he shared two powerful stories of how bioinformatics has influenced pivotal global events. The first was the case of six foreign doctors who were imprisoned in Libya for seven years, accused of deliberately infecting 400 children with HIV. De Oliveira and a team of scientists provided critical evidence that showed the virus was present at the Al Fateh Children's Hospital in Benghazi before the doctors arrived. Their findings revealed that the HIV outbreak was likely caused by poor infection control practices, ultimately leading to the doctors' release.</p><p>The second story detailed his role in sequencing the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus, which revealed its unique properties of rapid spread and distinct symptoms. His decision to inform the South African government, despite knowing the implications of extended lockdowns and economic repercussions, undoubtedly saved lives. However, it also placed him and his team under immense pressure, including death threats, necessitating security at both the SU Biomedical Research Institute and his home.</p><p>Reflecting on these experiences, De Oliveira emphasised the difficult choices leaders must often make for the greater good, even at great personal risk. He drew parallels between the challenges faced by scientists and those encountered by the past SU SRC leaders, stating, “A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others." His message resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom have held leadership roles during their time at the university and continue to do so in industry, society, the academy, and community today.</p><p>Dr Pieter-Schalk Bothma, Chairperson of the Old SRC Chairpersons' Club, closed the evening by thanking De Oliveira for his profound message and presenting him with the award. The event was a celebration of leadership, service, and the courage to make a difference, qualities embodied by both De Oliveira and the many distinguished former SRC members present.</p><p>The Mass SRC Reunion, which was held for the first time in 20 years, was a memorable evening, highlighting the ongoing impact of SU leadership alumni in South Africa and beyond.</p><p> <br></p><p>Photo credit: Go Trolley<br></p><p><br></p> |
| Stellenbosch University's CECO Awarded for excellence in business events at SAACI 2024 annual congress | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10796 | | Stellenbosch University's CECO Awarded for excellence in business events at SAACI 2024 annual congress | Jeraldine Menon, Innovus | <p>The Central Events and Conferencing Office (CECO) of Stellenbosch University (SU) was honoured with the Business Events Community Award at the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry's (SAACI) 2024 annual congress as part of the Enkula Awards.</p><p>Anita Nel, Chief Director Innovation and Commercialisation, says this award truly reflects CECO's impact on business tourism activity in Stellenbosch. "It highlights the team's exceptional efforts to transform the community's social, cultural, and environmental landscape through innovative event management." </p><p>CECO, which forms part of SUNCOM and operates under the umbrella of Factory 209, has quickly established itself as an invaluable resource for event planning across the University's various divisions and the broader business community in Stellenbosch. It caters to a diverse client base, including staff, students, alumni, and external stakeholders. By incorporating a one-stop-shop, streamlined approach, CECO has successfully simplified the often-complex world of event planning by making it accessible and efficient for all involved.</p><p>Catherine Channing, manager of CECO, said the office's success is evident in its portfolio, which spans a wide range of events from intimate meetings, conferences, large-scale sporting events, concerts and film productions. "The ability to adapt, coupled with their commitment to excellence, has enhanced CECO's event offerings and positioned the town of Stellenbosch as a premier destination for business events."</p><p>The annual Meet Stellenbosch event, an initiative that has been instrumental in showcasing the town's potential as a business destination, has also contributed to CECO's success by challenging them to do better every year and to remain on trend with the industry standard. Stellenbosch's independent feature in the recent rankings on the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Country and City reflects the impact of such activities, marking the first time the town has been listed separately from Cape Town.</p><p>According to Channing, CECO's "#BeyondEventing" philosophy underscores its commitment to creating a lasting positive impact in the business, social and academic community. "This approach has set a clear standard in the industry, proving that innovation in event management can be a powerful tool for social and economic development. CECO regularly collaborates with local SMEs and organisations to ensure that small businesses and entrepreneurs are listed as suppliers, ensuring that they receive an income," says Channing.</p><p>"The award, presented at the SAACI Congress on July 29, 2024, highlights CECO's potential for future innovation and growth. As SU continues to strengthen its position as a leader in higher education and innovation in Africa, CECO's role in stimulating the local economy and fostering community engagement will further reinforce Stellenbosch University's reputation as a hub of innovation and excellence," says Channing.<br><br></p><p><br></p> |
| Staff get a 15% discount on Homecoming tickets | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10779 | | Staff get a 15% discount on Homecoming tickets | Development & Alumni Relations | <p></p><p>The Development and Alumni Relations Division is ready to roll out the maroon carpet for the University's 9<sup>th</sup> annual Homecoming Weekend taking place from Thursday 12 September to Saturday 14 September 2024 on the Stellenbosch and Tygerberg campuses. </p><p>Homecoming is a time to celebrate our alumni, but we also want our amazing staff members to join in on the fun: Staff can enjoy a 15% discount on Homecoming tickets. Simply use the promo code <strong>Matie </strong>when booking.</p><p>Don't miss out, this offer ends on <strong>18 August</strong>.<br></p><p>Come tee off at the golf day, catch a theatre performance, mingle with old friends at the Alumni Clubhouse, engage in discussions, and reminisce at year-group reunions. To top it all off, we're hosting an unforgettable concert featuring a lineup of talented alumni.</p><p><a href="https://console.vpaper.ca/stellenbosch-university/homecoming2024/"><strong>Click here</strong></a> for the full Homecoming programme and <a href="https://www.quicket.co.za/events/259049-homecoming-tuiskoms-2024#/"><strong>here</strong></a><strong> </strong>to book your ticket. To whet your appetite, you can <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02UF2r5Qznk"><strong>watch</strong></a> the highlights of Homecoming 2023.</p><p>Any questions? Contact us at <a href="mailto:homecoming@sun.ac.za">homecoming@sun.ac.za</a> or +27 21 808 4179.</p> |
| A top legal expert with a passion for art | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10746 | | A top legal expert with a passion for art | Development & Alumni Relations | <p>Liesl Fichardt is not just a top tax lawyer, but also an advocate for the arts. While she has established herself as a leader in the legal world, her love for art runs deep, evident in her roles as a trustee, patron, and advisory board member of art foundations and institutions.<br></p><p>This Matie alumna has established herself as a leading figure in the legal world as chair and head of the International Tax Disputes and Resolution team at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP in the United Kingdom. She is also a Trustee of the Stellenbosch University SA Foundation UK. Liesl is dual qualified in the UK (solicitor of England and Wales) and South Africa (advocate of the High Court). Previously, she was head of the tax disputes team at Clifford Chance LLP in London and, while an advocate in Cape Town until 2005, also acted as a judge of the High Court in 2004. <br></p><p>Liesl and her team engage in complex tax and regulatory disputes for global corporations and high-net-worth individuals. She is also actively involved in several prestigious organisations, including the International Taxes Committee of the Law Society and the Advisory Board for the MSc (International Tax) at Oxford University. <br></p><p>Despite thriving on foreign soil, South Africa calls on her from time to time. "Later this year, I shall participate as a speaker at the International Fiscal Association Congress in Cape Town," she says. <br></p><p>Liesl is however not only a successful legal professional but also active in the art world. "My love for art comes from my childhood," she recalls. "I saw an art exhibition in Bloemfontein when I was five years old, and I was mesmerised. Over the years, some of my best friends have been artists, and they have always inspired me to do what I am able to do, to the best of my ability." <br></p><p>This early fascination with art has driven her to play an active role in various art groups and initiatives. She serves as a trustee and member of the International Council of the Norval Foundation in Cape Town and is a Trustee of the Contemporary Art Society in the UK, where she co-chairs their Development Board and Frieze Acquisitions Board.<br></p><p>Her law firm, Quinn Emanuel's commitment to the arts is evident through an in-house artists-in-residence initiative known as the QE AIR programme. <br></p><p>"This was conceived during and after the Covid lockdown when lawyers started to work more often from home or remotely," Liesl says. "We had excess office space, which we have made available as artists' studios in our offices in Los Angeles, New York, and London."<br></p><p>Liesl's passion does not only stop at the arts, but she is also helping law students at her alma mater. Reflecting on her involvement with the AMICUS Fund, she highlights its role in supporting law students. "There is no direct link with the arts, but via the AMICUS Fund and various art initiatives, we are able to support others in need."<br></p><p>For professionals aspiring to pursue their passions alongside their careers, Liesl offers sage advice. <br></p><p>"I always wanted to believe that you will be successful when you do what you love – but life does not always work like that. What has worked for me is to work hard at what I do in my legal career. This in turn has enabled me to do what I love and give back what I can in both the legal and art worlds – for me, they have become the perfect parallel universes."<br></p><p><br></p> |
| Rudolph is creating space for others to thrive | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10747 | | Rudolph is creating space for others to thrive | Development & Alumni Relations | <p>Born and raised in the Cape Winelands, the once aspiring professional golfer, Rudolph du Toit, finds his value, calling, and purpose in helping create a platform for people to grow and strive for more. <br></p><p>Rudolph completed his school career in Paarl and after his matric year at Boishaai in 2011 he took a gap year. <br></p><p>Fast forward a few years and the founder and current managing director of ARVO – a company focused on headhunting and recruitment – has built his career on the foundation of creating opportunities. ARVO is based in Cape Town, but every ARVO staff member works remotely, across the globe.<br></p><p>His passion for sports, people, and spending time helping the vulnerable in under-resourced communities has laid a healthy foundation that has allowed him to impact lives. <br></p><p>Playing off a plus 2 golf handicap, his earlier years were marked by a strong emphasis on sports, which continued during his time at Stellenbosch University. Following the completion of his social dynamics degree in 2013, he wanted to help people succeed in life, directly impacting them, but he did not know what that looks like in the corporate world. <br></p><p>His search led him to a postgraduate qualification in marketing, which allowed him to understand that he could connect business and his passion. He soon discovered his passion for business and entrepreneurship during this time around 2016.<br></p><p>"Studies were not [my] everything, sport was, and I was very good at it," Rudolph says. "My primary and high school years were some of my best memories, so much so that I still have friends who were with me at Paarl Boys Primary. These are some of my most valuable friendships. <br></p><p>"After a gap year spent playing golf overseas and coaching cricket in townships around Paarl, I found my calling during my time at Stellenbosch University. Seeing people thrive and having a hand in that makes me happy."<br></p><p>He recalls that it was during a lecture, while the professor was teaching, that something in his heart awoken. "I saw business as a platform to touch lives and impact those around you. This realisation led me to co-find a business with two friends, an experience that shaped my entrepreneurial journey. When I told my dad I wanted to give this a go, my parents backed me all the way."<br></p><p>Rudolph says one of his biggest learnings was that he does not want to do business on his own but with people who bring different skills to the table. <br></p><p>His vision for ARVO is deeply rooted in finding the right people for the right positions in the right working environment. "Our focus is on managerial and executive positions – finance, marketing, and engineering," he explains. "We position ourselves as professionals and find out what it takes to find the right person. Predominantly, people join amazing companies with great vision and mission statements, and they leave because of management styles and culture. We aim to influence the culture."<br></p><p>ARVO's name and ethos reflect his approach to business. "I saw a message on a friend's WhatsApp – 'Surf tomorrow, arvo?' I thought it was such a cool word and I asked about it. <br></p><p>"It reflects how we do business, very relational, and very fun, but at the same time it is excellent and in a class of its own."<br></p><p>Rudolph is committed to using his business as a platform to make a positive impact. "My work is not who I am. My relationship with the Lord, my wife, my family, and my health are above work. I want to be known as someone who always walked in humility, putting other interests above my own. I aim to put other people in the spotlight and create space for others to thrive."</p> |
| Spes Bona Initiative uplifts medical students | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10733 | | Spes Bona Initiative uplifts medical students | Development & Alumni Relations | <p></p><p>While working in Cape Town hospitals for a year, Belgian medical doctors and Stellenbosch University (SU) international medical graduates Edouard Hosten and Charlotte Maillard were struck by the poor living conditions of some local medical students. They decided to do something about it.<br></p><p>“My wife (Charlotte) and I worked in SU affiliated hospitals in Cape Town in 2019-20 where we witnessed first-hand the dire living and training conditions of some medical students. We wanted to make a difference by financially supporting these students to improve their living conditions and support them in their studies. Thus, we created two nonprofit organisations (NPOs) in Belgium and South Africa in order to collect money and distribute bursaries to medical students in need," says Ed.<br></p><p>This led to the establishment of the Spes Bona Initiative for Medical Education in 2020 by Ed along with 15 other young South African and Belgian colleagues and friends.</p><p>“Almost everyone involved in the initiative lived and worked in South Africa at some point and has an innate love for the country and its people," he says.<br></p><p>The Spes Bona Initiative offers top-up bursaries to qualifying Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery, BSc in Physiotherapy and Bachelor of Speech-Language and Hearing Therapy students from several South African universities, including SU, for the duration of their studies. The scholarship covers accommodation, food and other basic expenses such as toiletries, stationery or textbooks. Mentorship and moral support are also provided. So far 16<strong> </strong>students have benefited from the initiative since 2020.</p><p> In June this year, the Spes Bona Initiative for Medical Education awarded a further six bursaries to medical students from SU.</p><p>Students' selection is primarily based on their financial situation, but they must also have demonstrated commitment to altruism, including involvement in charity work, community projects or academic mentorship.<br> <br>“We raise money by organising charity events and by selling our own beer and chocolate (we're Belgian after all!). But our main source of funding comes from the financial support of several private donors in Belgium and internationally," Ed says. “We recently organised a 20 km run in Brussels in which 35 people participated and which raised more than 5000€ (R95 000)."</p><p>The certified emergency medicine (EM) physician who has for the past seven years been involved in acute clinical care, says his involvement in the Spes Bona Initiative has brought him immense joy and fulfilment. </p><p>“It has allowed me to bring together many of my friends around the crucial issues of healthcare studies, accessibility and workforce development."</p><p>In addition to being a staunch advocate of high-quality EM resident education in Belgium, Ed also developed a particular interest in the health impacts and the adaptation of health systems to climate change. </p><p>“Developing systemic and multidisciplinary thinking around these fundamental issues in order to build supportive, resilient and sustainable healthcare, is the focus of my endeavours," he says.<br></p><p><br></p> |
| Alumna takes on Comrades for 'missing middle' students | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10732 | | Alumna takes on Comrades for 'missing middle' students | Development & Alumni Relations | <p>Candice van Wijk finished her first Comrades Marathon with a bronze medal and a massive smile on her face. A smile that not only beamed with joy at being able to complete the demanding race but also with awe and wonder at the remarkable generosity and humanity displayed by her fellow Maties and South Africans.<br></p><p>The Stellenbosch University (SU) alumna was one of 60 SU staff, students and alumni who ran the Comrades Marathon in June as part of the #Move4Maties initiative to raise funds for the “missing middle" students who do not qualify for the government's National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).</p><p>“To be very honest, I wasn't even aware of these 'missing middle' students, which is why it is so important to raise awareness," said Candice. “During this campaign, I watched how 'minimal' contributions from many newly informed people like me grew to become an impactful amount."<br></p><p>Candice, who moved to Luxembourg with her husband (also a fellow Matie) 10 years ago, added: “This campaign was a massive eye opener for me. I was very privileged to study at Stellenbosch University, qualifying as a chartered accountant and enjoying the opportunities that this unlocked for me. But thanks to Alwin Mabuza (Individual and Regular Fundraiser at Development and Alumni Relations), I was able to participate in this initiative and give back to fellow Maties and feel like a real Matie for the first time in years. <br></p><p>“Even more inspiring was to see a fellow Matie (Chris Zaayman, a former NSFAS beneficiary who graduated in March this year with an MBA from Stellenbosch Business School) who actually benefited from an initiative like this going all out to raise as much awareness and funds as possible."<br></p><p>The Bachelor of Accounting graduate (2008) qualified for the Comrades after running the Sofico Ghent Marathon in Belgium with a fellow Matie “who ran with the sole purpose of seeing me qualify".<br></p><p>She said of her participation in the gruelling 2024 Comrades Marathon: “I loved the event. I have never experienced South Africa this way before, so unified and filled with hope. It felt like I touched the heartbeat of South Africa.<br></p><p>“The hardest part for me was parting ways with an amazing <em>oom </em>that I met on the run. We ran together for 50 kms. He encouraged me and was very generous with his knowledge and experience. I was so blessed to have met him. With 30 kms to go he insisted that I run ahead. I felt very sad to leave him behind but very happy to hear afterwards that he finished well, collecting his eleventh medal in the process. It's strange, isn't it … I started doing this to help someone else, but in the end it's me who walks away blessed."</p><p>Candice currently works as an accountant for Andy Schleck, a former professional road bicycle racer and 2010 Tour de France winner.<br></p><p>“We try to come home at least once a year but as our family grew so did the air ticket prices. So, now we travel home every two years, with our family visiting us in between. I love Luxembourg and I am grateful for the life we've built here, but my heart will always belong to South Africa."<br></p> |
| Maties lecturer tackling up-hill Comrades for students in need AND healthy brain cells | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10637 | | Maties lecturer tackling up-hill Comrades for students in need AND healthy brain cells | Faculty of Science (media and communication) | <p>Prof Ben Loos, head of the Department of Physiological Sciences at Stellenbosch University (SU), will use the challenge posed by the Comrades Marathon – also called “the ultimate human race" – to raise funds for science students in need.<br></p><p>This will be his second Comrades Marathon, but his first time tackling the uphill race.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“I know it sounds a bit mad to run almost 90 km, for fun. The run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg is going to be a tough run, almost a whole marathon length up-hill. I am quite worried, and that is probably a good thing!" he commented this week. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">But besides running for students in need, he has another reason for keeping fit! His research group in the Department of Physiological Sciences at SU studies the biology and physiology of the cell, using advanced microscopy and biochemistry tools to understand what goes wrong in our brain cells in the case of neurodegenerative diseases and cancer.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“We know that exercise increases the levels of autophagy, a cellular process during which brain cells get rid of damaged proteins, thereby decreasing the risk for the onset of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. This is where my research interest and the running come together," he explains. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">He hopes to raise at least R20 000: “It has been a hard beginning of the year for the students, with many struggling financially, often because funding has been tight and delayed. Their resilience and grit are inspiring and wants you to do more," he says.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“We are proud of our students, and we look to them for new ideas and solutions. They do the tough work, and often push past what is possible, for a better blot, a better micrograph, another repeat, a novel approach, and that often under immense personal pressure and financial vulnerability. This deserves celebration." </p><p style="text-align:justify;">While he enjoys the Comrades Marathon's incredible spirit of togetherness, it is for him also a celebration of life and conquering that which at first seemed unachievable.</p><p>Please support Prof Loos' initiative at the <a href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https://www.givengain.com/project/ben-raising-funds-for-stellenbosch-university-south-africa-78574&data=05%7c02%7c%7c95884a6ed7a947e5f5c608dc75ac867a%7ca6fa3b030a3c42588433a120dffcd348%7c0%7c0%7c638514631063788613%7cUnknown%7cTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7c0%7c%7c%7c&sdata=GUVPyj44jnbj6HLD/o0mBnDdE3BjKte17ihCzU2mvc8%3D&reserved=0">GivenGain platform</a>, where he will be joining a growing number of SU staff, students and alumni running the #Move4Maties Comrades Marathon for students in need. </p><p>Click <a href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https://chat.whatsapp.com/DD9JPhA0eky01q0E5tw0rF&data=05%7c02%7c%7c95884a6ed7a947e5f5c608dc75ac867a%7ca6fa3b030a3c42588433a120dffcd348%7c0%7c0%7c638514631063800000%7cUnknown%7cTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7c0%7c%7c%7c&sdata=Iab0Qxzg/EFEfo311cI6epJlwwah2OW5zLmpSJrUVF4%3D&reserved=0">here</a> to join the #Move4Maties Comrades Marathon WhatsApp group.</p><p>In April this year, <a href="/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10583">Dr Marietjie Lutz</a> raised over R60 000 for BSc chemistry students in need when she cycled a gruelling 600 kilometres in six days.</p><p>On the image above - Cells undergoing the process of autophagy: The green vesicles in the image are so-called autophagosomes – small vesicles that are responsible for the engulfment of cargo to be degraded. Here, the cell is very active and in the process of removing old and damaged proteins. These proteins are broken down into their separate molecules, which are then available again for the cell to build new ones or to generate energy. A very efficient recycling system at play. Images: Ben Loos<br></p><p><br></p> |
| Two FMHS professors land prestigious Fulbright Scholarships | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10620 | | Two FMHS professors land prestigious Fulbright Scholarships | FMHS Marketing & Communications – Sue Segar | <p></p><p>Stellenbosch University's (SU) Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) celebrates two faculty members awarded prestigious Fulbright Scholarships. </p><p>Professors Eileen Africa and Conran Joseph will use this opportunity to enhance their expertise in the US and contribute their learnings to South Africa's healthcare landscape. The Fulbright program allows South African university faculty to conduct research in their field for 3-9 months at a US institution.</p><p><strong>From local kinderkinetics initiative to US Play Strong programme</strong> </p><p>Africa, who heads up the Kinderkinetics honours programme within the Division of Movement Science and Exercise Therapy, travels to Ohio State University's College of Medicine in November to work with Prof James MacDonald, a paediatrician familiar with her Kinderkinetics work. </p><p>MacDonald is involved with a medically supervised wellness programme, called “Play Strong", which uses play to demonstrate the benefits of activity and encourages healthy fitness habits at home. </p><p>“Play Strong aligns closely with our Kinderkinetics programme at SU," says Africa. “Their programme is a part of the Nationwide Children's Hospital's offering, while ours is an external service. I believe I can learn a great deal from this programme and its application.</p><p>“I am interested in learning how they manage this programme in the hospital setting. We can certainly benefit from this," she said.</p><p>Whilst her main goal is to learn what she can at the hospital, Africa said she will explore the possibility of co-authoring an article with MacDonald or initiate a collaborative research project.</p><p>Africa, who has worked in SU's Department of Exercise, Sport and Lifestyle Medicine for 18 years, says the Fulbright Scholarship marks a significant moment in her career. “I took a leap of faith in applying, but I didn't want to get my hopes up. It's an incredible opportunity for my academic career. It opens doors to resources and expertise that I wouldn't have access to otherwise, setting a strong foundation for what I hope will be a fulfilling and impactful career in academia."</p><p>In terms of future plans, Africa says she aims to enhance the effectiveness of her programme, continue to have a positive impact on children in the community, conduct advanced research in paediatric movement science, and publish impactful papers.</p><p><strong>Co-creating a self-management model for people with neurological disorders</strong></p><p>Joseph, who heads the Division of Physiotherapy, will spend six months – from January to June 2025 – at the University of Vermont in Burlington, US, where he will be hosted by Prof Reuben Escorpizo. The two worked together previously on a large, ongoing international project relating to spinal cord injuries.</p><p>“Through this connection, we've developed a shared interest in support mechanisms for people with neurological disorders," says Joseph. “While at Vermont, we will work on an education-related project defining core competencies needed to promote self-management in persons with neurological disorders for rehabilitation sciences programmes."</p><p>The project developed from the need for a more behavioural change approach to managing rehabilitation services, and a shift from “hands-on" interventions to developing problem-solving capabilities and health literacy and self-management education amongst patients with health conditions such as strokes, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, etc.</p><p>“This project is of relevance to both South Africa and the US due to varying indigenous knowledge systems and explanatory models for health, wellbeing, disease and illness," explains Joseph. “To effectively guide towards self-management of health conditions it is essential to understand most of the explanatory models to ensure a culturally appropriate approach to building the therapeutic alliance and frameworks for enabling self-management."</p><p>He hopes his work will result in a “micro-curriculum containing constructs of self-management needed to effectively manage neurological conditions". </p><p>Joseph says he feels privileged to receive a Fulbright research award. “For as long as I've been in academia, it was always something I was striving to apply for one day and I was lucky to be successful."</p><p>He believes the award will provide further opportunities for networking and collaboration in the US. </p><p>“In my field and in the rehabilitation sciences, we have few collaborations with the US, yet there are several touchpoints and linkages with the US in terms of diversity, healthcare inequality, and social determinants of health and wellbeing that we can learn from."</p><p>Joseph says the Fulbright award also provides opportunities for networking and collaboration with the Fulbright network and alumni. He says he hopes to be an ambassador for South Africa, SU, as well as his Division and Department, whilst immersing himself in the culture and society of his host country.</p><p>“As the head of the Division of Physiotherapy, I also hope to promote the further internationalisation of my programme at SU."<br><br></p><p><em>Caption: Professors Eileen Africa and Conran Joseph.</em><br></p> |
| Colleagues team up for fundraising success | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10602 | | Colleagues team up for fundraising success | Development & Alumni Relations | <div>Stellenbosch University (SU) academics and senior leaders have taken up the opportunity to gain valuable fundraising insights at a recent upskilling workshop hosted by the Development and Alumni Relations Division (DAR). The workshop, in its second year, aims to equip participants with the skills and insights to solicit philanthropic funding.<br></div><div><br></div><div>This year’s workshop, entitled “Develop your fundraising pitch”, ran from 22nd to 26th April at the Stellenbosch and Tygerberg campuses and was coordinated by the Major Gifts & International Engagement unit within DAR. The week-long voluntary practice development sessions attracted participants from SU’s faculties, schools, and institutes.</div><div><br></div><div>Graeme Byrne, UK-based consultant at DAR, and founder of Lagotto Solutions, says it was heartening to see colleagues embracing the upskilling initiative.</div><div><br></div><div>According to Byrne, the job of fundraising at universities is not just for the fundraisers. "The philanthropic fundraising initiatives of the university will only be strengthened when DAR continues to partner with academics to raise the profile of the university. Therefore, many of the sessions focused on showing academics how they should go about interacting with fundraisers and how fundraisers should interact with academics. If it is done well, it means that the organisation is more likely to raise big gifts. So much of this is about building the right teams and working well together."</div><div><br></div><div>Byrne, who works with universities throughout the world to help them raise philanthropic income more effectively, says the aim is also to take the fear out of fundraising.</div><div><br></div><div>"I work with a lot of academics, and I always ask them, ‘What scares you about fundraising?’, and the response most often is the thought of being stuck opposite another person asking them for money. That thought can be quite daunting, but the truth is that most of the time they will be working with fundraisers who have years of experience in the field. The idea is that we will work with you to develop relationships and to identify the right time to ask for money.”</div><div><br></div><div>He says when you ask people to consider new ideas or do things that they haven’t done before, there is always a danger that it can be met by a level of cynicism. "But that was not the case when DAR presented the first upskilling programme in 2023, and judging by this year’s attendance, the programme continues to grow from strength to strength."</div><div><br></div><div>Director of Fundraising at DAR, David Marupen, says the upskilling programme was introduced to foster collaboration between DAR and SU colleagues, and to upskill and expose them to best practices that will help attract philanthropic support for projects and initiatives.</div><div><br></div><div>"We wanted to reach as many of our colleagues as possible through this programme because it also ties in with the long-term Strategic Fundraising Plan that we are developing. This strategy aims to not only guide our fundraising activities within DAR, but also within the broader institution," he says.</div><div><br></div><div>According to Marupen, the success of the programme has prompted DAR to plan and host more workshops in the future, ensuring this valuable training reaches a broader audience. <br></div><div><br></div><div><em>Photographer: Ernest Birkenstock<br></em><br></div> |
