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Third graduation ceremony: “Stellenbosch today is a much better university”
Author: Corporate Communications Division
Published: 20/03/2018

​​​ Students from the faculties of AgriSciences as well as Medicine and Health Sciences of Stellenbosch University (SU) graduated this afternoon, while the University also bestowed honorary doctorates on Prof Peter Jones, Prof André Nel and Dr Imtiaz Sooliman.

In his welcoming address at the ceremony, Prof Wim de Villiers, SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor, said: “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 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."

 


Against the backdrop of valuable lessons from the institution's complex history, SU's Centenary signifies a new beginning for the University, De Villiers said. “We strive to be a relevant institution that plays 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."

 


“I always tell people that Stellenbosch today is a much better university than when I obtained my MBChB and MMed here in 1983 and 1991 respectively. And that is mainly for three reasons: We are more research-intensive; we are becoming ever more diverse while also maintaining a module pass rate of over 85% – among the highest in the country – in line with our aim of broadening access with success, and we have a greater international outlook."

 


“This we also see reflected in AgriSciences, one of the University's four founding faculties. Held in high regard globally, the Faculty occupies the top position in Africa on the QS World University Rankings by subject for both agriculture and forestry," he added.

The honorary doctorate recipients Jones, Nel, and Sooliman expressed their thankfulness when addressing the guests.

Jones:  " No honour can beat the honour that you get from your home country. I am also grateful to the people who helped me to where I am today."

Nel: " It is an honour and privilege to receive this honour from my alma mater."

Sooliman: " I am honour to be honour by this university and people of the town."

To read the Rector's speech, click here.

Read more about the 13 recipients of the honorary doctorates of SU here .