Tribute to Dr Alwyn Louw 

We at the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL), along with the rest of the Stellenbosch University (SU) student and staff community, mourn the loss of our colleague Dr Alwyn Louw.

Alwyn had a keen interest in and a significant influence on learning and teaching research and innovation aimed at enhancing students’ learning experiences. He was passionate about students and an exceptional teacher, as is evidenced by his having received the First-year Achievement Award numerous times over the years. First-year students in the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences nominate for recognition the lecturer who has influenced their academic success the most during the often challenging first year of study. Dr Louw’s passion, insight and experience changed and touched the lives of many students in the extended degree programme.

Over the years he had received several grants from the Fund for Innovation and Research in Learning and Teaching (FIRLT), which attests to his dedication to this calling. He often partnered with colleagues and was eagerly invited to participate in research, as his knowledge, expertise and generosity were highly appreciated. As a result of his successful FIRLT projects he often presented at the annual SU Scholarship for Teaching and Learning (SoTL) Conference, and was again scheduled to co-present a paper – which has been shortlisted as a potential prizewinning presentation – at this year’s virtual SoTL Conference.

While these academic accolades are noteworthy, what most of us will remember Alwyn for is his warm-hearted, friendly, kind, generous and approachable personality. Meeting Alwyn in lecture halls, passages or his office, one would be greeted with a ready laugh, an open smile and an inviting nature. We will miss him dearly.​