Stellenbosch University
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AgriScience's top first years receives recognition
Author: Engela Duvenage
Published: 16/09/2021

Three students in the Faculty of AgriSciences were acknowledged as being among the top first years attending Stellenbosch University in 2020.

Kelsey Dellar and Lize Theunissen, who are both studying towards a BSc in Food Science, were the top students in the mainstream programme, while Kondwani Ngulube was acknowledged as the best student in the faculty in the extended degree programme. Ngulube is working towards a BScAgric in Plant and Soil Sciences.

Dellar comes from Pietermaritzburg, and finished school at St John's Diocesan School for Girls, while Theunissen hails from Caledon, and matriculated from Paarl Girls' High School. Ngulube hails from Zambia, where he also finished his schooling.

Their academic achievements were honoured along with those of the other top students in each of the University's faculties at a virtual event hosted by Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, SU Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Learning and Teaching.

The event also acknowledged the valuable role that lecturers play in support of such academic achievements.

The students all had the opportunity to nominate the lecturer whom they felt had made the greatest contribution to their academic success thus far. Dellar nominated Prof Pieter Gouws of the Department of Food Science, while Theunissen suggested Dr Marietjie Lutz of the Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science. Ms Marisca Coetzee of the SU Language Centre was nominated by Ngulube.

The three AgriSciences students were congratulated as such on their academic achievements by Prof Maret du Toit, vice dean of teaching and learning in the Faculty of Agrisciences: “I know each of the students' journeys were very different in 2020, what with all the challenges of being a first time student and studying online, for instance. Despite the challenges the students embraced the opportunities and excelled academically, which is a testimony of their great character and motivation to reach their goals and dreams."