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At the age of 75,  Dr Hanneke Meyer proved that dreams are not age-bound as she strutted across the stage to be conferred a Master of Divinity degree cum laude during the 28 June 2018 morning graduation session at the University of the Free State (UFS). Dr Meyer was capped and hooded to the background music of a standing ovation from guests and fellow graduates from the Faculties of Economic and Management Sciences, Education, Health Sciences, the Humanities, Law, and Theology and Religion.

Prof Fanie Snyman, Dean of the Faculty of Theology and Religion, said, “It is a delight to have Hanneke as a student. What I appreciate over and above her academic abilities, is the way in which she is part of the class even though she is old enough to be the grandmother of her fellow classmates. Don't forget that she holds a PhD in Education! A remarkable achievement by a remarkable person!”

Dr Max du Preez, author, political analyst, and 2016 UFS Honorary Doctorate recipient, was the guest speaker at both sessions where he passed the baton of the race towards nation-building to the 458 master’s and doctoral graduates. “Our generation has failed this country. I hope your generation does not repeat the same mistake.” 

The Chancellor, Dr Khotso Mokhele, shared Dr Du Preez’s sentiments by highlighting the responsibility of all individuals towards creating a favourable future. “We can't bring Madiba back. What then do we do?” In essence, the Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Francis Petersen, responded to this thought-provoking question by saying that integrity should be deeply embedded in graduates as they go out into the world to carry out their purpose.
 
Three Dean’s Medals were awarded to Lesley Jean Wright for outstanding performance in her Master of Education with specialisation in Psychology of Education, Sophia Lynn Pitcher who graduated with a Master of Arts with specialisation in Hebrew, and Johannes Prinsloo who emerged top of his Master of Divinity class.