12 April 2023
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Story André Damons
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Photo Stephen Collett
Prof Francis Petersen, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Free State (UFS), and Dr Maye Musk, recipient of an honorary doctorate in Dietetics, after the graduation ceremony.
Programme: Honorary Doctorate Conferral Ceremony
Dr Maye Musk, one of this year’s recipients of an honorary doctorate from the University of the Free State (UFS), says being
conferred this honorary degree is the best thing that could have happened to her. She was conferred an honorary doctorate in Dietetics on Wednesday (12 April) on the Bloemfontein Campus.
Dr Musk, who – in her acceptance remarks – gave the audience a brief overview of her life and how she ended up obtaining a master’s degree at the UFS, said that she had many happy memories of Bloemfontein and the university and that
her experiences in the city also helped her when she moved to Canada and the USA.
Unexpected
“This was so unexpected. Thank you very much for this honour. My children are very proud of me. This is the best thing that has ever happened to me. It has been wonderful experiences in Bloemfontein and at Kovsies, everybody was great. Thank you,”
said Dr Musk.
Prof Francis Petersen,
Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS, said honorary doctorates are bestowed upon individuals in recognition of their outstanding contribution to a particular field or society. It is based on generous and altruistic actions or lifetime accomplishments
that benefit a community, nation, or humanity in general; Dr Musk meets these criteria and is a worthy recipient of a University of the Free State honorary doctorate.
Worthy recipient of a UFS honorary doctorate
In his congratulatory message to Dr Musk, Prof Petersen said that as an alumna of the UFS, Dr Musk is already a valued part of the university community.
“It is indeed a great honour for me to congratulate a very worthy recipient of a UFS honorary doctorate. A woman who has made her mark with grace and poise across the globe in the vital field of nutrition and dietetics, and whose passionate contribution
to her profession will continue to reverberate wherever her popular publication is prescribed, studied, and its principles applied.”
“Dr Musk, today we participate in what you have achieved in the field of nutrition, healthy living, and wellness. May this gesture of recognition inspire you to keep on being successful and making an impact wherever you go. And may you always remember
that you are part of our UFS community – and our family – here in the Free State.”
Prof Petersen said the UFS’ relationship with its alumni is one of university’s most cherished assets. The university acknowledges the fact that the relationship between a university and its alumni is a very special, and in essence,
a symbiotic one: your success is our success, and vice versa.
Passion for nutrition and empowerment
Dr Musk is an international best-selling author, dietitian, model, and public speaker. Her book, A woman makes a plan, is available in 100 countries and published in 30 languages. She has run her own nutrition business in eight cities and three
countries for more than 45 years. Her company offered professional services in counselling, speaking, consulting, writing, and media work. In addition to her skills, Dr Musk’s leadership traits pivoted her into being the first Representative
of the Consulting Dietitians of South Africa, President of the Consulting Dietitians of Canada, and Chair of the Nutrition Entrepreneurs, Academy of Dietetics and Nutrition.
Paving the way for many to follow in her footsteps, Dr Musk was the first dietitian to run a website, and the only dietitian to take the registration exams in three countries. Her passion for nutrition and empowerment has seen her speak at events around
the world, including Melbourne, Stockholm, Kiev, Budapest, Cannes, Beirut, and most of the major cities in the USA, Canada, and South Africa. She also won the Outstanding Nutrition Entrepreneur Award in the USA.
Luncheon celebrating 40th anniversary of UFS Department of Nutrition and Dietetics
After the graduation ceremony, a luncheon took place to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the UFS Department of Nutrition and Dietetics,
which was established in 1983. Dr Musk was the guest of honour at the event, which was attended by staff and students from the department, alumni, university friends of Dr Musk, and dietitians on the training platform in Bloemfontein.