The University of the Free State (UFS) can boast a storied tradition of graduates who have impacted South Africa and beyond in extraordinary ways. As we prepare for the 40th Chancellor's Distinguished Alumni Awards, we invite the community to help us highlight these remarkable individuals by submitting nominations.

These prestigious awards recognise alumni who, through their achievements, leadership, and service, have exemplified the values of the university and have served as a source of inspiration for generations to come. From pioneers in commerce, science, education, medicine, and the arts to advocates of social justice and community development, our graduates continue to prove that a UFS education is a powerful one.

Going through the steps to nominate a graduate is not merely a formality, but serves as a genuine acknowledgement of one's dedication, excellence, and positive influence. Perhaps you know a graduate whose professional accomplishments have opened up new avenues, or someone whose humble dedication to helping others has changed lives. Their story should be told and honoured.

We encourage staff, students, alumni, and members of the broader community to take part in this important process. Your nomination helps ensure that the awards truly reflect the diversity, excellence, and impact of the UFS alumni community.

Let us come together to honour 40 years of distinguished alumni by recognising those who continue to make us proud. Nominate today and help celebrate the legacy of excellence at the University of the Free State.

The nomination categories are listed below; alumni may be nominated across various categories, taking note of the category criteria for the selected category or categories.

Nominators are requested to secure their nominees’ consent, share their nominees’ brief career highlights, provide a brief motivation, and upload two professional photographs and one three-page professional resume to support a complete nomination.

For further information or queries, please contact Carmenita Redcliffe Paul at +27 84 808 2555 or RedcliffeCJ@ufs.ac.za, or Godfrey Mabasa at +27 72 261 6917 or MabasaTG@ufs.ac.za.

 Access the nomination form.