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06 February 2018 Photo Rhona Klopper
First-years embrace UFS welcoming celebrations
Students assemble for the first-years’ welcoming ceremony.
The first-years’ welcoming ceremony at the Bloemfontein Campus of the University of the Free State (UFS) inspired hope among the crowd of students and parents that gathered in front of the Main Building for the evening.


The ceremony, which took place on Saturday 3 February 2018, began with a thrilling dance performance that enlivened the audience immediately. It was followed by eager cheers and chants by the various residences that attended the event in numbers. First-years enjoyed themselves as they got the chance to meet and engage with their peers as each residence had a stall setup in front of the main building.

“It is here where you will learn not just about your degree, but also about society,” were the words of Bloemfontein Campus SRC President, Asive Dlanjwa. Dlanjwa as the first official speaker for the night, did what he is well known for, which is to assemble, unite, and instil confidence among the students.

“Your degree is only as effective as the lives it changes,” Dlanjwa said.

The Dean of Student Affairs, Pura Mgolombane, said: “The university’s main objective is creating and humanising students.” He urged them to look around and see the beauty and diversity of Kovsies, and learn from it.

“To know the University of the Free State
is to understand the heart of its core,
and particular set of values,
where those values
inform our decisions
and govern our behaviour.”
—Prof Francis Petersen

The Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Francis Petersen, concluded by urging first-year students to always ask questions, challenge themselves, argue their points of view, and wrestle with the complex issues of the day in order for them to reach new frontiers in both their academic and personal lives.

“You have the freedom to decide who exactly you want to be. Don’t lose yourself while you’re here,” Prof Petersen said, closing affirmations before the Gateway concert got under way.

News Archive

“We require minds such as yours”
2013-04-19

 

Gareth Cliff addressed graduates during the UFS Autumn Graduation Ceremony.
Photo: Lelanie de Wet
18 April 2013

Well-known radio personality and Idols South Africa judge, Gareth Cliff addressed graduates on the third day of the University of the Free State (UFS) Autumn Graduation Ceremony.

“It’s a good time be alive, a good time to be a South African, a good time to be a qualified South African,” Gareth said during the graduation ceremony of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.

He emphasised the importance of skills in science in South Africa nowadays. “The only way we can advance is through an education of our minds, through technology, through science, through maths. It’s a time in our country’s development that we require minds such as yours to propel us forward.”

Gareth also underlined the freedom of speech in South Africa, especially in the light of media freedom. “It is something I feel strongly about, something this generation takes for granted.”

Dr Khotso Mokhele, Chancellor of the university, reinforced Gareth’s message and said that graduates need to be able to take standpoint against issues.

Learners from schools in Thaba Nchu and Botshabelo also had the opportunity to attend the ceremony.

The Autumn Graduation Ceremony takes place until Friday 19 April 2013. Attached is the programme for this ceremony.

Friday 19 April 2013

09:30 Diplomas and certificates up to and including honours degrees in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences: all diplomas and degrees in the Faculty, except BCom and BComHons.
14:30 Diplomas and certificates up to and including honours degrees in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences: only BCom and BComHons.

The Qwaqwa Campus’ graduation ceremony will take place on 8 June 2013. Diplomas / certificates up to and including doctorates will be awarded at this ceremony.

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