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13 August 2021 | Story André Damons | Photo Supplied
Mr Steve Strauss, an alumnus from the Department of Economics and Finance at the University of the Free State (UFS) who donated one of his paintings to the department, pictured with Dr Nico Keyser, head of the Department of Economics and Finance with the painting.

The office of the Head of the Department of Economics and Finance in the University of the Free State (UFS) Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences received a new piece of art in the form of a flower painting donated by an alumnus. 

Steve Strauss, who is now a fulltime painter, donated one of his paintings to the department from which he graduated in 1989 with a degree in BCom Economics. Strauss, who started painting as a hobby while still a student at the UFS, enjoys painting flowers because it reminds him of his mother’s garden.

Dr Nico Keyser, head of the Department of Economics and Finance, says he is delighted that alumni still want to be part of the department and the university. “It points to the extraordinary role that the years at the university have played in one's life, and also the diverse talents that people have besides the academy. Steve enjoyed his years at the university, as they were wonderful years. That is why he decided to donate the painting,” says Dr Keyser.

According to Dr Keyser, Strauss enrolled for a few formal and informal classes from 2011 and now has a studio on the farm in the Schweizer-Reneke district where he lives. 

“Steve Strauss’s motivation to start painting was to express his God-given talent. He is currently a full-time artist, and his work is on display at various galleries in Clarence, Kimberley and Johannesburg. He often attends art festivals to exhibit his paintings. 

“The painting will be on display in the HoD’s office. The donation is much appreciated by the department, and so is all involvement of alumni students in the department. I hope that the future HODs will also find joy from the painting,” says Dr Keyser. 

News Archive

UFS centenary reaches a peak
2004-10-04

The University of the Free State’s (UFS) centenary celebrations will reach a peak next week when various functions will be presented on campus.

On Tuesday 12 October 2004 the Centenary Complex, the new prestige entertainment venue of the UFS, will be officially opened. The complex is situated on the terrain of the old Reitz dining hall and will be utilised as reception and socialising area for UFS management, staff and alumni. The DF Malherbe House forms part of this complex.

The festivities will continue the next day ( Wednesday 13 October 2004) with the premiere of a documentary programme – commissioned by the UFS as part of its centenary celebrations - about the life and legacy of King Moshoeshoe, the Basotho leader of the nineteenth century. The documentary will focus on his role in reconciliation, nation-building and bringing about peace in this region. The producer of this insightful work is the well-known journalist Mr Max du Preez. The documentary will be screened on SABC 2 later this year.

On Thursday 14 October 2004 a special honorary doctorate graduation ceremony will take place in front of the UFS’s main building. During this event 12 honorary doctorates will be awarded to a diverse group of outstanding South Africans and international experts.

The honorary doctorates will be awarded to: Me Antjie Krog, Prof Jakes Gerwel, Mr Karel Schoeman, Dr Frederick van Zyl Slabbert, Prof Saleem Badat, Dr Khotso Mokhele, Prof Robert Bringle, Prof Leo Quayle, Prof Jack de Wet, Prof Kerneels Nel (postuum), Prof Boelie Wessels and Prof Jaap Steyn.

This group of honorary doctorates is the last in a total of 18 which will be honored during the UFS centenary year.

The next day, Friday 15 October 2004 , more than 100 centenary medals will be awarded to current staff, former staff and alumni.

Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel: (051) 401-2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za
5 October 2004

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