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10 February 2023 | Story Lunga Luthuli | Photo Lunga Luthuli
Gateway Amigos
Volunteer Gateway Amigos, a University of the Free State initiative to assist first-entering students during Gateway First-year Orientation and the transition to life at the institution.

The University of the Free State (UFS) will be hosting welcoming ceremonies – which include the 2023 UFS Dream Walk event – for first-year students on the Bloemfontein and South Campuses on 18 February 2023, and on the Qwaqwa Campus on 25 February 2023.  

The Dream Walk – also known as Kovsie Dream – is an annual event, with the first being hosted in 2022.  With the event, the UFS welcomes first-year students to the university community, placing an emphasis on their individual dreams and aspirations. The event is also an opportunity for new students to familiarise themselves with the university, facilities, available opportunities, and to make new friends. 

The UFS recognises the importance of helping students set and pursue their dreams, especially in their first year. During the event, students will have an opportunity to interact with university staff, as well as current students who will share their experiences of pursuing their dreams and overcoming obstacles. 

Students participating in the Dream Walk will have the chance to explore their potential, identify their passions, and by completing their dream cards, they will be able to set goals for their individual futures.

Prof Francis Petersen, Rector and Vice-Chancellor, will officially welcome students to the UFS on both days – on the Bloemfontein Campus on 18 February 2023, and on the Qwaqwa Campus on 25 February 2023.  The welcoming messages on the two campuses will be followed by a Dream Walk.  Students participating in the Dream Walk will move along the same route that students follow on the day of graduation. 

The Division of Student Affairs believes that building a strong support network is crucial for students to succeed in their academic and professional lives. By connecting with staff and seniors, first-year students will gain valuable insight into their chosen courses and receive advice on how to achieve their academic goals.

Dr WP Wahl, Director: Student Life within the Division of Student Affairs, said: “The UFS is committed to providing its students with the support and resources they need to pursue their dreams. The Rector’s Welcoming, coupled with the Dream Walk, is an exciting opportunity for first-year students to start their university journey on the right foot and to set themselves up for success.”

For more information on the Welcoming, the Dream Walk event, and the programme, please click here

News Archive

UFS Centenary 2004/05 : October snippets
2004-10-06

CENTENARY CONFERENCE
The proposed Centenary Conference on Democracy, Diversity and Development : Towards a mature and robust society – A critical discourse, refers. Unfortunately many invited contributors are unable to attend on the proposed dates (12 to 15 October 2004) prompting the UFS management to reconsider the timing of the conference. The UFS management has therefore decided to postpone this conference until an appropriate time in 2005.

As a result of this postponement the SAUVCA activities will also no longer be part of the October programme in Bloemfontein.

CENTENARY COMPLEX
The rehabilitation of the existing Reitz Hall and adjoining residence into the Centenary Complex is almost complete.

The inauguration of the complex – Reitz Hall and DF Malherbe House – will take place on Tuesday, the 12th of October 2004. A special open day from 11:00 until 16:00 is planned to enable all staff and students to visit this prestige complex. More detail will be available early October 2004.

FILM PREMIERE
The premiere of an UFS commissioned documentary, as part of its Centenary celebrations, on the remarkable leadership, reconciliatory and nation-building role of King Moshoeshoe, the Basotho leader of the nineteenth century, will take place on Wednesday, the 13th of October 2004. The director of this commissioned documentary is the well-known Max du Preez. Although this event is open to invited guests only, the documentary will also be screened by the SABC later this year. It will also be screened at several other occasions to enable staff and students to experience and discuss this film.

With this film and other projects the University of the Free State wishes to celebrate the legacy of this extraordinary African leader for the Free State and for South Africa.

CENTENARY HONORARY DOCTORATE GRADUATION CEREMONY
A special Honorary Doctorate Graduation Ceremony will take place on the 14th of October 2004 at 19:00 in front of the Main Building on the UFS campus. Twelve honorary doctorate degrees will be awarded to a diverse group of outstanding South Africans and international scholars. The Rector requests the attendance of all staff and students in large numbers during this prestige event.

The following candidates will receive an honorary doctorate degree: 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 (posthumous), Prof Boelie Wessels en Prof Jaap Steyn .

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