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01 June 2023
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Story Nicole Bongo
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Photo Supplied
University of the Free State students participating in one of the many projects coordinated by the Engaged Scholarship Office.
To help make a change and push for sustainable development, the University of the Free State Division of Student Affairs works with communities around Bloemfontein fostering a culture of creating sustainable solutions.
Gernus Terblanche, Kovsie Support Services and Assistant Researcher in the Division says, ‘it is important for the university to be actively involved in the community as it makes up such a large portion of the Bloemfontein and students also
represent many different communities on and off- campus.’
Terblanche said: “As an educational institution it is vital for the UFS to support and guide students towards creating innovative solutions; both local and globally. Our experience is that students often come up with real solutions that can
make a real impact in the lives of real people – and it would be crucial to support such initiatives.”
The office has worked with BloemShelter, VermiVillage, GAP Equip, National Hospital and as part of the programmes of 2022 also with Lighuis, Talita Cumi, ROC Kids and the Universitas Neighborhood association. “We are also very fortunate to have,
Shanen Emam, Miss Free State 2023 as one of our students that are involved with our programmes,” added Terblanche.
One of the students involved is Prince Sijane, Bloemfontein Campus Student Representative Council member responsible for Civic and Social Responsibility when asked why student participation is important, he said, “By actively participating in
initiatives that address social issues or promote community well-being, students become more aware of the challenges faced by society.”
Tereblanche said: “The produce of these gardens addresses hunger and malnutrition amongst students on campus. KovsieACT also facilitates an eco-vehicle project during which student teams learn how to build electric vehicles powered by solar charging
stations. This project is aimed at developing skills appropriate to the 4th Industrial Revolution and sustainable resources development including clean and green energy.”
Call for nominations for the Chancellor’s Distinguished Alumni Awards
2017-06-23
The University of the Free State has produced a crop of excellent alumni who have placed the university on the world stage. The aim of the third annual Chancellor’s Distinguished Alumni Awards is to acknowledge and honour alumni for achievements in both their personal capacity and occupational fields. Recognition for the 2017 Chancellor’s Distinguished Alumni Awards will be based on achievements attained from 2016 to 2017.
Nominations are invited in five categories:
• The Chancellor’s Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award, the highest honour accorded to an alumnus, recognises the distinguished national or international achievements of its recipient.
• The Young Alumnus of the Year Award acknowledges the achievements of alumni who have graduated within the past decade.
• The Cum Laude Award is bestowed upon an alumnus to recognise excellence in any field.
• The Executive Management Award is made to any person (not necessarily an alumnus) who has delivered exceptional service to the university.
• The Kovsie Ambassador Award is bestowed upon a current student whose achievements have brought distinction to him/her, benefited his/her community, and brought credit to the University of the Free State.
Previous recipients of the Chancellor’s Distinguished Alumni Awards include television personality, Leon Schuster; Free State Education MEC, Tate Makgoe; politician, Adv. Roelf Meyer; Olympic gold medallist, Wayde van Niekerk; former Miss World, Rolene Strauss; CEO of Central Media Group, Gary Stroebel; and Judge President of the Free State High Court, Justice Mahube Molemela.
Nominations can be submitted in writing to the Alumni Office at alumni@ufs.ac.za using the provided nomination form. A selection panel will choose the appropriate candidate(s) with age, race, and gender playing no role in the selection process. The closing date for submission of nominations is 12:00 on 31 July 2017. Award winners will be announced at a gala banquet on Saturday, 26 August 2017.
Additional queries can be directed to Helen Namponya at +27 51 401 9343, or by email at alumni@ufs.ac.za.