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20 June 2023
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Story Melissa Kilian
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Photo Supplied
Melissa Kilian is a Lecturer in the Department of Occupational Therapy.
The University of the Free State (UFS) is celebrating Youth Month by showcasing the positive influence of the institution on career development. As part of this initiative, we are sharing the stories of UFS alumni who are now working at the university.
Melissa Kilian, Lecturer in the Department of Occupational Therapy, shares her UFS journey:
Q: Year of graduation from the UFS:
A: 2011 and 2021.
Q: Qualification obtained from the UFS:
A: Baccalaureus and Master of Occupational Therapy.
Q: Date of joining the UFS as a staff member:
A: 1 June 2022 (employed for one year this month).
Q: Initial job title and current job title:
A: Lecturer in Occupational Therapy.
Q: How did the UFS prepare you for the professional world?
A: The UFS provided me with excellent clinical exposure to the diverse profession of occupational therapy. Additionally, the occupational therapy undergraduate course provided many opportunities for promoting self-awareness and self-development and entering the workforce as a graduate willing to explore the dimensions of the profession and what my unique contribution can be.
Q: What are your thoughts on transitioning from a UFS alumnus to a staff member?
A: Since being employed with the UFS, I have a deeper acknowledgement and appreciation for lecturers, as well as a multi-layered understanding of the importance of curriculum development and how this translates into students becoming competent graduates.
Q: Any additional comments about your experience?
A: It’s been quite an experience ...!
Golden Key International Honour Society swells it ranks with Kovsie students
2013-08-28
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Golden Key honorary member, Prof Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela, with Stefan Gericke, Chapter Relations Officer of Golden Key International Honour Society.
Photo: Sonia Small
28 August 2013 |
Kovsie students continue to swell the ranks of the world’s biggest academic honour society, the Golden Key International Honour Society, with more than 500 students from the university becoming new members.
The UFS chapter of the society – who only welcomes the top 15% of academic students at the university – inducted the new members at a ceremony held on Saturday 24 August 2013 on the Bloemfontein Campus.
In addition, the organisation also pays recognition to those who act as role models to these students. Thus, the organisation also inducted Profs Odireleng Ntwaeaborwa, Dave Lubbe, Dennis Francis, Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela and executive chairperson of Richmark, Gavin Varejes as honorary members.
Prof Dave Lubbe delivered the keynote speech entitled “From intellectual leader to real leader – few ideas”, structuring his talk around five key points: wisdom, basics, over specialization, ethnical leadership and courage.
“The society aims to make students realise their potential and create a network for excelling students,” said Mbavhalelo Rammbwa; Golden Key UFS Chapter president.
Parents from as far as Limpopo came to show appreciation for their children’s dedication to their studies. “I am really happy not only for my daughter, but for every single student who has been inaugurated to the society this morning for their discipline, hard work and the dedication they show their studies. I thank Prof Jonathan Jansen, the lectures and academics for inspiring our children to study and make the most of the opportunity which we didn’t have,” said Mpho Mohoje, a parent of one of the students at the induction.
Another feather in the university's cap is the fact that UFS registrar, Dr Derek Swemmer is not only co-advisor of the chapter, but also the chairperson of the society’s international governing body.