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20 June 2023 | Story Melissa Kilian | Photo Supplied
Melissa Kilian
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 ...!

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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