The University of the Free State (UFS) Chancellor, Prof Bonang Mohale,
and UFS Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Francis Petersen, recently hosted the UFS’s 38
th UFS Chancellor’s Distinguished Alumni Awards (CDAA) Dinner. The event took place in the Callie Human Centre on the UFS Bloemfontein Campus and honoured 10 outstanding UFS alumni for their achievements in both their personal and professional
capacities.
“The UFS’s CDAA Awards are important to help represent those without a voice, thereby releasing better humans who care deeply for each other and are meaningfully connected, incredibly constructive citizens who are catalysts of change
– to change us from humankind to kind humans, simply because kindness is the highest form of intelligence. To change us from important people to persons of significance – from taking to giving, as a new form of transformative philanthropy,”
Prof Mohale told awardees and other UFS alumni who attended the dinner.
UFS alumni excelling in their various fields
Gerda Steyn,
who recently made history by becoming the first woman to win the Two Oceans Marathon four consecutive times,
was recognised as the Chancellor’s Distinguished Alumnus of the Year award winner. This is the highest honour bestowed upon an alumnus and celebrates someone who serves to inspire fellow alumni, current students, and the community at large. Steyn’s parents, Pieter and Trudie Steyn accepted the award on her behalf. (A
full list of awardees can be found at the end of this story).
Prof Petersen applauded all the winners as well as UFS alumni everywhere who excel in their various fields. “Excellence is part of our DNA, and our valued alumni across the globe are the products of this. We believe the impact our alumni are making
at every level should be continuously encouraged for the greater good, through recognition and celebration of achievements. This is why the Chancellor’s Distinguished Alumni Awards Ceremony has shed light on the impact
of our exceptional alumni for the past 38 years and will continue to do so.”
He urged all alumni to learn more about Vision 130, an
elaboration of the UFS’s strategic intent to reposition the institution ahead of 2034, when UFS will commemorate its 130th anniversary. “Vision 130 is centred around the pillars of academic excellence, quality, and impact; creating maximum
societal impact with sustainable relationships; and establishing a diverse, inclusive, and equitable university. The alumni honoured this year are an embodiment of our Vision 130, and we congratulate them and look forward to the great achievements
that are on the horizon for you and the rest of the UFS community.”
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| Cum Laude Award winner, Dr Maryam Amra Jordaan, with Prof Francis Petersen, UFS Rector and Vice-Chancellor, and Prof Bonang Mohale, UFS Chancellor, at the 38th Chancellor’s Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner. | | Kovsie Ambassador Award winner, Uyleta Nel-Marais, with Prof Francis Petersen, UFS Rector and Vice-Chancellor, and Prof Bonang Mohale, UFS Chancellor, at the 38th Chancellor’s Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner. |
38th Chancellor’s Distinguished Alumni Awards (CDAA) winners – 20 May 2023
Chancellor’s Distinguished Alumnus of the Year
GERDA STEYN
Young Alumnus of the Year
SEBABATSO TSAOANE
Executive Management Award
PROF FRANCOIS STRYDOM
PROF ABDON ATANGANA
Cum Laude Award
DR SOLOMON WERTA
DR MARYAM AMRA JORDAAN
PROF ANDRIES STULTING
Kovsie Ambassador Award
REHAN GREEFF
UYLETA NEL-MARAIS
ELIZABETH MOKGOSI
View Full programme
Watch the live stream recording: