Latest News Archive
Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items
16 April 2024
|
Story Anthony Mthembu
|
Photo Supplied
Melanie Ridgard celebrates receiving a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the graduation ceremony held at the UFS Bloemfontein campus on 19 April 2024.
In the realm of self-development, few stories are as inspiring as that of Melanie Ridgard, the Interim Administration and Events Coordinator at the South African Research Chair in Industrial Development (SARChI-ID) at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). Ridgard’s forthcoming graduation with a Master in Business Administration (MBA) on 19 April 2024 from the University of the Free State (UFS) marks not only a personal triumph but also a testament to the transformative power of higher education.
Reflecting on her journey, Ridgard shares, “This moment signifies a culmination of rigorous studying, dedication and perseverance in mastering business fundamentals, leadership skills and strategic thinking.” Her pursuit of an MBA stemmed from a pivotal moment in her career when she was promoted at the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) at UFS. Tasked with leading a group of young people Ridgard recognised the need to augment her knowledge to effectively guide her colleagues. The MBA became her vehicle for professional growth, extending beyond a mere qualification to a profound transformation of her leadership capabilities.
“Attaining an MBA milestone represents a transformative experience that has shaped my thinking to make impactful contributions in any future landscape,” Ridgard explains. Her experience not only enhanced her strategic acumen but also deepened her understanding of organisational dynamics. She acknowledges the pivotal role played by the UFS Business School in nurturing her journey towards academic and personal success.
What to expect from Ridgard
Looking ahead, Ridgard’s commitment to continuous learning remains unwavering. Selected as one of five MBA students to address the 17th International Business Conference (IBC) in September 2024, she eagerly anticipates the opportunity to share insights on her work titled, “Next-Gen Integration: Navigating the Onboarding Maze for Gen Z in Today's Workplace.” Despite her current responsibilities at UJ, she harbors plans to pursue a PhD in the near future.
Amidst her ambitious pursuits, Ridgard remains grounded, prioritising the celebration of her MBA achievement. ‘’As everyone dreams about it, I just want to walk over that stage in a black gown and a hood on my head with my loved ones cheering me on,’’ she shared.
Ridgard’s journey serves as a beacon of inspiration, exemplifying the transformative potential of education and the enduring impact of determined leadership. Her story reminds us that true leadership is not merely about reaching milestones but also about empowering others and embracing continuous growth.
Unit for Language Facilitation and Empowerment
2004-11-26

|
Seated - fltr: Drs Jackie du Toit, from the UFS's Department Afro-Asiatic Studies, Sign Language and Language Practice and Elbie Truter, from the UFS's ULFE.
Standing - fltr: Mr Roelof Geyser, from the UFS's ULFE; proff Theo du Plessis, head of the UFS's ULFE; Naomi Morgan from the UFS's Deparment of Afrikaans, Dutch, French and German and Johan Lubbe from the UFS's ULFE.
|
Six members of the University of the Free State's (UFS) Unit for Language Facilitation and Empowerment (ULFE) will take part in the Multilingual Information Development Programme's (MIDP) 5th International Colloquium that will be presented from 29 November -1 December 2004 at the University of Antwerpen in Antwerpen. The topic of this year's colloquium is Multilingualism and the Media.
Various highly acclaimed experts from Belgium and Europe will take part in the colloquium.
It is the first time that so many staff members of the UFS's ULFE will take part in this series of colloquiums, which form part of the ULFE's MIDP project. The project is a partnership with the Free State Province and is conducted in cooperation with the University of Antwerpen. Although the series of colloquiums is mainly sponsored by the Province of Antwerpen, the National Research Foundation and the UFS's Central Research Fund also makes substantial contribution to the series.
|
Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel: (051) 401-2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za
26 November 2004 |