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16 April 2024
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Story Anthony Mthembu
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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.
Odeion: The Fortepiano in the late 18 th century - A lecture recital by John Reid Coulter, Monday, 27 October 2008
2008-10-01
The Fortepiano in the late 18 th century - A lecture recital by John Reid Coulter
Monday, 27 October 2008
Odeion
19:30
with
Deirdré Blignaut ~ soprano
Carmi Nel ~ violin
Piet van Rooyen ~ violoncello
Nicol Viljoen ~ fortepiano
including songs & solos by
W.A. Mozart, F.J. Haydn, C.P.E. Bach
& four Scottish & Irish folk song arrangements
by L. van Beethoven
John Reid Coulter is one South Africa’s leading exponents of historical performance practice. He completed his studies in harpsichord with Jacques Ogg at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague. He has taught at the universities of Potchefstroom, Witwatersrand and Pretoria. John has an avid interest in the building of early keyboard instruments and has built a number of harpsichords and a fortepiano. He has performed as soloist and continuo player in The Netherlands, Norway and Germany. His baroque ensemble ‘Banda di Giovanni’ has premiered a number of works in South Africa, the most recent being the cantata ‘Apollo e Dafne’ by G.F. Handel in 2004 and the Serenata à tre ‘Mio cor, povero cor’ by Antonio Vivaldi in May 2007. John is also well known as an adjudicator at music festivals and as a composer has won numerous awards.
Deirdré Blignaut obtained a BA (Languages) degree from the University of the North West in 1988. She graduated cum laude and was awarded Best Student, Faculty of Arts. She began her career as translator at Transnet and later joined the Department of Arts and Culture as terminologist. In 1995 music become her full-time career and field of study. She studied singing with Prof Werner Nel until 2000 and repertoire with the late Anna Bender currently she studies with Eugenie Chopin. In 2002 she obtained a Performer’s Licentiate cum laude and was invited to participate in the Unisa International Bursary Competition. Deirdre is currently she is working towards a MMus (Performing Arts) through the University of Pretoria. She teaches voice at Pro Arte Alphen Park, lectures Methodology of Singing at the University of Pretoria and was recently appointed voice lecturer at the School of Music, North West University.
The fortepiano used in the concert was built by John Reid Coulter in 1986 and is a copy of a Stein fortepiano ca. 1780.
Admission: Free