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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.
Department Old Testament receives visiting professor from the USA
2009-05-19
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| Prof. Fanie Snyman (left) and Prof. Leder. |
Prof. Arie Leder, professor in Old Testament at the Calvin Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan in the United States of America (USA) set foot on the African continent for the first time when he visited Prof. Fanie Snyman of the Department Old Testament in the Faculty of Theology at the University of the Free State (UFS). Prof. Leder is a visiting professor at the Department of Old Testament.
During his two-week-long visit to the faculty he amongst others lectured to undergraduate and master’s students. The lectures addressed issues related to the first five books of the Old Testament with the focus on the interpretation of the Hebrew text. The mentioned historical books of the Old Testament were discussed with the postgraduate students of the faculty. During the meeting of the Discussion Group for Biblical Sciences, Prof. Leder presented a public lecture with the theme, “Lady Wisdom and Sir Folly: Preaching Esther for such a time as this”.
According to Prof. Snyman, the agreement with Prof. Leder was to present the same lectures as what he would have delivered at the Calvin Theological Seminary. “The aim was to compare the standards, course content and presentations of the lectures that are presented by the respective departments, with each other. We compare well with the Calvin Theological Seminary and we do not have to be ashamed of ourselves. The feedback of the students about the exposure to another lecturer from another institution was also positive,” said Prof. Snyman.
The possibility of future collaboration was also discussed, specifically with the objective of both institutions publishing articles in the respective journals of both institutions. A further positive result of Prof. Leder’s visit is that colleagues of the Calvin Theological Seminary will be approached to act as external examiners for postgraduate students,” said Prof. Snyman.
The Calvin Theological Seminary libraries are some of the best equipped theological libraries in the world and as a result of the collaboration between our two institutions, staff of this faculty will get the opportunity to visit the Calvin Institution and to utilise the facility.
Photo: Leonie Bolleurs