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Dream Walk 2024
UFS welcomes fresh faces as Prof Petersen encourages new students to embrace dreams, achievements, and community in pursuit of academic excellence.

In fostering a profound sense of belonging and preparing for the academic journey ahead, the University of the Free State (UFS) warmly welcomed its new students with the annual first-year welcoming and Dream Walk events. Held on 10 February 2024 for the Bloemfontein and South campuses, and on 17 February 2024 for the Qwaqwa Campus first-time entrants, these events mark the commencement of a transformative academic voyage for the incoming cohort.

The primary objective of these events is to seamlessly integrate newcomers into the vibrant tapestry of the university community, thereby laying a solid foundation for a successful academic journey.

Symbolic journey towards academic dreams

A significant highlight of the day across all the campuses was the Dream Walk, where students, adorned in their vibrant 2024 FTEN T-shirts, embarked on a symbolic journey towards their academic aspirations. 

Cultivating a sense of belonging

Addressing the gathering, Prof Francis Petersen, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the UFS, extended a warm welcome to the new students, reaffirming the institution's commitment to their holistic development.

"Welcome to the University of the Free State – where your future unfolds," said Prof Petersen. He encouraged students to immerse themselves in the higher education environment and stressed the importance of intellectual enrichment amidst a backdrop of digital distractions.

Prof Petersen urged students to actively participate in various campus activities, public lectures, and discussions, underscoring the significance of the university's Vision 130. This vision sets the ambitious goal of positioning the UFS among the top universities globally by its 130th anniversary in 2034, driving home the message of academic excellence, innovation, and societal impact.

Academic preparedness and aspirations

Emphasising the support structures available at the university, Prof Prakash Naidoo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Operations, welcomed students at the Qwaqwa Campus. He acknowledged the important role that tertiary education plays in shaping individuals' lives, highlighting that a degree not only represents an academic milestone but also equips students with skills and knowledge for personal and professional empowerment beyond the confines of university life.

Joining the festivities, Prof Prince Ngobeni, the newly appointed campus principal, remarked, “‘The welcoming event served as a celebration not only of the arrival of new students but also the potential and accomplishments that they represent.”

Student aspirations and closing remarks

Looking ahead to life as a Kovsie student, Owami Chamane, a Bachelor of Medicine student, expressed aspirations for the highest quality education and access to resources. Stressing the importance of balancing and maintaining focus on goals while enjoying the journey, Chamane encapsulated the spirit of academic ambition and personal growth.

In his closing remarks, Prof Petersen reminded students of their individual responsibility and the profound impact of their actions on their future trajectory. He urged them to be intentional about fostering a positive impact on themselves, their families, the community, and the world at large. 

News Archive

Students get practical training in banking
2009-05-13

 
At the official announcement of the ABSA Internship Programme were, from the left: Ms Venete Klein, Executive Director: ABSA Retail Banking, Prof. Helena van Zyl, Director of the School of Management at the UFS, and Ms Christa de Bruin, Programme Leader: Internships at ABSA; back: Tebogo Mekgwe and Chantelle de Coning. Both are Honours students in Financial Economics and Investment Management at the UFS.
Photo: Stephen Collett

The Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at the University of the Free State (UFS) has launched a unique programme that will give provide postgraduate B.Com. students with the opportunity to work at the ABSA Regional Office in Bloemfontein for three weeks and obtain practical experience on what banking entails.

“It is the first time in the history of our faculty that we are getting involved with a programme of this nature where theory and practice will meet,” said Prof. Helena van Zyl, Director of the School of Management at the UFS at the official announcement of the ABSA Internship Programme this week.

The ABSA Internship Programme was born out of the faculty’s long-standing relationship with ABSA. The programme, the brain child of Mr Deon Loots, former Regional Manager of ABSA in the Free State, offers the ten hand-picked students the opportunity to equip and empower themselves better for their future. They will be working at the ABSA Regional Office from 22 June to 10 July 2009 and will be exposed to as many focus areas of the bank as possible in order to give them a good overview of what banking entails.

“A degree, even an honours degree, is not enough. When graduates knock on an employer’s door he/she already assumes that the student will have a certain set of knowledge. We must once again look at ways to enhance our students’ practical and softer skills in order for them to compete in the labour market,” said Prof. Van Zyl.

“With this programme we want to equip and empower our students and develop their talents. In the end the student must be able to answer the question, “What makes me better than the 27 000 other students on our campus and on campuses elsewhere?” Prof. Van Zyl said.

Ms Venete Klein, Executive Director: ABSA Retail Banking and Visiting Professor at the University’s School of Management stated that it was always good to meet and engage with young talent, the leaders of tomorrow. “The students are entering the world of work at a crucial and difficult stage; a time when financial services worldwide are transformed. They have proven themselves academically. Now they have the opportunity to complement theory with work experience. With this programme they can develop into competent and compassionate professionals. I am proud that ABSA is part of this programme,” she said.

Media Release:
Lacea Loader
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za 
13 May 2009
 

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