Latest News Archive

Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items
Categories
UFS News Media Release Research
Years
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Months
January February March April May
Previous Archive
26 February 2024 | Story Lunga Luthuli and Moeketsi Mogotsi | Photo Kaleidoscope
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

Department Old Testament receives visiting professor from the USA
2009-05-19

 
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

 

We use cookies to make interactions with our websites and services easy and meaningful. To better understand how they are used, read more about the UFS cookie policy. By continuing to use this site you are giving us your consent to do this.

Accept