Latest News Archive

Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items
Previous Archive
17 May 2024 | Story Precious Shamase | Photo Sonia Small
Humanities graduate
UFS Humanities graduate, ready to make a mark in the world.

The Faculty of The Humanities at the University of the Free State (UFS), in line with the goals of Vision 130, hosted a dynamic career webinar on Thursday 9 May. This event, organised by the Department of Communication Science, offered invaluable guidance and inspiration to students pursuing Communication Science degrees as their future career path.

The webinar featured a lineup of successful alumni who shared their diverse career paths within the ever-evolving communication landscape. Students gained practical insights from these experienced professionals, fostering a clearer understanding of the vast opportunities available to them. A particular highlight of the event was a presentation by Dr Phumzile Mmope, whose powerful and motivational graduation speech continues to resonate with many. Dr Mmope, a renowned expert in leadership communication, generously volunteered her time to address the students. This act embodied the spirit of mentorship and community that Vision 130 seeks to cultivate.

Beyond offering career guidance, the webinar served as a powerful symbol of the UFS' dedication to excellence and societal impact, as outlined in Vision 130. By connecting current students with accomplished alumni and promoting a culture of volunteerism, the Faculty of The Humanities empowers graduates to become well-rounded professionals equipped to make a significant difference in the world and contribute meaningfully to society.

A glimpse into the future of communication

The webinar not only provided practical career advice, but also offered a glimpse into the future of communication. Alumni speakers discussed emerging trends and the evolving skillsets required for success in the field. Students gained a deeper understanding of how their communication degree can be leveraged in new and exciting ways, preparing them to thrive in this dynamic and ever-changing landscape.

A network of support

The webinar fostered a sense of community and support among communication students. By connecting them with successful alumni, the event showcased the diverse career possibilities that await graduates. Additionally, the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals provided valuable insights and inspiration, empowering students to navigate their career paths with confidence.

Vision 130: building a brighter future

This career webinar exemplifies the core principles of Vision 130. By prioritising student success, fostering mentorship, and promoting community engagement, the Faculty of The Humanities equips graduates with the knowledge, skills, and connections necessary to become impactful leaders in the field of communication.

News Archive

Marieka Gryzenhout receives NRF-NSTF Award
2013-07-03

 

Dr Gryzenhout
Photo: Sonia Small
03 July 2013

“The award serves to prove that my type of research is truly relevant.” These are the words of Dr Marieka Gryzenhout of the Department of Plant Sciences at the UFS, who received the T W Kambule NRF-NSTF Award as emerging researcher in June 2013.

The award from the National Research Foundation (NRF) and the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) gives recognition to her outstanding contribution to science, engineering, technology and innovation (SETI) in the country.

Dr Gryzenhout is also part of the Vice-Chancellor’s Prestige Scholar Programme.

“It was an honour to be chosen as a finalist, but to even win it? Die award indicates the importance of fungi and plant pathogens, and their presence in various biological systems and that it is important to identify and categorise significant plant pathogens and fungi to enable easier access for users of these names.”

Dr Gryzenhout was in the US on the evening of the awards ceremony, attending a workshop on the identification and research of another fungus group, Fusarium. “This group is extremely important, since it includes important plant pathogens, producers of toxins in food and feed, as well as animal and human pathogens, and it also plays important ecological roles.”

She attended the Kansas State University in Kansas and paid a visit to the Bacterial Foodborne Pathogens and Mycology Unit of the US Department of Agriculture in Illinois.

Dr Gryzenhout is also a finalist in the Women in Science Awards hosted by the Department of Science and Technology. The winner will be announced in August 2013. Prof Maryke Labuschagne and Rose Lekhooa are also nominees.

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