"The foundation laid for us in Stellenbosch opened doors for us as individuals, but it also delivered valuable human capital for society, contributing to wealth creation and development," said Prof Wim de Villiers, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University (SU) at a recent gathering of 110 alumni, donors and friends of SU in Johannesburg.
The dinner, held on June 11 and sponsored by life insurance and asset management company Liberty, gave the Rector the opportunity to meet alumni of the university and potential donors; answer questions, address concerns; and build relationships.
Mr Jacko Maree, former Matie and Chairperson of Liberty, said that the dinner formed part of the Alumni Golf Club's golf day to raise funds for bursaries for disadvantaged students - a golf day that the company has been supporting since 2010.
He said it is important for Liberty to be a good corporate citizen. "I think it is relevant for any business really - any big business can only flourish if its clients and stakeholders like government and communities see it as relevant and that applies to universities as well."
Prof De Villiers in turn said that one of SU's strategic objectives is to increase its impact on society. "And our alumni prove that the delivery of well-qualified graduates is a very effective way to make a difference," he added.
Prof De Villiers looked at key factors driving change in higher education; updated guests on developments at Stellenbosch; and discussed the future that SU is trying to build, and their role in it.
He highlighted three trends, namely massification, technology and funding. He said the trend of massification can certainly be seen at Stellenbosch University. "Many of you will be surprised to learn that our student numbers have risen from + 10 000 in 1975, to 20 000 at the start of the Millennium, to now 30 000."
According to De Villiers, SU's student body has become much more diverse – from just 762 black, coloured and Indian (BCI) students in 1990, to more than 11 300, or nearly 40%. "The nature of our student population has also changed. So now almost 40% of our students are postgraduates and that is in keeping with what a research intensive university should be. And of those 40% of the postgraduate students, 50% of those are black, coloured and Indian and the predominant language of instruction at postgraduate level is English."
He added that the University's goal in terms of diversity is to be "at least 50% by 2018, when we celebrate our Centenary".
As far as information and communication technology for teaching and learning is concerned, Prof De Villiers told guests that Stellenbosch has committed more than R220 million and embarked on a five-year project in 2014 to integrate Information and Communication Technology comprehensively into learning and teaching at the University.
Prof De Villiers also said it is a reality that Universities must go about being much more efficient and clever, deliver services and products that are in demand and must prove that an investment in education still delivers unique value.
After the financial crisis of 2008, universities are under pressure in all four income streams. State funding has been reduced to balance budgets; families and individuals are struggling to pay tuition fees and accommodation; companies are cutting their spending on research; and benefactors think twice before they make donations.
The Rector thanked alumni, donors and friends of the University for their continued support. "Many of you donate money to your alma mater, or in other ways are involved in our projects and initiatives. You are helping the next generation to have the same opportunities as we had, and more!"
He also gave the assurance that SU is committed to the future and the role that alumni, donors and friends of the University can play in it.
- Caption: Back: Ilhaam Groenewald, Selomane Maitisa, Wim de Villiers, Gustav Jenkins, Lindie Jenkins and Mano Moodley. Front: Sandy Maree, Jacko Maree, Niel Krige and Jayesh Moodley.
- Click here to see a photo gallery of the event.
