Issue 38 June 2009
RHODES UNIVERSITY ALUMNI
E-MAIL NEWSLETTER, APRIL 2009 - ISSUE 37
GRADUATION FACTS AND FIGURES
Over three days, 1841 students graduated at five graduation ceremonies. 61% were women, 486 were international students from 20 countries in the rest of Africa, 36 were from Europe, nine from North and South America and five from Asia. This is a tremendous contribution by Rhodes University to the intellectual base of South Africa and other countries. A year-on-year comparison shows that there were increasing numbers of black students graduating, but the number of white students was still significantly higher than students of other races.
The Faculty of Humanities produced the largest number of graduates, followed by Commerce, Science, Education, Pharmacy and Law. There were 188 Masters Degrees and 27 PhDs conferred. The Faculty of Science awarded the most Masters and PhD degrees.
THE VICE-CHANCELLOR’S GRADUATION ADDRESS
In his graduation address the Vice-Chancellor recognised the tremendous achievements of the graduates and spoke about the challenges ahead in these “interesting times” as well as the Global Crisis. He reminded graduates of their responsibilities as graduates of a very special and distinctive university. A university that deservedly commands an enviable academic reputation; a university that seeks to be an institution ‘Where leaders learn’, a university that seeks to be true to its motto: ‘Vis, Virtus, Veritas - ‘Strength, Virtue, Truth’.
Full speech available at: http://www.ru.ac.za/modules/blog_include/blog_content.php?blog_id=513
HONOURARY DOCTORATES
At this year’s graduation, Rhodes University awarded four Honorary Doctorates to individuals who have demonstrated leadership and professionalism that has lead not only to success as individuals but to a positive influence on South African society as a whole.
Lynette Marais, Director of the National Arts Festival 1989 to 2008, was conferred a Doctor of Laws honoris causa for her visionary leadership that has seen the Festival become the most significant Festival on the African arts calendar.
Sibongile Khumalo is one of South Africa’s most influential singers, pushing the boundaries of indigenous solo and choral traditions, popular urban and jazz repertoires, and western classical opera and oratorio. She was awarded a Doctor of Music honoris causa.
A South African poet and activist against the apartheid government, Dennis Brutus was banned to exile in the 1960s. Continuing to support activism against neo-liberal policies in South Africa, he was awarded a Doctor of Literature honoris causa.
Issa G Shivji is one of Africa's leading experts on law and development issues. For over 40 years his voice has been consistently and implacably opposed to the neo-liberal impact on the Africa continent. He was conferred a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa.
To read more please go to: http://www.ru.ac.za/modules/blog_include/blog_content.php?blog_id=508
Citations available at: http://www.ru.ac.za/modules/blog_include/blog_content.php?blog_id=512
ANNUAL ALUMNI MAGAZINE ‘RHODOS’
Due to budget constraints it is unfortunately not possible for us to distribute hard copies of the 2009 magazine to everyone. The PDF version will be available online early next week. If you would particularly like to receive a hard copy of the magazine please e-mail alumni@ru.ac.za with the subject line “Hard copy Rhodos request” and we will gladly send you a copy while stocks last. Topics covered include:
• Janet Buckland (Shoprite Checkers/SABC Woman of the Year 2008; Prof Tebello Nyokong (L’Oreal Award for Women in Science 2009) and many other awards earned by Rhodes staff members.
• Jock Pugh turned 100 in 2008 and Dimmie Randell with celebrate her 100th birthday in June 2009.
• Review of a number of books published by Old Rhodians during the past year.
• We follow two of our alumni who have embarked on an expedition across three continents to raise awareness of the need to preserve our marine resources.
• The usual snippets of Old Rhodian news.
• The Library Expansion Project.
RHODES UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS CLUB - CENTENARY YEAR
The Rhodes University Athletics Club has a proud history and this year marks the Centenary year, making it one of the oldest sports clubs within the University. As part of the Centenary celebrations the Club plans to publish a Centenary magazine which will include various stories and information about the Club throughout its 100 year history. If you were a past Club member, or were involved with the Club in any way we would love to have your stories, anecdotes, photos, or any information in general. We would also like to host a celebratory function (provisional date Friday 28 August) to coincide with the University’s Founders’ weekend 29/30 August when the meetings of Convocation and the Old Rhodian Union will take place, as well as the Old Rhodian Award luncheon and the Founders’ Ball.
We would love to hear from you. If you wish to submit an article or attend the function, please e-mail us at rhodesathletics@gmail.com
