Applied statistician and author of the best-seller “Elements of Statistical Learning”, Professor Trevor Hastie, has donated $5000 to Rhodes University, bringing the combined donations from North America and the United Kingdom to over R1.5 million in seven months.

Twenty-year-old Bachelor of Social Sciences student Thabisile Msenga became the first recipient of a R135,500 (CAD$10,000) allocation from a newly inaugurated scholarship fund established in an agreement between Rhodes University and Myriad Canada. The fund currently has a total value of R680,000 (CAD$50,400) over four years.

With the #RU120 anniversary year in full swing, Rhodes University’s resource mobilisation efforts are set to receive an energising shot in the arm with the restoration of the prestigious Neilen Locke coaching award.

"It should not be, and it cannot be that an academically deserving young person will be deprived of an opportunity to receive quality and transformative education simply because they happened to have been born into a family of limited means,” said Rhodes University Vice Chancellor, Prof Sizwe Mabizela.

Every year, the historic town of Makhanda (Grahamstown) comes alive with the vibrancy and creativity of the National Arts Festival, attracting visitors from all corners of the globe. Amid this bustling celebration, Rhodes University hosts a special cocktail event, bringing together its alumni, fondly known as Old Rhodians, along with friends and supporters of the institution. This year’s gathering, however, held an extra layer of significance as it marked two monumental anniversaries: Rhodes University continuing its celebration of its 120th year and the National Arts Festival its 50th. This convergence of milestones provided a unique opportunity to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and envision a future of sustained excellence and mutual support.

Rhodes University is mourning the passing of Mr Kerry Phillip O’Sullivan Swift, aged 74.

Going through University without financial support can be stressful, weighing down on many students in this position. To mitigate the impact of the challenge, four members of the 2017 Student Representative Council have heeded the call by Vice-Chancellor Professor Sizwe Mabizela by establishing a scholarship fund.

“A visionary with a heart to empower others to break through.” That is how Google South Africa Country Director Dr Alistair Mokoena has been described after launching the Alistair Mokoena Education Fund at his alma mater, Rhodes University. The announcement was made at a lively alumni event in Makhanda, in April.