JMS alumni win at 2016 Old Rhodian Awards

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Rhodes University honoured some of its illustrious alumni who were presented with the 2016 Distinguished and Emerging Old Rhodian Award at a luncheon that was hosted at the University on Saturday, 27 August 2016 in Grahamstown. This year JMS alumna, Tanya Accone won the Distinguished Old Rhodian Award and JMS alumnus Sherwin Bryce-Pease won the Emerging Old Rhodian Award.

Divided into two categories - the Distinguished Old Rhodian and the Emerging Old Rhodian Awards, the accolades aim to honour old Rhodians who, through their individual actions, achievements and selfless service to humankind, have enhanced the reputation of the University. It is intended to acknowledge the recipients as outstanding role models for current and future generations. The criteria for consideration for the awards are that the recipient should personify the attributes that Rhodes seeks to cultivate in a leader.  They should also have actively promoted the University among students, parents, alumni, the general public and prospective donors and also have demonstrated their support for the University.

Tanya Accone completed her Bachelor of Journalism degree in 1993 at Rhodes and was a high-achieving student. She received more than a dozen academic awards which culminated in a Fulbright Scholarship that enabled her to continue her studies in the United States. She holds an MA in Public Communication from American University in Washington. Accone is now Senior Advisor on Innovation and the Deputy of UNICEF’s Global Innovation Centre. She has been a staunch supporter of Rhodes throughout her career and has served as a trustee on The Rhodes University Trust (USA) since 2003. She has made a specific effort to raise awareness and funds to support previously disadvantaged students in the Eastern Cape to make a successful transition from high school to university.

Born in East London, Sherwin Bryce-Pease graduated from Rhodes with a Bachelor of Journalism degree in 2000. He is currently the SABC’s UN Bureau Chief and is based at the United Nations headquarters. He reports on U.S. and UN politics, including the U.N. Security Council. He is also a trustee of the USA Rhodes University Trust that helps to secure funds in the USA for underprivileged students. Over the years he has personally donated generously towards Rhodes’ bursary funds.

 

“Every single one of the Old Rhodian Award recipients symbolises the values of Rhodes University as a leading institution of higher learning. These men and women are a true embodiment of our motto ‘where leaders learn’. We are truly honoured that they have heeded our call to them to further embrace what their alma mater stands for and to fly our flag with great honour and distinction in their respective areas of endeavour,” said Dr Sizwe Mabizela, Vice –Chancellor of Rhodes University.

 

For the JMS interview with Tanya Accone CLICK HERE.

For the JMS interview with Sherwin Bryce-Pease CLICK HERE.