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New alumni chapter adds to UP’s status
The University of Pretoria’s (UP) Alumni Relations Office has launched a new alumni chapter for UP graduates who have been recipients of the ViceChancellor’s Distinguished Merit Award (VCDMA).
Since 2016, 366 top scholars have been awarded the VCDMA, which grants recipients funding for the duration of their undergraduate studies.
“The chapter aims to promote professional and social interaction, ensure continuation and success of the VCDMA initiative, and mentorship of all interested members,” explained JacoLouis Venter, former VCDMA recipient and Acting Chairperson of the new chapter. “The idea of forming the chapter was started by Mr Wallace Isaacs, Deputy Director of the Department of Enrolment and Student Administration,” he added.
For Professor Tawana Kupe, ViceChancellor and Principal of UP, alumni chapters are an indication of a longstanding commitment to the University.
“When hear that a new alumni chapter is being launched, I know that I am about to meet people who are passionate about the things that drive us at UP – excellence in education, and a determination to create a better world with our own
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hands,” he said. “Launching and becoming part of an alumni chapter shows a commitment not only to your alma mater, but goes much deeper than that – it shows a commitment to helping others to access the education you’ve attained, and in that way, continuing to live the UP ethos of giving back to your community.”
Samantha Castle, Senior Manager of Alumni Relations at UP, hopes this chapter will grow in leaps and bounds.
“All the efforts and contributions from the alumni chapters help UP to maintain its highly rated status in the global educational environment,” she said.
By Mecayla Maseka
The Mining Alumni Society chapter is UP’s longest-running chapter. It has been meeting since 1977 with the main aim of providing mining students with financial support, job opportunities in the industry and mentorship for junior members.
