It is heart-warming to read the letters from our alumni. We gladly share this one with our readers.

 

Dear fellow alumni

 

I so enjoyed reading this magazine that I would also like to add my two cents.

 

In January 1970 I departed from Pietermaritzburg by train on my way to a place called the PUK* in a town named Potchefstroom.

 

I had no idea where that was. I chose this university because it was the only university that sent me all the information I needed straight away. As the first one in my family to attend university, I had no idea what questions to ask and was grateful for the full brochure from the PUK. All I knew was that I wanted to learn more about maths.

 

Full-speed past Cachet Station (I didn't know I had to get off here) I arrived at Potchefstroom Station where I asked a taxi to take me to Hombré residence. Having no idea where this was, the driver dropped me off in front of the administration building (in the pouring rain). In my bewildered state I entered through the doors, and was immediately reassured by the friendly reception. My spirits restored, I headed to the temporary buildings where I would spend the next couple of years.

 

So on 18 June 1970 I returned from writing a maths exam when the president of the house committee approached me and ordered me to attend the birthday of Karlien women’s residence’s donkey.

 

I was tired and not particularly eager, but he insisted. Upon my arrival, I met the girl of my dreams, Ina de Kock. We got married a few years later and in June last year we bought ourselves a toy donkey that now rides along on our motorcycle.

 

But the PUK was not only for studying. With the help of a couple of fellow students I founded the Physics Society and when I returned to the PUK in 1974 for a degree in engineering, I started Radio PUK and the Society for Engineering Students.

 

The leadership skills I acquired there were immensely helpful when, later in life, I became one of the youngest instrumentation managers at Sasol 1 and then became the president and director of the Society for Automation, Instrumentation, Measurement and Control (SAIMC).

 

In 2014 I had the privilege of organising the Siemens Senior Cyber Junkyard competition and I was very proud of the team from the Potchefstroom Campus.

 

As director of the SAIMC and chairperson of the Training and Education Committee, I have contact with the university environment when we talk about the needs of industry regarding instrumentation and automatic control, and how universities can contribute to bridging the gap between what students are taught and what is required by industry.

 

Currently, Ina and I enjoy touring around on our motorcycle and are looking forward to our retirement in 2016. Who knows – there might even be time for another qualification or two!

 

May the Lord keep you safe and may there be many more wonderful experiences ahead for all.

 

 

Blessings to you all

Johan Maartens

 

(Letter shortened)

 

* The former Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, and currently the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University (NWU)