“If you have to put someone on a pedestal, put teachers. They are society’s heroes.” With these words by American author Guy Kawasaki in mind, the Alumni Office hosted its first get-together for educators on 1 July 2017.

 

According to Zanele Ngobese, the campus’s alumni relations practitioner, the event aimed to bring alumni back to the campus and keep them informed about important matters pertaining to the NWU. “Ultimately the event created a platform from where professionals – in this instance educators – were able to network with each other and at the same time recommit themselves to their alma mater,” explains Zanele.

 

The executive director for corporate relations and marketing, Clement Manoko, welcomed the alumni, after which representatives from several support divisions explained the various services and options available for postgraduate studies in education.

 

“The teaching profession represents the heartbeat of any generation because when teachers are at their best, they can change the entire way their students view the world,” says Zanele, adding that the BEd group will become one of the first chapters of the campus’s alumni fraternity.

 

Convocation in the spotlight

 

Then, on 21 July, it was time to shine the light on Convocation matters. During this information session, Prof Marius Stander explained that the Convocation is an opportunity for alumni to have an impact on how the university is managed.

 

Marius has been involved with the campus since 1979, first as a student and now as a lecturer and member of the Convocation’s Executive Committee. He pointed out that by joining in the conversation, alumni can play an important role in ensuring that the quality and reputation of the university are upheld and strengthened.

 

He also referred to the significant role that a convocation plays at renowned international universities such as Harvard, and explained how this advisory body can influence the course of history at a university.

 

Warren Makgowe, director for stakeholder relations at the NWU, then explained how alumni can join the Convocation.

 

For more information on the Convocation, read the article in this edition of the NWU&U: “This is a win-win situation”.