North West University Graduation Ceremony
North West University Graduation Ceremony, The North-West University has, for the past few years already, put in an effort to make its graduation ceremonies as accessible as possible for its students. It is, for a variety of reasons, not always possible for every student to be able to attend their graduation ceremony in Potchefstroom at the end of their academic career. These reasons vary from socio-economic factors to the long distances that have to be travelled between certain students’ home towns and the University’s main campus.
It is for these reasons that the University has been having outside ceremonies since 2008 in, amongst others, Polokwane, Nelspruit, Durban, East London and Cape Town. There are also similar events for Namibian students in Windhoek. These outside ceremonies take place at least twice a year, and in the case of Cape students, it takes place annually in Cape Town and George alternately. In 2012 nearly 1500 students obtained their tertiary academic qualifications in this manner, which they celebrated with their families, and this year is no exception.
The overarching message that the North-West University wants to convey with this type of event is that each and every student is important. To obtain a university qualification is a proud moment and it is for this reason that graduation ceremonies must be placed within reach of every student.
NWU graduation ceremonies a celebration of diversity
The third day of the four-day graduation ceremony of the North-West University’s (NWU’s) campus in Vanderbijlpark did not only represent the culmination of years of study for graduates, but also bore witness to the rich cultural diversity evident at the institution.
A total of 442 students from the Faculty of Humanities obtained their undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
In his address Prof Mashudu Mashige, executive dean of the faculty, said that graduation ceremonies are opportunities to celebrate not only success but also diversity. “Every graduation ceremony is a celebration and acknowledgement of diversity and therefore transcends the boundaries of language, creed and culture” said Prof Mashige and added that the unique unitary imperative of the university is built upon such multiplicity.
Top performers applauded
The day saw four students being applauded as top performers in their respective degree courses. These students were: Marilie Viljoen (Social Work), Lindall Stadler (Industrial Psychology and Labour Relations Management), Chelsea Graham (Education in Foundation Phase) and Chavon Botha (Education in Senior and Further Education and Training Phase: Technica).
Graduates to champion transformation
In closing, Prof Robert Balfour, the deputy vice-chancellor for teaching and learning, said that the NWU – as a recognised institution for academic excellence and quality education – is proud of its growing alumni fraternity.
He praised students for their commitment towards their studies and motivated them to continue to champion transformation – be it in their respective communities or their professional environments. By referring to the challenges within higher education such as #FeesMustFall and the drive to decolonise curricula, Prof Balfour said that the power of the collective South African student voice brought attention to the determination of students to succeed.
He urged graduates to never settle for second best and to continue to act as enablers of a better future. More than 400 students obtained their degree qualifications during the third day of the Autumn Graduation Ceremony.