Acknowledgement

In 2010, 6 004 students received undergraduate bursaries at Stellenbosch University (SU), of which 66% were funded by corporates, trusts, foundations and individuals.

“The University is busy shaping the talent and skills needed to help build our country and continent, as every Stellenbosch graduate knows,” Ms Bev Witten, Director: Alumni Relations, said.

“Many of our alumni are committed to giving the next generation a hand up. That’s why we have established the SU Bursary Fund as a way of channelling alumni giving into student success.”

Of the 100 000 alumni on SU’s data base, only 0,8% currently lend philanthropic support to their alma mater.

“We would like to double this number by next year,” Ms Witten said.

“If 2 000 alumni give R100 a month by debit order, we will raise R2,4 million a year – enough to award full bursaries to 80 students.”

New alumni Nico Mans, Paul Antohnie and Alphonso Primo set a good example. They built up a kitty by contributing R100 each per month. This inspired other alumni to support the fund, which means more opportunities for prospective students.

“It is not about how much you give, but that you give,” Witten said.

“Every gift makes a difference – firstly to those receive bursaries, but ultimately to the whole community. The SU Bursary Fund is a way for all our alumni to participate in the University’s drive to be a builder of hope in society.”

For more information, contact Ms Louise Enslin at SU’s Alumni Relations office on +27 21 808 9351 or enslin@sun.ac.za.