In the picture Paul Geswindt (Director: Alumni Relations), Dr Hannington Gaya and Dr Welcome Kupangwa (former Alumni Association Treasurer).
Dr Hannington Gaya, an Alumni Special Award recipient and publisher based in Kenya, visited his alma mater to see new developments and support the university with promotion efforts in his region.
He had the opportunity to visit the various Gqeberha based campuses, attend some graduation sessions, meet with certain academic departments, the Mandela International Office as well as the Registrar. Dr Gaya also visited the university when its new name and brand was launched in 2017. We thank Dr Gaya for being such a great ambassador for his alma mater.
Before Australia based Barry Greville-Eyres came to visit his alma mater, he made contact via social media and shared stories of his involvement as a United Nations volunteer in countries such as Afghanistan.
Barry also connected the university’s Engagement Office and Alumni Relations Office with the UN Volunteer Office in South Africa in order for the university to be better informed about the role of the UN Volunteer programme and potential opportunities for students, staff and alumni.
More information in this regard will be shared in future. We appreciate Barry’s role in sharing his experiences and network with his alma mater and the potential benefits which can flow from the ongoing interactions.
In the picture: Paul Geswindt and Barry Greville-Eyres.
Alumni Achiever Award recipient St Claire Adriaan also visited his alma mater and the six Gqeberha campuses. He is currently principal of Encore Junior and Senior High School for the Arts in Hesperia, California and has been living in the US for twenty-five years with his last visit to SA eight years ago.
A former UPE SRC President, St Claire is still connected to many of his varsity friends and still actively supports his alma mater. He visited some former favourite student party spots such as the former Rag farm and Ziggy’s and rekindled some fond student memories. He had the opportunity to see all the new infrastructure developments over the past few years, including the Medical School at Missionvale, the Ocean Sciences campus and its brand new Science centre which has a state of the art digital dome.
St Claire is also acknowledged for his role in supporting students in financial need, especially from local schools in the area where he grew up in, and makes a special effort to remain in contact with them throughout their studies and as their careers progress.
In the picture: University Shop, Senior Shop Assistant, Wendy Scheepers, helped St Claire to be fully branded to continue his important role as a brand ambassador.
When visiting Gqeberha or George, consider visiting your alma mater and former academic department, it is always great to reconnect. You are welcome to contact us alumni@mandela.ac.za when in town and would like to reconnect!