It was during Prof Swartz’s term as VC that the Alumni Relations Directorate was established to ensure that alumni play a significant role in institutional development and remain connected as the global footprint of the University.
Alumni Relations Director and Association Secretary, Paul Geswindt, also reminded members present that Mandela University also merged the role of Convocation and the Association into a single dynamic structure with full support of Prof Swartz. The President, Dr Randall Jonas and members of the Executive Committee presented Prof Swartz with a hamper of the new branded University items as a token of appreciation for his role in taking Mandela University to exciting heights considering the major university projects such as the Ocean Science Campus, the proposed Medical School and developing a model for sustainability.
The VC thanked the Association for its role in support of the University’s vision, mission and goals and wished members well in strengthening alumni relations in support of the University.
Members of the Association also elected Ms Michelle Mbaco, BCom and MA (Development Studies) graduate, as the Association representative on the Institutional Forum. Michelle has many years of governance experience serving on boards and committees of local and national organisations such as the National Empowerment Fund.