Once a Matie,
always a Matie
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”- Nelson Mandela, awarded an honorary doctorate by Stellenbosch University, 1996
Stellenbosch University is you – and the more than 200 000
other alumni across the globe who are connected to Matieland in ways that are
as diverse as you all are.
We invite you to explore your own ties to the University
while discovering other rewarding Matie connections.
You’ll see that Matie alumni are forming communities all
over the country, the continent, the globe – and there’s always something going
on, there’s always some or other programme happening. These programmes create
unique experiences in revealing Matie connections, bringing Maties together and
highlighting the far-reaching influence of your alma mater.
Why not join one of the national or international hubs as
well? This will enable you to network with other Maties, engage, offer your
time or your talent and explore ideas.
Alumni have created a volunteer network of alumni hubs in 22
centres around the world – and growing. Many social events and educational
programmes are offered locally and online each year through these hubs. There’s
something for everyone!
Alumni return to Stellenbosch for a variety of reasons. Some
hop on a bus to gather with friends for our annual Homecoming celebrations;
others cross the ocean for their residence reunion. Some arrive on our Open Day
with their teenage children who are thinking about attending Stellenbosch
University and some come back virtually to use the library or listen to a
live-streamed thought-provoking talk.
Whenever you do return, we invite you to take a tour of
campus and see what’s new and what has stayed the same. Start at the new Alumni
Welcoming Centre at Die Stal, visit the Neelsie, stroll through the Botanical
Gardens or drop in on your favourite prof in the lab. Come back any time —
Stellenbosch University is here for you.
In 2020, we launched the SWAN Network and the Stellenbosch
University Young Alumni Network. You can read more about these new and exciting
programmes in our Alumni Engagement Calendar.
And despite COVID-19, we hosted many talks and
get-togethers, conducted surveys of special interest groups, listened to
concerts and took virtual art tours.