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.
During 2023, we hosted many talks, public lectures and get-togethers, including Homecoming 2023, conducted surveys of special interest groups, listened to concerts and hosted a series of alumni events globally.