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On Friday, 21 June, the University of the Western Cape’s (UWC) Eastern Cape alumni gathered in Gqeberha for an evening brimming with celebration, reconnection, and new friendships.
Organised by UWC's Alumni Relations Office, this lively event highlighted the university's dedication to engaging with its alumni across South Africa.
Alumni from various faculties, including Siyathandwa Gomo, an April graduate, travelled from East London to join the festivities.
Mr Paul Geswindt, Director of Alumni Relations at Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
The evening's highlight was an invigorating keynote address by Mr Paul Geswindt, Director of Alumni Relations at Nelson Mandela University (NMU).
His speech emphasised the vital role of community activism and resilience, particularly focusing on alumni's significant contributions to their communities and their alma maters, such as UWC.
"Many of our roots can be traced back to the communities formed at universities," Geswindt remarked, prompting enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Adding to the evening's excitement, Siyathandwa Gomo won a spot prize for correctly answering the question: “What was the name of UWC’s previous mascot?”.
She shared her joy, saying, “Winning the spot prize was an unexpected delight! It made me feel even more connected to the UWC community and reminded me of the wonderful support system we have as alumni.”
The event also introduced attendees to the UWC Legacy Fund, an ambitious initiative aimed at raising R200 million by the year 2033.
This substantial fund will become the cornerstone of UWC’s institutional growth, and it is dedicated to developing new infrastructure for the university and securing a brighter future for future generations.
Additionally, alumni were informed that the university’s leadership has decided to bid farewell to the previous sports mascot, "Bushie," and embrace a fresh identity: the Caracals.
This new name draws inspiration from the stealthy wild cat that roams the university’s nature reserve. It embodies characteristics that mirror those of the UWC community—resilience, agility, strength, and the capability to punch above its weight.
UWC Alumni Relations Manager, Mr Niven Maree (left) and Alumna Advocate Loren Hesselman (right)
Advocate Loren Hesselman, who graduated a decade ago, shared her reflections on the vibrant event: “On 21 June, I attended the UWC Gqeberha Alumni Engagement. Graduates from the 1980s to the class of 2023 were present, and despite our varied experiences at the university, it was evident that UWC remains a 'home away from home' for all of us. I was amazed by the significant changes over the past few years. We have taken valuable lessons from the past and are truly building a brighter future.”
The UWC Alumni Relations Office continues its mission to connect with alumni nationwide, fostering a strong sense of community and mutual support among its graduates.
The evening in Gqeberha was a testament to the enduring bond shared by the UWC alumni family, filled with laughter, shared memories, and a collective vision for the future.
Support the UWC Legacy Fund: Together, we can build a brighter future for generations to come. Donate today and be part of this transformative journey.
On Friday, 21 June, the University of the Western Cape’s (UWC) Eastern Cape alumni gathered in Gqeberha for an evening brimming with celebration, reconnection, and new friendships.
Organised by UWC's Alumni Relations Office, this lively event highlighted the university's dedication to engaging with its alumni across South Africa.
Alumni from various faculties, including Siyathandwa Gomo, an April graduate, travelled from East London to join the festivities.
Mr Paul Geswindt, Director of Alumni Relations at Nelson Mandela University (NMU) The evening's highlight was an invigorating keynote address by Mr Paul Geswindt, Director of Alumni Relations at Nelson Mandela University (NMU).
His speech emphasised the vital role of community activism and resilience, particularly focusing on alumni's significant contributions to their communities and their alma maters, such as UWC.
"Many of our roots can be traced back to the communities formed at universities," Geswindt remarked, prompting enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Adding to the evening's excitement, Siyathandwa Gomo won a spot prize for correctly answering the question: “What was the name of UWC’s previous mascot?”.
She shared her joy, saying, “Winning the spot prize was an unexpected delight! It made me feel even more connected to the UWC community and reminded me of the wonderful support system we have as alumni.”
The event also introduced attendees to the UWC Legacy Fund, an ambitious initiative aimed at raising R200 million by the year 2033.
This substantial fund will become the cornerstone of UWC’s institutional growth, and it is dedicated to developing new infrastructure for the university and securing a brighter future for future generations.
Additionally, alumni were informed that the university’s leadership has decided to bid farewell to the previous sports mascot, "Bushie," and embrace a fresh identity: the Caracals.
This new name draws inspiration from the stealthy wild cat that roams the university’s nature reserve. It embodies characteristics that mirror those of the UWC community—resilience, agility, strength, and the capability to punch above its weight.
UWC Alumni Relations Manager, Mr Niven Maree (left) and Alumna Advocate Loren Hesselman (right) Advocate Loren Hesselman, who graduated a decade ago, shared her reflections on the vibrant event: “On 21 June, I attended the UWC Gqeberha Alumni Engagement. Graduates from the 1980s to the class of 2023 were present, and despite our varied experiences at the university, it was evident that UWC remains a 'home away from home' for all of us. I was amazed by the significant changes over the past few years. We have taken valuable lessons from the past and are truly building a brighter future.”
The UWC Alumni Relations Office continues its mission to connect with alumni nationwide, fostering a strong sense of community and mutual support among its graduates.
The evening in Gqeberha was a testament to the enduring bond shared by the UWC alumni family, filled with laughter, shared memories, and a collective vision for the future.
Support the UWC Legacy Fund: Together, we can build a brighter future for generations to come. Donate today and be part of this transformative journey.
