At Thursday afternoon's graduation session, UWC Rector and Vice-Chancellor Professor Tyrone Pretorius paid tribute to the late Jesse Hess, sisters Chanté and Angelique Cloete, Jesse Gordon and Jamie Peters.
Hess, a theology student at the university, was set to graduate on Monday. She was murdered in 2019. Chanté graduated posthumously with a Bachelor of Administration on Thursday. In December last year Chanté, her sister, Gordon and Peters - all of whom were UWC alumni - passed away in a car accident near Robertson.
Prof Pretorius acknowledged the support of the graduates' loved ones.
“I would like to acknowledge the parents, guardians and loved ones of our students. I salute your dedication and support to your charges. During normal times that support was invaluable. However, given the consequences of this pandemic and the impact on learning, your support and loved carried them to this moment,” he said.
Main image of sunflower (Jess Hess' favourite) by Ruvan Boshoff - UWC Media
Hess, a theology student at the university, was set to graduate on Monday. She was murdered in 2019. Chanté graduated posthumously with a Bachelor of Administration on Thursday. In December last year Chanté, her sister, Gordon and Peters - all of whom were UWC alumni - passed away in a car accident near Robertson.
Prof Pretorius acknowledged the support of the graduates' loved ones.
“I would like to acknowledge the parents, guardians and loved ones of our students. I salute your dedication and support to your charges. During normal times that support was invaluable. However, given the consequences of this pandemic and the impact on learning, your support and loved carried them to this moment,” he said.
Main image of sunflower (Jess Hess' favourite) by Ruvan Boshoff - UWC Media
