When speaking to Mpho Mosia, an executive committee member of the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Young Alumni Association, his words exactly echo this philosophy of altruism when he says that the association – that recently donated just more than R13 000 to its alma mater – believes in the concept of paying it forward.
“We received so much – in both formal and informal education – during our time at the campus and as such we want others to reap the same rewards we did,” explains Mpho.
During a recent handing-over ceremony, the association continued its good work by donating the proceeds of the annual NWU Young Alumni Homecoming event to the campus’s Feather Fund. This year sees the third donation from the association being made to the fund and in all a total of R37 134 have been raised thus far. The funds will be used to assist undergraduate final-year students who completed their studies but are not able to graduate due to outstanding fees.
According to Zanele Ngobese, alumni coordinator, this donation will help support the next generation of alumni and contribute “immensely” towards the vesting of a culture of alumni giving. “We all want to make the world a better place,” Zanele says. “Alumni, by sharing their time, talent and money literally pays it forward for other students. I applaud this group of young alumni for stepping up and changing the lives of worthy students by enabling them to receive their university education.”
The NWU Young Alumni Homecoming represents a highlight on the annual events calendar of the campus and has grown from strength to strength since its formal inception in 2015.
Alumni giving is important
According to Zanele, alumni play a large role in determining the future and continued advancement of an institution. “Alumni giving go a long way to support deserving students who are short of funds and when viewed in this light, you are giving back to more than just your alma mater: you are helping someone gain a quality education.”
Zanele furthermore explains that when your alma mater continues to remain a popular and prestigious institution, the value of a degree increases as well.
To learn more about how you as a member of the alumni community can get involved visit the NWU website.
Clement Manoko, Executive Director: Corporate Relations and Marketing, Mpho Mosia, Young Alumni Association, Prof Linda du Plessis, Deputy Vice-chancellor: Vanderbijlpark Campus Operations, Innocentia Pitso, Young Alumni Association, Zanele Ngobese, alumni coordinator and George Ncebesha, Young Alumni Association.
Warren Makgowe, Executive Director: Stakeholder Relations, Mpho Mosia and Jerry Lesele, Young Alumni Association, Prof Linda du Plessis and Prof Herman van der Merwe, Deputy Dean: Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences.
Warren Makgowe, Jerry Lesele, Prof Linda du Plessis and Mpho Mosia.
