During the recent Teaching and Research Excellence Awards, Prof Du Plessis quoted the words of the American social reformer and speaker, Henry Ward Beecher: “We should not judge people by their peak of excellence; but rather by the distance they have journeyed from the point where they started.” According to Prof Du Plessis these words ring true – especially during a celebration such as the prestigious annual Teaching and Research Excellence Awards, and that the awards ceremony affords all academic staff members the opportunity to look back on a year of academic success and hard-fought journeys of accomplishment. “It is during an event such as this one that we once more acknowledge that excellence is not an exception, but rather a prevailing attitude,” said Prof Du Plessis.
In her address she stated that it is her belief that at the heart of excellence lies the ability to conduct research, to innovate, to think creatively and to challenge the prevailing convention. She furthermore said that all achievements are ultimately built upon commitment and dedication. “During the course of the evening we will pay homage to academic staff members and researchers who have mastered the ability to overcome extraordinary and formidable challenges – both in their private capacity and collectively, to achieve success. We will applaud the fine stewards of success, raise our glasses to exemplary lecturers and once again stand tall on the shoulders of giants. As a scholarly community we will celebrate our academic heritage and applaud those who enable the NWU to be a unitary institution of superior academic excellence, with a commitment to social justice.”
Professor Du Plessis saluted all the guests and extended a word of sincere thanks and congratulations to partners, spouses, parents, children and the community of friends without whom these academic accomplishments would not have been possible. She concluded her address by saying that although personal growth and achievement are celebrated, the university cannot seek achievement for itself and forget about progress and prosperity towards the community it serves. “Our ambitions must remain far-reaching to include the aspirations and needs of others – for their sakes and for our own.”
* Numerous awards were made to staff members who excel in teaching and learning, improved their qualifications and who continue to be productive researchers. The event was hosted at the Quest Conference Estate in Vanderbijlpark.
Rochelle Botha in discussion with Prof Adele Nel.
