Giving Day a way of life

When students returned to class after their winter break it was the first time they were all on campus after nearly two years, following the lockdown brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

assistant while studying created a symbiotic relationship between my academic knowledge and career growth,” she says.

Lindokuhle believes alumni should be active participants in the development of their alma mater. This connection helps engagement with industry expertise, which provides space for innovative contributions that interlink research and industry.

“This further extends employment prospects for new graduates seeking guidance and mentorship.”

Working at 5FM is “an absolute dream come true. I have been there for eight years and I still don’t believe it sometimes. also had an opportunity to go to London to interview British actor Henry Cavill."

Romanos says she is grateful for the journalism skills she acquired at UP because the lessons have been instrumental in her everyday work. She says it is easy to spot a fellow UP Journalism alumnus in the industry by their work ethic.

By: Xolani Mathibela

It was a moment to savour. It was also a moment to celebrate. Students were met by a carnival-like atmosphere with free popcorn, food, haircuts and manicures for students and staff. Entertainment was provided by Tuks FM. This festive event was also a culmination of the University’s Giving Day campaign, which was launched to raise an additional R100 million for several major projects over the next three years.

UP Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Tawana Kupe said: “It fills me with much joy to see the campus bubbling with activity again. For many of you, this is the first time on campus following the restrictions placed on all of us as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Explaining some of the reasons for the campaign, he said: “As with many other universities, we have incurred unbudgeted expenses related to protective equipment, sanitisers and deep-cleaning. Providing laptops and data added to this burden, and we had other expenses when we transitioned to online teaching and learning.”

Prof Kupe added: “We are here today to see how our collective efforts can help alleviate the funding challenges, to raise the much-needed funds for our students to provide them with the quality education that we are known for, and to support the projects we have that make us one of the leading tertiary institutions in the world.”

The main aim is to raise funds, but also to increase the culture of philanthropy at the University. Giving can take many forms – mentoring, participating as guest lecturers, or sitting on boards. "Giving needs to become part of everyone’s mindset at UP,” Prof Kupe said. “We also encourage other stakeholders, such as the alumni body, to give back to their alma mater.”

To participate in the campaign, visit https://givingday.up.ac.za/

458

Number of donors contributing to UP’s Giving Day campaign

Funds raised during the first Giving Day campaign

Funds raised will be used for student support; this includes tuition fees and costs associated with accommodation, textbooks, food and devices. “We have many academically deserving students whose families cannot afford their study costs,” Prof Kupe said.

“We are looking to raise ‘new money’ – either funds specifically given to the campaign from existing donors, or from new donors,” said Hernan Finkel, Deputy Director of Relationship Management and Fundraising in the Department of Institutional Advancement. “We will not be counting what we raise during the year from our usual course of business to the campaign target.”

Several projects will benefit from the Giving Day campaign:

• The Faculty of Veterinary Science’s Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital

• TuksSport, to continue creating a platform for talented UP athletes

• UP Residences

• UP Museums