The Parkers are a family of four from Eersterust, Pretoria, who have all received their tertiary qualifications from the University of Pretoria (UP). “As UP alumni, my husband and I did not want our daughters to study at any other institution,” says Nochundre Parker, who has an honours degree in BSocSci in Industrial Sociology and Labour Studies (2009), and is currently in her final year of MPhil Human Resource Management.

“The institution has a good reputation, as many former politicians and rugby players studied there.” Her husband, Isidore, graduated with a BSc (1991) and has an honours in Mathematical Statistics (1994).

Nochundre also works at UP in the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology as a senior human resource officer. “I started working at UP in 2003 as a general enquiries agent and, as an employee, made the most of the benefit of a full rebate on tuition fees,” she says. “This was an opportunity of a lifetime. Staff members are allowed to attend class for six hours a week; I also used my holiday leave and attended class after work – this made it possible for me to register as a full-time undergraduate student. This awesome study benefit also applied to my two daughters.”

Istique Parker, the couple’s eldest daughter, received a BCom degree in Accounting Sciences in 2018 and a postgraduate diploma in the subject the following year. Their other daughter, Shanique, obtained the very same degree in 2019.

Istique says UP has taught her many skills, such as time management and soft skills, and believes the University is the place to obtain your degree if you value work readiness and quality education. “Transitioning into the workplace was generally without challenges for me,” she says. “The knowledge I gained could be applied with ease, partly through the mentorship provided by my first employer, but also because that is how UP prepared me for the workplace.”

Shanique’s highlight as a student was meeting and socialising with people from different backgrounds. She has a message for UP students: “When things get tough and you feel demotivated, focus on where you want to see yourself after completing your studies. But remember to make time for the things you love, to distract you from the pressure.” 

The Parkers agree that alumni must act as ambassadors for the University, by flying the UP flag in all areas of life, including in their respective professions. Furthermore, alumni should support the institution financially or otherwise through the University’s many initiatives.

Nochundre has only praise for UP’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Tawana Kupe, saying he is achieving his objective to advance knowledge, promote understanding, broaden minds and improve lives. “Despite the challenges faced during 2020,” she says, “Prof Kupe has responded with the kind of calm professionalism that is the hallmark of our institution.”