Solving the challenge of helping ‘missing middle’ students afford higher education is a collective societal responsibility, University of Pretoria (UP) Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Francis Petersen told a gathering of Cape Town-based alumni and donors.

Prof Petersen hosted the event at PwC’s Cape Town offices in the V&A Waterfront’s Silo District on Wednesday 5 February.

“One of the pressing issues [universities] face is that of the ‘missing middle’ – this is a group of students who fall just above the income threshold for government financial aid but who cannot afford the full cost of university education,” he said. “The answer to this challenge lies in partnership, in community, and in a shared commitment to providing opportunity. Collectively we can make a real difference, not only in the lives of individual students but in the future of our country.” In light of this need, Prof Petersen called on alumni to donate to the recently renamed Vice-Chancellor and Principal’s Scholarship Fund (formerly the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship Fund).

Prof Petersen also explained that, although UP generates an income through its services and public events, the support of UP alumni cannot be underestimated, especially in terms of helping students in need. “The institution is transparent with regard to its operations, and UP alumni have first-hand experience in the institution’s efforts to use donations to uplift surrounding communities and the lives of students,” he said. “As a result of public funding, which includes donations, students who are in need of financial assistance are being supported and given every chance to achieve their academic aspirations through initiatives such as the Vice-Chancellor and Principal’s Scholarship Fund.”

The Cape Town alumni meet-and-greet event also provided an opportunity for the Vice-Chancellor to encourage UP graduates to further their studies by enrolling in one of UP’s several hundred postgraduate programmes.

Alumni giving back

Dr Samantha Castle, Senior Manager of Alumni Relations at UP, thanked the alumni and donors in attendance for remaining loyal to their alma mater. “As alumni of one of the top academic institutions in our country and on the continent, we have so much to celebrate,” she said. “But to maintain our institution’s academic excellence, we need your continued support.”

She told attendees that the University’s alumni matter a great deal, “because we serve as ambassadors, advocates, and partners in shaping the future of our university. Together, as the Tuks Alumni family, we continue to set the standard for excellence.”

Dr Castle urged all UP alumni to follow the University on its various social media platforms, to regularly check the Alumni website, and to update their details held by the Alumni Relations Office, in order to stay connected with UP.

She reminded UP graduates and friends of UP that they can support current UP students through UP’s mentorship programme, by providing job-shadowing opportunities and career advice, and by introducing new graduates to their work environment.

“Alumni assistance stretches beyond the world of employment as well, since alums can help a student to adapt to a new environment or a new country through the mentorship programme,” Dr Castle said.

Prof Petersen concluded the event by thanking all UP graduates and friends of UP. “Without your support, we could not do what we do in providing the best education to our students. Your support helps UP remain proudly one of the leading research‐intensive universities in Africa.”

For pictures of the event, click here.