Following the recent in-person
autumn #UPGraduation2022 ceremonies, the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) hosted a celebratory event for graduates who had made it onto the Dean’s List, based on their outstanding performance during the 2021 academic year. This was the first on-campus celebration of its kind in the Faculty since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In her welcome speech Prof Margaret Chitiga-Mabugu, Dean of the Faculty of EMS, reminded the recipients of the exceptional feat they had achieved. “The selection criteria for the Dean’s List Awards are very stringent, and as one of only 51 students across all year groups who have been selected to receive the prestigious Dean’s List Award, you are being honoured for your outstanding academic performance and you can be rightly proud of yourselves,” she said.
She went on to highlight how the achievements of the awardees exemplify the mission of the Faculty to advance relevant knowledge and develop employable, innovative and diverse graduates to co-create value for society.
Standing, from left: Profs Karin Barac, Theuns Steyn and Margaret Chitiga-Mabugu
Seated: EMS Dean's List Awards recipients in the undergraduate category
The Dean’s sentiments were echoed by Prof Theuns Steyn, Acting Deputy Dean of Teaching and Learning. He explained that activities in the Faculty of EMS are driven by the objective of equipping students with relevant and current competencies and enabling them to become the next generation of great leaders in an environment that is undergoing profound changes, spurred by powerful demographic shifts, global economic and societal forces, and emerging technologies.
Standing, from left: Profs Karin Barac, Theuns Steyn and Margaret Chitiga-Mabugu
Seated: EMS Dean's List Awards recipients in the postgraduate diploma category
Prof Steyn also remarked on the disruptions that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent national lockdown, which required EMS staff members to put a tremendous amount of time and effort into changing their teaching activities from face-to-face to online modes of teaching and learning. “Looking back at the results and the successes of our students during this difficult time in our history, it becomes evident that these efforts by our academics and other staff to support our students were not in vain.”
EMS Executive Management with Dean's List Awards recipients in the honours category
The Deputy Dean of Research and Postgraduate Studies, Prof Karin Barac, turned the focus to the quality research that the Faculty of EMS is known for, informing the audience that the Faculty boasts three National Research Foundation A-rated researchers and that more than 85% of the research articles produced by EMS academics appear in international journals. “The Faculty relies on students like you, who excel academically, to undertake further postgraduate studies. I therefore encourage you to consider postgraduate study at EMS and invite you to contact us to explore all the possibilities,” Prof Barac said.
She also reiterated that the Faculty strives to be an active contributor that develops new knowledge and makes an impact to solve the problems in society, as well as provide solutions for problems incurred by professions and organisations in the private and public sectors. She also highlighted the exceptional structures in the Faculty, as well as the research focus areas in departments where outstanding scholars supervise postgraduate students, adding that EMS is well-positioned to accommodate their further studies.
EMS Executive Management with Dean's List Awards recipients in the master's category
In her closing remarks, Prof Chitiga-Mabugu reminded the awardees that their achievements were, without a doubt, a testament to their hard work, grit and commitment and the support of their families. “We need your support to be an ambassador of the University of Pretoria and the Faculty of EMS wherever your future endeavours might lead you to. As proud UP alumni, we hope you will fly the UP flag high out in the world. Please do share your successes and achievements with us.”
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