At the function, recognition was also given to an alumnus of the Department of Marketing Management, Mr Pierre Viljoen. In 1968, Mr Viljoen, identified the need for more focused marketing training at the University of Pretoria. Together with Prof Reynders, Dean of the Faculty from 1962 to 1973, a motivated submission was made to the Senate and approved by Council on 20 June 1969 on the condition that the University would not support the training financially. However, a fundraising committee, consisting of Prof Reynders and Mr Viljoen, provided the necessary funds in a short period with a Rand-for-Rand contribution by the University. In 1971 the first BCom (Marketing Management) degree was presented and in 1973, a total of 23 students graduated with the first BCom (Marketing Management) degrees in South Africa.

Among those who attended the function were Prof Elsabé Loots, Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, Prof Adré Schreuder, Extraordinary Professor in the Department and CEO of Consulta, and Jacques and Pierre Viljoen, award sponsors. The Head of Department, Prof Yolanda Jordaan, congratulated students and staff on another year of outstanding achievements. She also thanked the award sponsors as well as the special guests.

The following students were awarded:

• Deniel Habig – The best performance third-year BCom (Marketing Management) student;
• Kylie Coleman, Lerana Jacobs and Fern Shaw – Consulta Research Prize for the best research project on honours level;
• Kylie Coleman – The best performing BComHons (Marketing Management) student;
• Nontuthuzelo Mashaba – Stephan & Pierre Viljoen Stipendium for the best performing MCom (Marketing Management) student;
• Dr Ben Wiese – The best performing DCom (Marketing Management) student;
• Dr Tania Maree – Stephan & Pierre Viljoen Staff Award for best performing staff member in the Department.

Back left to right: Matthew Butler, Kylie Coleman, Patricia Coleman-van der Ploeg, Johnny van der Ploeg
Front left to right: Peet Jacobs, Petro Jacobs, Lerana Jacobs, Fern Shaw, Kline Moralee, Christine Shaw, Loz Shaw.

Back left to right: Ben WieseMelanie Wiese, Gene van Heerden, Pieter Maree, Tania Maree
Front left to right: Lufuno Makhitha, Andries Makhitha, Anikie Makhitha, Gilbert Mathumuni, Mercy Makhitha.