Elizabeth Steijn, who passed away in January 2010, is well known as the legendary principal of the Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool in Pretoria from1945 to 1962.  On 26 June 2008 she celebrated her 100th birthday and was presented with the prestigious Laureate Award from the University in the same year.

During the function, Prof De la Rey convayed the University’s appreciation for the endowment made by Ms Steijn and also acknowledged the relationship the University of Pretoria has with the Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool. Prof De la Rey hailed Ms Steijn as a woman who chose to lead and make a significant contribution to education in South Africa. She described her as “a person who had a sense of vision about the future, who ensured that the fundamental value of education continues long after her death”.

The first bursaries will be awarded in 2012.