The University of Pretoria’s (UP) Department of Residence Affairs and Accommodation hosted their annual TuksRes Academic Excellence Awards late last year to celebrate residence students who achieved excellent academic marks.

Mr Lanché van Tonder, Manager: Residence Management and Student Life at UP, said these awards encourage and improve the overall academic performance of the students living in UP residences. “Our main focus for 2018 was that of academic success. The proof was in the pudding and the overall average performance of our residences increased by 2%, being at a grade point average (GPA) of 63,03%.”

This event signifies the acknowledgement of the top students and residences. Winners are treated to a gala event with guests and speakers, and are awarded gifts and certificates.

At the 2019 Welcome Day event on Saturday 26 January, the top first-years and senior students for 2018 were also acknowledged. Top students will receive R10 000 each towards their tuition costs in 2019.

Here are some achievers awarded at the TuksRes Academic Excellence Awards in 2018:

The top three achievers (overall):

1^st: James Louw, GPA of 97.35, House TAU, Mathematics 

2^nd: Christopher Conroy, GPA of 97.05, TuksVillage, Computer Engineering

3^rd: Hans-Peter Fechter, GPA of 95.51, Mopane, Accounting Sciences

The individual residences' performances:

Curelitzia

On being the top performing female residence in 2018, with a combined first semester GPA of 71.13.

House Ukuthula

On being the top performing male residence in 2018, with a combined first semester GPA of 66.58.

OP Village

On being the top performing mixed residence in 2018, with a combined first semester GPA of 69.33.

House Khutso

On being the most academically progressing female residence in 2018, with a GPA increase of 3.36 in the first semester. 

Mopane

On being the most academically progressing male residence in 2018, with a GPA increase of 3.59 in the first semester. 

TuksVillage

On being the most academically progressing mixed residence in 2018, with a GPA increase of 4.62 in the first semester.

Furthermore, TuksRes will continue with its focus on academic excellence and will introduce new and exciting projects and plans on providing improved support to the students in 2019.