Bes Liebenberg, Head of the Student Wellness and Leadership Development office in the Department of Residence Affairs and Accommodation at the University of Pretoria (UP), was recently honoured for her contributions to campus housing, marking a significant milestone in her career. She has become the first South African and the first woman outside of the United States to be inducted into the Parthenon Society of the Association of College and University Housing Officers – International (ACUHO-I) Foundation.

The induction acknowledges her outstanding service to and leadership in the field of campus housing, recognising her efforts to create a welcoming, inclusive and supportive residential environment for students. The Parthenon Award is the highest level of recognition bestowed by the ACUHO-I Foundation. It signifies not just a career of service, but a commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of students and colleagues. Recipients of this award are individuals who have gone above and beyond in their roles, serving as beacons of inspiration and leadership within the campus housing community.

Each year, the ACUHO-I Foundation calls upon its members to nominate exceptional individuals who have demonstrated unwavering commitment to campus housing. The candidates must meet stringent criteria to be considered for induction into the Parthenon Society. To qualify, candidates must have dedicated at least 10 years to housing, residential life or an affiliated profession; and must have provided at least five years of service at the regional or international level of the ACUHO-I.

The person who nominates a candidate undertakes a unique responsibility: leading a fundraising campaign to collect $5 000 on behalf of the nominee. This fundraising effort not only honours the nominee but also supports the continued work of the ACUHO-I Foundation, ensuring that the organisation can continue to foster excellence in campus housing.

New inductees to the Parthenon Society were revealed during the Campus Home. LIVE! event, a highlight of the ACUHO-I conference, which was held in Milwaukee in the US in June this year.

Induction into the Parthenon Society acknowledges the recipient’s impact on countless lives and the positive changes they have brought to their institutions. Liebenberg’s journey reflects the core values of the ACUHO-I Foundation and the enduring impact of creating a home away from home for students. This recognition is a testament to her exceptional career and the lasting legacy that she is leaving in the field of campus housing.