A day in the life at the University of Pretoria. 29 September 1974

On this "Day in the life of the University of Pretoria" astronaut Colonel James B. Irwin visited UP.

Perdeby 29 September 1974 © UP Archives

The article detailing his visit appeared in the 1974 student newspaper, the Perdeby and is featured above.  Col. Irwin was the eighth person to walk on the moon. In his journey to outer space he traveled in Apollo 15. On this day, members from the student body at Universiteitsoord church invited him to discuss highlights from his travels with fellow students. Accompanying Irwin on his visit to UP was Dr. William Rittenhouse a second world war prisoner of war. Likewise, Rittenhouse shared his struggles and will to live in the war camps with the students.

The UPA preserves the history of the University of Pretoria. We have a vast photo collection and earlier copies of the senate, council and faculty minutes. Or holdings also house an extensive clipping collection, as featured here.  Please contact us on [email protected] to read this or similar articles in our collection. We welcome photos, documents or any memorabilia relating to UP’s past. To share your memories of Tukkies please contact us on [email protected].