Three Stellenbosch University students were rewarded for their hard work and perseverance despite difficult circumstances. This year marked the 10th anniversary of the Rector’s Awards for Succeeding Against the Odds.
The Maties who exceled academically despite challenging socio-economic conditions, limited opportunities or disability was officially announced at the annual Rector’s Awards for Outstanding Achievement. These awards recognised students who excel in academics, sports, culture, community interaction, service and leadership. The three students received bursaries of R85 000 which will enable them to build on their academic success.
One of this year’s recipients of the Rector’s Award was Blain van Wyk, a BA honours student in Political Science, who was born with a cleft lip and palate and as a result was in and out of doctors’ surgery rooms for most of his childhood.
He was often made fun of by other children for looking different and therefore always felt like an outsider.
Hard work earned him a sport in the BEng (Engineering) class of 2010, but he struggled academically and financially, living in a three room house without hot water in Paarl. After a few sessions at the Centre for Student Counselling and Development, he enrolled for BA International Studies for 2011, received a full bursary and was also placed in Wilgenhof Mens Residence.
“I saw this as a second chance,” says Blain. He completed his undergraduate degree with 10 distinctions and went on to do his honours.
He also started the Operation Smile Student Society in 2012, raising funds for an international children’s medical charity that performs cleft lip and palate surgery.
Over the last 10 years a total of 40 undergraduate and 25 postgraduate students received recognition for “Succeeding Against the Odds”.
The Student Representative Council’s Award for Outstanding Alumni was presented to venture capitalist and wine enthusiast, Michael Jordaan. Jordaan, the former CEO of FNB, now heads up a private investment company, Montegray Capital. He was also the guest speaker at the prestigious event.