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Alumni are a real measure of an institutional brand. An institution's image and reputation rest on the manifestations of its graduates, their knowledge and competences, successes, contributions, positions and stature.

SHAPING THE FUTURE THROUGH STRATEGIC GIVING | UFS FUNDRAISING AND ALUMNI RELATIONS STRATEGY 2026–2030 The University of ...
23/10/2026

SHAPING THE FUTURE THROUGH STRATEGIC GIVING | UFS FUNDRAISING AND ALUMNI RELATIONS STRATEGY 2026–2030

The University of the Free State (UFS) officially launched its Fundraising and Alumni Relations (FAR) STRATEGY 2026–2030 on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, marking an important milestone in advancing the University's vision for sustainable growth and lasting impact.

The strategy provides a clear framework for growing and diversifying particularly philanthropic income, strengthening the University's fundraising capacity, expanding strategic partnerships, and cultivating a culture of philanthropy across the institution. It calls for a shift in perspective: fundraising is not a stand-alone activity, but a shared institutional responsibility, deeply connected to our academic mission, research excellence, innovation, and societal impact.

Prof Hester C. Klopper, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, and Fundraiser-in-Chief, regards the strategy as an important catalyst for broadening the community of individuals, alumni, partners, and institutions invested in the future of the University of the Free State. Our future is a shared responsibility, and through purposeful partnerships, collective commitment, and a culture of giving, we can unlock greater opportunities for generations to come.

The resources mobilised through this collective effort will go beyond strengthening our financial sustainability. It will enable us to educate future leaders, generate impactful knowledge, drive innovation, and contribute meaningfully to the social and economic advancement of our society.

Our sincere appreciation goes to everyone who participated in the consultation session, contributing their time, insights, expertise, and perspectives.

Thank you for your valuable input, thoughtful engagement, and commitment to shaping a strategy that will help advance the University's mission and secure a lasting legacy.

Together, let us turn shared vision into meaningful impact.




A FIRST FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE!We are proud to introduce Giving For Good, the University of the Free State...
22/10/2026

A FIRST FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE!

We are proud to introduce Giving For Good, the University of the Free State’s first-ever fundraising newsletter!

This milestone marks an exciting new chapter in our commitment to building meaningful connections with our donors, alumni, partners, and broader community.

As we celebrate this significant milestone, we recognise and appreciate every individual and organisation whose generosity, trust, and commitment contribute to the growth and success of the UFS. Together, we are building a legacy of giving that extends beyond today and inspires generations to come.

Giving For Good — because together, we can make good things happen.

Read More: https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://online.fliphtml5.com/udwdt/Fundraising-Newsletter/__;!!LRJdiIM!HdtMefjsFdrYG-HFBtCX3OpKL4IQLqt-rVOtqgntc2d5HoYNM3bcpBvJ4T_wMBovMqmq1i3451oZeCMODHpFw5U$




UFS AUSTRALIA ALUMNI CONNECT 2026 One university. One global family. Endless possibilities.The University of the Free St...
22/10/2026

UFS AUSTRALIA ALUMNI CONNECT 2026

One university. One global family. Endless possibilities.

The University of the Free State is coming to Perth! 🇦🇺

Reconnect with old friends, strengthen lifelong connections, and celebrate the shared journey that unites our global UFS alumni community.

On behalf of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Hester C. Klopper, and the Executive Director of Advancement and Stakeholder Relations, Prof Ylva Rodny-Gumede, you and your partner are warmly invited to an exclusive evening of connection, conversation, and celebration at the UFS Australia Alumni Connect.

📅 Date: 5 November 2026
🕕 Time: 18:00–21:00
📍 Venue: Parmelia Hilton Hotel, Perth, Australia
👔 Dress code: Smart casual

Whether you're reconnecting with familiar faces or building new relationships, this is an opportunity to celebrate the UFS spirit that connects us across continents.

The UFS family has no borders. Let's connect in Australia! ❤️💙

🎟️ RSVP here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/QPQJizLR8j

For enquiries:
David Marupen
📧 [email protected]
📞 +27 (0) 82 888 7201



UFS PRETORIA ALUMNI CONNECT | BUILDING BRIDGES, INSPIRING POSSIBILITIES An evening of meaningful connections, shared pri...
20/10/2026

UFS PRETORIA ALUMNI CONNECT | BUILDING BRIDGES, INSPIRING POSSIBILITIES

An evening of meaningful connections, shared pride and renewed possibilities!

On Thursday, 15 October 2026, the University of the Free State (UFS) brought its Pretoria alumni community together at Protea Hotel Fire & Ice, Menlyn, Pretoria, for an engaging Alumni Connect event that celebrated the enduring bond between the UFS and its graduates.

The event created a valuable platform for alumni to connect directly with university management, exchange ideas, strengthen relationships and engage in conversations about the University's vision, growth and future. The atmosphere was filled with positive energy, enthusiasm and a shared commitment to the continued success of the UFS community.

The evening opened with a warm welcome from Prof Ylva Rodny-Gumede, Executive Director of Advancement, setting the tone for an evening of engagement and reconnection.

The highlight of the evening was the keynote address by Prof Hester C. Klopper, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of the Free State, who addressed the gathering and reinforced the importance of building strong relationships between the University and its alumni.

Beyond networking, the event was a celebration of belonging, collaboration and the power of a connected alumni community. It reaffirmed that the UFS journey does not end at graduation, it continues through shared experiences, meaningful partnerships and opportunities to shape the future together.

One University. One Community. Endless Possibilities.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to making the Pretoria Alumni Connect a memorable engagement experience!




ALUMNI CAREER CONNECT | GRAND FINALE 2026From Boundaries to Brilliance: Turning Barriers into Purpose, Impact and Leader...
14/10/2026

ALUMNI CAREER CONNECT | GRAND FINALE 2026

From Boundaries to Brilliance: Turning Barriers into Purpose, Impact and Leadership.

What a meaningful way to conclude the 2026 University of the Free State (UFS) Alumni Career Connect (ACC) series at BFN Education Auditorium on Saturday, 10 October 2026.

The Grand Finale brought together inspiring leaders and UFS alumni for a powerful conversation on turning challenges into opportunities, discovering purpose, creating meaningful impact and leading with intention.

A highlight of the event was the featured book launch and thought leadership conversation with Dr Pulane Modiha, author, banking executive, leadership advocate and proud UFS alumna.

Drawing on the themes of her book, Dr Modiha shared her perspective on navigating boundaries, embracing challenges and transforming personal and professional experiences into opportunities for growth, purpose and leadership. Her insights encouraged attendees to reflect on their own journeys and consider how they can turn obstacles into stepping stones towards greater impact.

The contributions of Ms Phumla Ngqeza, Free State Provincial Government Chief Director: Integrated Economic Development and proud UFS alumna, further enriched the conversation, offering valuable perspectives on leadership, transformation and creating impact.

The ACC grand finale was more than a closing event; it was an opportunity to learn, connect, reflect and leave inspired to turn boundaries into possibilities.

As the 2026 ACC series comes to a close, its message remains clear: our challenges do not have to define our limits; they can become the foundation for purpose, brilliance and transformative leadership.

Thank you to our speakers, alumni and attendees for making this an inspiring celebration of leadership, learning and connection!






SAVE THE DATE | AUSTRALIAN PARTNERSHIPS FOR IMPACTBuilding partnerships. Inspiring collaboration. Creating impact.The Un...
10/10/2026

SAVE THE DATE | AUSTRALIAN PARTNERSHIPS FOR IMPACT

Building partnerships. Inspiring collaboration. Creating impact.

The University of the Free State warmly invites you to save the date for the Australian Partnerships for Impact Dinner an evening dedicated to strengthening connections, fostering collaboration and exploring opportunities for meaningful impact.

Hosted on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Hester C. Klopper, and the Executive Director of Advancement and Stakeholder Relations, Prof YIva Rodny-Gumede, this special occasion will bring together alumni and friends of UFS to celebrate the power of partnerships.

EVENT DETAILS

📅 Date: Thursday, 5 November 2026
🕕 Time: 18:00–21:00
📍 Venue: To be confirmed
👔 Dress code: Smart casual

You and your partner are cordially invited to join us for this special evening.

Enquiries: David Marupen
✉️ [email protected]

Save the date and be part of a partnership that makes a difference!



UFS CONVOCATION | EXTRAORDINARY MEETING An important invitation to all members of the UFS Convocation The University of ...
08/10/2026

UFS CONVOCATION | EXTRAORDINARY MEETING

An important invitation to all members of the UFS Convocation

The University of the Free State (UFS) hereby invites members of the UFS Convocation to an Extraordinary Meeting of the Convocation, taking place on:

📅 Monday, 19 October 2026
📍 Equitas Auditorium, UFS Bloemfontein Campus
💻 Virtual attendance via MS Teams

The meeting will consider an important matter concerning the governance and leadership of the Convocation:

Process and interim rules for the election of the President of the Convocation

📝 RSVP by 9 October 2026

Members wishing to attend in person or virtually are requested to register by 9 October 2026: https://ufsweb.co/convo-26

Update Convocation information and download the programme for the Extraordinary Meeting: https://ufsweb.co/convocation-info

Seats at the Equitas Auditorium and virtual capacity via MS Teams are limited. Members are therefore encouraged to register as soon as possible.

For members attending in person:
Please ensure that you are seated in the Equitas Auditorium by 16:50.

📩 Enquiries:
Mr Nikile Ntsababa
Registrar, University of the Free State
[email protected]

Your participation matters. Be informed. Be involved. Be part of shaping the future of the UFS Convocation.




06/10/2026

4 DAYS TO GO! | ALUMNI CAREER CONNECT | GRAND FINALE 2026

From Boundaries to Brilliance.

Turning Barriers into Purpose, Impact and Leadership.

The countdown is on!

In just 4 days, the University of the Free State (UFS) Alumni Career Connect (ACC) series reaches its grand finale, bringing together inspiring leaders and UFS alumni for a powerful thought leadership conversation on overcoming boundaries, discovering purpose, creating meaningful impact, and leading with intention.

📖 FEATURED BOOK LAUNCH & THOUGHT LEADERSHIP PANEL

Join us for an inspiring session featuring:
Dr Pulane Modiha — Author, Banking Executive, Leadership Advocate & UFS alumna

Nyimpini Mabunda — Leadership & Transformation Strategist and former CEO

Phumla Ngqeza — Chief Director: Integrated Economic Development & proud UFS alumna

📅 Saturday, 10 October 2026
⏰ 11:00–13:00
📍 BFN Education Auditorium

This is your opportunity to be part of the final ACC session of 2026 and engage with thought leaders who will unpack how boundaries can become stepping stones to purpose, impact and transformative leadership.

Register now and reserve your seat: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=uRv8jg-5SEq_bLoGhhk7gBN45zWgEGVNiVlksaotPMlUQkdCQU5EVkxTR0w2UEY3Skk0ME9GOVhKVy4u&route=shorturl

Light snacks will be served after the event.

📩 Event enquiries:
Ndumiso Mlangeni
[email protected] | +27 81 332 2612

📖 Book pre-orders:
Luvuyo Jacobs
[email protected] | +27 62 353 5586

The countdown has begun. Don’t miss the grand finale!






“It was like coming back home.”Those heartfelt words from Ms Elisia Strydom, a UFS alumna and one of the first residents...
05/10/2026

“It was like coming back home.”

Those heartfelt words from Ms Elisia Strydom, a UFS alumna and one of the first residents of Akasia Residence, beautifully captured the spirit of the 50th anniversary reunion of the Akasia Residence, held on 26 September 2026.

When Akasia opened its doors in 1976, the residence accommodated both male and female students in its first year before becoming an exclusively ladies residence. For the alumni who were among its very first residents, returning 50 years later was more than a celebration — it was a journey back to a place filled with friendship, memories and milestones.

Ms Strydom, who graduated with a BA HED (Bachelor of Arts with a Higher Education Diploma) in 1977, reflected on the special reunion:

“All of us are retired, but we still have a strong bond with the university. It is more like coming back home after many years. We enjoyed taking pictures at the Main Building and walking through memory lane at Akasia Residence. We are the first group to stay there.”

For these alumni, returning to Akasia was an opportunity to reconnect, revisit familiar spaces and celebrate the enduring friendships and memories formed during their university years.

Carmenita Redcliffe Paul, Head of Alumni Relations at the University of the Free State, said the reunion beautifully demonstrates the lasting relationship between alumni and their alma mater:

“Reunions such as this remind us that the UFS experience does not end at graduation. The friendships, memories and sense of belonging created during those formative years continue to connect our alumni to the university and to one another. It is truly special to welcome our alumni back home and to witness them sharing their stories with a new generation.”

From 1976 to 2026 — 50 years of memories, friendships and a bond that continues to bring alumni home.





03/10/2026

8 DAYS TO GO! | ALUMNI CAREER CONNECT | GRAND FINALE 2026

From Boundaries to Brilliance.

Turning Barriers into Purpose, Impact and Leadership.

The countdown is on!

In just 8 days, the University of the Free State (UFS) Alumni Career Connect (ACC) series reaches its grand finale, bringing together inspiring leaders and UFS alumni for a powerful thought leadership conversation on overcoming boundaries, discovering purpose, creating meaningful impact, and leading with intention.

📖 FEATURED BOOK LAUNCH & THOUGHT LEADERSHIP PANEL

Join us for an inspiring session featuring:
Dr Pulane Modiha — Author, Banking Executive, Leadership Advocate & UFS alumna

Nyimpini Mabunda — Leadership & Transformation Strategist and former CEO

Phumla Ngqeza — Chief Director: Integrated Economic Development & proud UFS alumna

📅 Saturday, 10 October 2026
⏰ 11:00–13:00
📍 BFN Education Auditorium

This is your opportunity to be part of the final ACC session of 2026 and engage with thought leaders who will unpack how boundaries can become stepping stones to purpose, impact and transformative leadership.

Register now and reserve your seat: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=uRv8jg-5SEq_bLoGhhk7gBN45zWgEGVNiVlksaotPMlUQkdCQU5EVkxTR0w2UEY3Skk0ME9GOVhKVy4u&route=shorturl

Light snacks will be served after the event.

📩 Event enquiries:
Ndumiso Mlangeni
[email protected] | +27 81 332 2612

📖 Book pre-orders:
Luvuyo Jacobs
[email protected] | +27 62 353 5586

The countdown has begun. Don’t miss the grand finale!






Address

University Of The Free State, Nelson Mandela Drive
Bloemfontein
9300

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 16:30
Tuesday 08:00 - 16:30
Wednesday 08:00 - 16:30
Thursday 08:00 - 16:30
Friday 08:00 - 16:30

Telephone

+27514019199

Website

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