The University of Botswana Foundation (UBF) will on 31st March 2023, host its Inaugural Alumni Reunion which will be held at the University of Botswana Campus Indoor Sports Centre under the theme “UB Alumni: Our Gateway to Academic Excellence”.
Among the guests who will grace the event is His Excellency, President Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi who will give a keynote address. President Masisi will be accompanied by the First Lady Mrs Neo Jane Masisi, and other senior government officials. Other speakers of note include South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr. Naledi Pandor, the Minister of Education and Skills Development, Dr. Douglas Letsholathebe and Chairman at BuiltAfrica Holdings, Mr Thulani Gcabashe.
Why this Reunion?
It is of paramount importance to note that having been established in 1982, the University celebrated its 40th Anniversary in 2022. Consequently, the Alumni Reunion comes against the backdrop of such celebrations which signified the four decades of academic excellence and contribution to the human resource development of the country. The institution’s role as leading centre of Higher Learning continues to be unparalleled even today. In line with this, it is therefore befitting for the institution to remember and honour its alumni both locally and internationally who continue to be torch bearers across their various spheres of operation.
Considering the above, this reunion has been marked as an initiative aimed at introducing the UB alumni to an array of benefits packaged for them. Ideally, given these many years of existence, the transformation trajectory undertaken by the institution, under the stewardship of Vice Chancellor, Professor David Norris must carry with it all stakeholders on board- former students being one of them. It is therefore vital for the institution’s alumni to reconnect with their alma mater as they relive the past and reminisce about the good old days at “Mmadikolo” as the institution is fondly referred to.
Further, this reunion seeks to foster and forge linkages between UB and its alumni. This networking opportunity will nurture and develop a wider alumni network during such a critical time when the institution is undergoing transformation to a high-performance organisation as well as advancing the national agenda towards a knowledge-economy.
Throughout the world, alumni have proved to be a useful resource as pioneers of transformation. This is through, among others; utilisation of their skills in the formulation and revision of curricula, providing job shadowing and internship opportunities, mentorships and giving back by way of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). It is worth noting that when this university was founded in 1982 through the Motho le Motho Kgomo campaign, it was the spirit of self-reliance (Ipelegeng) that saw Batswana donating to such a noble cause. To this end, the university wishes to implore all stakeholders including our alumni to build on
the legacy of our forefathers for the advancement of the country’s education system to meet the 21st century challenges.
Worth noting is that this event is but the beginning of the many alumni activities to come. Over and above being industry leaders, UB alumni should by the end of this engagement feel a sense of identity and belonging which will serve as motivation and recognition for their continued success during the past four decades.