A university “is a community that stretches across generations, professions and the world”.

So said Professor Deresh Ramjugernath, rector and vice-chancellor of Stellenbosch University (SU), at the opening of the Faculty of Theology’s Homecoming event in September.

More than 2 500 SU alumni from across the world flocked back to Stellenbosch where they attended some of the more than 50 events from Thursday 10 to Saturday 12 September.

With the annual SU Homecoming, alumni not only revisit the past, but are also invited to move forward with SU.

Rooted in the past

The Theology Homecoming investigated the theme “From Theology to the World: Graduates Thriving Across Sectors”, looking at the wider role of alumni in the past and present but particularly considering what they contribute to the future.

This linked with the 200-year commemoration of the Norfolk Island Pine tree in the Faculty’s gardens, a Champion Tree of South Africa.

While recognising its history and symbolism from the colonial past of Stellenbosch, the morning culminated in the planting of an indigenous tree by Mercia Fasser, wife of the current executive mayor of Stellenbosch, Jeremy Fasser. Also symbolic of rootedness in the past, while moving forward to the future.

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Impacting the world

The panel discussions focused on how alumni’s theological grounding continuously contributes to their work.

The first was about the unexpected career spheres of some of the faculty’s alumni, including journalism, correctional services, international research on issues like gender and violence, data and policy-making, and the international tertiary education sector.

While the second discussed challenges and developments in religious leadership today, like spirituality and justice, community service, and public theology.

“It was an inspiring occasion, particularly experiencing the passion of our alumni for their ministries and vocations. Because ministries are not only about pulpits and sermons, but about the many ways in which our alumni impact the world,” said Prof Reggie Nel, dean of the faculty.

Ramjugernath added: “Perhaps one of the most important measures of a university’s relevance, is not simply what our graduates know when they leave us, but what they do with what they know. We inherit what others planted. We have a responsibility to understand that inheritance honestly. And then we must decide what we will plant for those who come after us. We honour our history, but we are not bound by it. We learn from it, build upon it and take responsibility for what comes next.”

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