{"id":48375,"date":"2024-02-27T15:35:26","date_gmt":"2024-02-27T13:35:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/noordkaapbulletin\/first-years-welcomed-20240227\/"},"modified":"2025-03-21T16:14:19","modified_gmt":"2025-03-21T14:14:19","slug":"first-years-welcomed-20240227","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/noordkaapbulletin\/first-years-welcomed-20240227\/","title":{"rendered":"Kimberley: First-year students welcomed at Sol Plaatje University"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The year 2024 holds great significance for the Sol Plaatje University (SPU) in Kimberley as it marks the university\u2019s tenth anniversary since opening with only 124 students in 2014.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This was part of the welcoming message to this year\u2019s first-year students who are becoming part of the #MySPU family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Welcoming the students at an event on 17 February at the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre in the city, Prof. Andrew Crouch, vice-chancellor and principal of the SPU, praised the new students\u2019 resilience for overcoming the challenges that led them here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"

<\/p>\n

Prof. Andrew Crouch, vice-chancellor and principal of the Sol Plaatje University in Kimberley. <\/div>\n
<\/span>Photo: Facebook\/Sol Plaatje University<\/span> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

He encouraged them to embrace this next phase in their journey, where growth, transformation, and maturing are inevitable but will also bring conflict within themselves or with others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Crouch reminded everyone that these changes serve a greater purpose: Improving oneself as an individual. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhilst you grow, whilst you transform, whilst you discover, whilst you change, you must never forget one thing: Never forget where you come from, and who assisted you to get to where you are today. Never forget your roots,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The dean of students, Nicole Morris, extended a warm welcome to all first-year students, parents, staff of the university, and special guests. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe institution has confidently grown since its inauguration in 2014, leading up to this occasion where these young, courageous minds will grow to be responsible citizens, taking up positions of responsibility in the different sectors of our economy,\u201d said Morris. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

She emphasised resilience and perseverance, encouraging these individuals to continue their journey towards success within the coming years ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"

<\/p>\n

Gemmie, the mascot of the Sol Plaatje University, welcoming first-year students of the university. <\/div>\n
<\/span>Photo: Facebook\/Sol Plaajte University<\/span> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Letlhogonolo Thintha, president of the SPU Student Representative Council (SRC), said the SRC was there to ensure they have a smooth transition into university life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDive into the rich tapestry of academics, clubs, and events that await you. This is your time to shine, explore, and make your mark. The SRC is here to support you every step of the way,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Morris concluded the ceremony by exhorting students to remain committed to the dreams that led them here, despite any obstacles they may encounter along the way. She encouraged them to believe, achieve, and explore.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The year 2024 holds great significance for the Sol Plaatje University (SPU) in Kimberley as it marks the university\u2019s tenth anniversary since opening with only 124 students in 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First-year students welcomed at Sol Plaatje University | Noordkaap Bulletin<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/noordkaapbulletin\/first-years-welcomed-20240227\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Kimberley: First-year students welcomed at Sol Plaatje University\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The year 2024 holds great significance for the Sol Plaatje University (SPU) in Kimberley as it marks the university\u2019s tenth anniversary since opening with only 124 students in 2014.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/noordkaapbulletin\/first-years-welcomed-20240227\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Noordkaap Bulletin\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" 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