Health sciences hosts centenary dinner in New York

Vice-Chancellor Dr Max Price welcomed over 200 alumni from the US and Canada to the Faculty of Health Sciences centenary gala dinner at the Rosenthal Pavilion at New York University's Kimmel Centre on 31 March.

The dinner capped a year-long programme of activities that commemorated the birth of sub-Saharan Africa's first medical school on 6 June 1912.

Price, who hosted the event, said the occasion was also an opportunity to laud the achievements of the faculty's alumni.

"What a joy to have our North American UCT alumni and friends together to celebrate not just 100 years of the UCT Faculty of Health Sciences' triumphs, but also the phenomenal achievements of you, our graduates, who have spread our reputation far and wide."

Guest speakers included former Vice-Chancellor and Head of Medicine at UCT, Emeritus Professor Stuart Saunders, and 2011 MBChB graduate Dr Vuyane Mhlomi, who shared his story of success. Incumbent dean Professor Wim de Villiers, who is concluding his work in the US until he takes up his position at UCT in July, was introduced to guests.

The dinner provided an opportunity for the alumni to reconnect with their alma mater and fellow students, to reflect on the faculty's proud legacy, and to renew their support for projects that strengthen the faculty's excellence in teaching, training and research '“ and its growth into the next century.

Projects include undergraduate bursaries, postgraduate fellowships, and the establishment of a Forensic Pathology Institute. Alumni responded immediately and R390 000 was raised, with more donations expected.

In the guest book signed by alumni, one wrote: "I have tremendous pride in belonging to such a superb group. May the Faculty of Health Sciences have a second century that eclipses the first."