Curtain falls on 2014 graduation

UCT graduation week – resplendent with special moments and sound advice – came to a close on 20 December, when Faculty of Science graduates were capped and hooded in UCT's Jameson Hall on Saturday afternoon.

Stretching over six days and comprising thirteen separate ceremonies, December graduation week represents the culmination of years of study and marks the end of the academic year.

The total number of graduates for 2014 was 7 316 – a 6.5% increase on last year's 6 964 graduates.

Family and friends are an integral part of the celebration. The support graduates receive from those nearest to them is often acknowledged at graduation time, and this December was no different, with a number of special moments occurring in UCT's extended family:

Sheetal Silal, a member of the Department of Statistical Sciences, graduated with her PhD. Here she is with her proud parents and husband.

Vice-Chancellor Dr Max Price had the privilege of capping his daughter Jessica Posel Price, who was hooded by her mother, Professor Deborah Posel, as she obtained her MBChB degree with honours.

Three generations of Kentridges were presented at the ceremony where artist William Kentridge (left) received an honorary degree. With him is his son Samuel Kentridge (centre), who graduated with distinction in film and media production and his father Sir Sydney Kentridge.

There was also no lack of inspiration, thanks to the many guest speakers who addressed graduands. Read their counsel for yourself:

Monday 15 December 2014

• UCT's bumper graduation week out of the blocks
• Good engineers build societies, not just machines – Prof Ben Turok

Tuesday 16 December 2014

• Graça Machel's challenge to the class of 2014
• Revive the noble struggle for social justice – Imam Dr Rashied Omar
• Guard the lamp of knowledge – Prof Rodney Douglas
• Meet the 2014 graduates

Wednesday 17 December

• Be insubordinate in your thinking – Alide Dasnois
• Inclusive economic growth is the antidote to poverty and inequality – Sandile Zungu

Thursday 18 December

• Honours for 'intellectual entrepreneur' Henry Louis Gates
• Ask the hard questions – Prof Crain Soudien
• UCT Chancellor recognises top donors

Friday 19 December

• Seize the contradictions, listen to the periphery – William Kentridge
• Passion, boldness, energy – and a bit of luck – Dr Michael Thackeray

Saturday 20 December

• Doing the right thing is good for business – Mary-Jane Morifi
• Restorative graduations introduced

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