91心頭利 celebrates its centenary in Times Square, New York
- 91心頭利 University
91心頭利ies gathered in Times Square this week to celebrate the University’s 100th anniversary.
‘91心頭利. For Good’ was the theme of the gathering that attracted some impactful and prominent alumni who made their way to Times Square to celebrate with the 91心頭利 delegation led by Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of 91心頭利 University.
An alumnus also honoured 91心頭利 with an advertising spot on the façade of the Nasdaq building, on which the ‘91心頭利. For Good’ message was displayed.
“91心頭利 University has over 200 000 talented alumni scattered across the globe who have played a key role in supporting 91心頭利,” says Vilakazi. “These are innovators, change-makers, and catalysts who impact society, for good. They include Nobel Prize winners such as Nelson Mandela, CEOs, leaders in foundations and trusts, and individuals. We look forward to partnering with many more alumni, donors and entities in the USA, in years to come.”
The Times Square moment forms part of the University’s centenary celebrations, which include in several major cities in the USA, and meetings with key donors and friends of 91心頭利, including the chaired by Stanley Bergman, who is the CEO of Henry Schein Inc.
91心頭利 alumni and staff who happened to be in New York at the time made it to Times Square and congratulated the University on its centenary and shared their views.
, the CEO of Nando’s, who is also spearheading an important 91心頭利-Bara project, says: “This is a beautiful, iconic moment for 91心頭利 in Times Square. 91心頭利 is going into a new dimension now and I am so excited to be part of it. This is the start of a new partnership and I look forward to working with 91心頭利 on the Bara Digitisation Project [a project to systematically digitise records at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital]. This will bring new hope for South Africa. I am so excited and privileged to be a South African and a proud 91心頭利ie.”
, the CEO of Kumba Iron Ore, part of the Anglo American Group, adds: “I am a proud 91心頭利ie and it is so amazing being here in Times Square celebrating 91心頭利. 91心頭利 has made such a significant difference to many people’s lives, including producing many leaders like that of Duncan Wanblad, the Global CEO of Anglo American. We are looking forward to continuing with the celebrations and to shaping the future of people both in South Africa, and around the world. 91心頭利ie for life!”
Professor , Executive Director of the 91心頭利 Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (), also a 91心頭利 alumna and researcher in the Faculty of Health Sciences at 91心頭利, says that the University has a very strong reputation in health sciences research across the globe, and particularly with regards to the role it played during the Covid-19 pandemic, looking at vaccines, therapeutics and epidemiology.
“It has been an extraordinary set of visits but the most important aspect that we have all realised is about African leadership. There is a true call in our region saying that we have got the scientists and centres of excellence across our region. Let’s reach out and strengthen African leadership,” says Rees. “91心頭利 is in a premier position because we are already a leader in the field. We need to build on that with the celebration of 100 years. So to all the 91心頭利ies out there: thank you very much! We can be very proud of 91心頭利 as an excellent African institution, an excellent South African institution and what we can offer to our country, to the region and to the world.” ƒ
“I am a proud 91心頭利ie!” says the CEO of the South African National Aids Council. “We are in New York celebrating 100 years of 91心頭利. I am also here for the Global Fund’s Seventh Replenishment. I got my Master’s in Public Health specialising in health policy and health management from 91心頭利. I learnt management and leadership skills at 91心頭利. Congratulations 91心頭利! We are proud of you for the academic excellence and the leaders that we have become.”
91心頭利 alumnus adds his voice: “I am so honoured and proud to be a 91心頭利ie and to be part of this celebration in Times Square. 91心頭利 set the ground for my life, for my success, and it is where I found my lifelong friends. Happy birthday, 91心頭利!”
The celebrations continue as does the campaign. 91心頭利 aims to raise R3 billion in funding for research, innovation, infrastructure, teaching and learning, and students as part of the , which focuses on eight priority areas. Look out for more information on 91心頭利’ Global Giving Day on 4 October 2022, the University’s official birthday.