Project launch in Friendly City receives good turn out.  

The HOPE Project of Stellenbosch University (SU) offers alumni various opportunities of supporting their alma mater and helping to address South Africa's problems. This was the message of Professor Russel Botman, Rector and Vice-chancellor, to some eighty alumni and friends of the University at the Eastern Cape launch of the HOPE Project. The event took place at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Port Elizabeth (PE) on Saturday, 9 October 2010. 

Professor Botman said the HOPE Project enables the University to be of service to society by applying its expertise and the power of science to tackle serious problems. He referred to a number of initiatives to illustrate his point, including Virtual Postgraduate Learning Support, the Stellenbosch University Water Institute and the Ukwanda Rural Clinical School. 

"We had a good turnout, and alumni are enthusiastic about getting involved. The HOPE Project, with its various initiatives, offers many options," Ms Heidi October, Manager of Alumni Relations, said. 

In question time the discussion turned to the high level of poverty and social want in the Eastern Cape, and how the HOPE Project could be of assistance. Professor Botman explained that SU can make a difference to people's lives across boundaries and disciplines through the HOPE Project. 

He encouraged former Maties to stay involved with the University through the Alumni Office, and said their inputs and advocacy were important. Prior to the launch, Ms October held informal discussions with a smaller group of alumni. They talked about extending networking opportunities to alumni in the Eastern Cape. 

"We want to establish a network of volunteers in key areas, both locally and internationally. After all, our alumni are ambassadors of the University and its HOPE Project," she said. 

The HOPE Project was nationally launched in July, followed by regional launch events for alumni and friends of the University in Johannesburg, Stellenbosch and PE. Windhoek will follow on 16 October, and then London, Berlin and Amsterdam.

 Visit www.thehopeproject.co.za for more information.