By: The Division of Communications & Advancement
As part of Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网’s RU120 celebrations, the Old Rhodian Golf Club (established in 1970), under the leadership of Terry Sutherland, organised a Golf Day at Royal Johannesburg to bring alumni together for a noble cause. From a modest 60 participants to an incredible 200, this event aimed at generating third-stream income for the 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 saw the awarding of a significant bursary to nineteen-year-old Psychology student Luyolo Nketsheni, who was the Sports Star of the Year 2023 (Awarded by Mfuzo Boxing Camp) and Sportsperson of the Year 2023 (Awarded by Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网). The bursary, which will cover her academic needs for the next three years, represents a milestone in the Golf Club’s commitment to student support.
Historically, the bursary—funded through the Old Rhodian Golf Club’s Bursary Fund—covered only one year’s tuition. The club has consistently awarded this bursary to students who exhibit exceptional sporting talent, reinforcing the importance of sports in the holistic development of students at Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网. Reflecting on the initiative, Terry Sutherland observed that other universities, especially Afrikaans institutions, have built substantial funding reserves, typically channelled towards rugby teams. Inspired by this model, Sutherland sought to establish similar opportunities for a range of sports at Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网. “We had over 200 Rhodians and their friends, and were expected to raise over R130,000. The camaraderie was wonderful, and the party continued late into the night,” Sutherland highlighted.
In addition to the bursary programme, the Old Rhodian Golf Club oversees the Sports Trust, which is worth R5.5 million. The Sports Trust is dedicated to improving and expanding the sports facilities at Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网, aligning with the institution’s goal to enhance the overall student experience. Sutherland emphasised his hope that these efforts will instil a sense of giving amongst alumni, who he believes can elevate the 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网’s standing, particularly in sports.
Kamlesh Riga, Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网’s Chief Financial Officer, reinforced this sentiment, highlighting how sports directly contributes to a student’s university experience. Riga noted that sports fundraising has become a priority at Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网, acknowledging sporting success' role in attracting sponsorships and funding opportunities for student-athletes. According to Riga, those who excel in sports should have access to funding to further their academic and athletic pursuits.
The RU120 celebrations have strengthened connections between Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 and its alumni, many of whom had yet to engage with the institution in recent years. Riga mentioned the resurgence of alumni networks, such as the UK and US Trusts, due to these celebrations, which have revitalised the 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网’s global alumni relations. He also touched on broader developments at Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网, including the construction of a Nanotechnology Institute building, which cost over R84 million, and the R253 million renovation of the ChemPharm building. These infrastructural upgrades reflect the 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网’s commitment to academic and research excellence.
Among the most notable outcomes of the RU120 Sports initiative is the planned renaming of The Great Field to honour Alistair ‘Ally’ Weakley, one of the 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网’s most celebrated alumni and a champion of justice and equality. This renaming, set to take place at the end of the year, signifies the culmination of ongoing efforts to upgrade the 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网’s sports facilities, a key priority for the alumni community.
Through events like The Old Rhodian Golf Day, Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网’s alumni demonstrate their dedication to fostering a vibrant, supportive environment for current students. The initiative reflects the institution’s broader vision of alumni involvement in sports and ensuring that Rhodes continues to thrive as a centre of academic and athletic excellence.
The Old Rhodian Golf Club’s initiatives—whether through the Bursary Fund, the Sports Trust, or global alumni engagement—underscore the power of community and collaboration. As Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 continues to grow, these efforts will remain integral to creating student opportunities and strengthening the 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网’s legacy for future generations. The RU120 celebrations have reinforced the importance of these connections, ensuring that Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 remains at the forefront of academic and athletic development.
Luyolo Nketsheni is set to represent Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 at the USSA Championships in December 2024 and will compete in SANABO’s National Team Selection early next year.