Graduation: The end of the beginning

Bicycle traffic jams at the University Library, empty shelves at the chemist where bottles of Bioplus used to live and alternating looks of sheer panic, exhaustion and relief on most student's faces can only mean that its exam time again. And no exams are as stressful, nerve-racking or exhausting as the final year exams... I know ... its been more than ten years since I graduated , yet every time I walk past the Engineering Faculty (where most exams were written in my day) I still get a small shiver of fear - mixed with nerves and excitement-  down my spine!
But final year exams are not all bad because:
- they do eventually come to an end.
- they signal the end of interminable student fees, 8 o'clock lectures, koshuis meals and many of the other less than appealing parts of being a student.
- in ideal circumstances they lead to you being able to take that final step from student-dom to adult-hood.
- in ideal circumstances they lead to you obtaining a degree 
- in ideal circumstances they lead to a graduation ceremony, a graduation party and around three months of glorious summer holidays (before the reality hits that you actually have to find a job and start paying taxes, medical aid and many of those other horrors your parents have been complaining about for years...)

But we know that since the 2nd of April 1918, when Victoria College officially acquired University status, students have been going through the same roller-coaster ride of emotions, fears, expectations and worries that the Matie graduates of 2010 are currently experiencing – and they survived.

Amongst the ranks of Stellenbosch alumni we have all the big names... the Danie Cravens, Johann Ruperts, Jan Smuts, Uys Kriges, Beyers Naudes and Frederik Van Zyl Slabberts, but I have undertaken a thorough review of the history books (ok I admit – a quick google and wiki search) to find some other interesting (and lesser known) alumni who have graced the tiled (and slightly cheesy smelling) halls of the DF Malan Memorial Centre at Coetzenburg in dusty robes and garish scarves, and they include …

• Casper de Vries – Stellenbosch drama graduate who went on to become a well known actor, comedian, entertainer, producer and composer.
• Ruda Landman – graduated with BA Honours (English) in 1975 and went on to anchor Carte Blanche and many other famous investigative journalism programmes.
• Jim Kroupa – Stellenbosch graduate who became a internationally acclaimed puppeteer and puppet builder who has worked on several Muppet projects
• Mike Horn – MBK graduate of 1989 who went on to become one of South Africa’s most famous explorers.
• Nina Swart – 1998 BA Drama (Hons) graduate whose acting, presenting and directing career most famously included playing the role of Wilmien de Lange in the SABC2 soap opera 7de Laan.
• Stuart Abbott – Stellenbosch economics graduate who went on to play centre for the  Harlequins and English rugby teams.
• Riaan Cruywagen – Stellenbosch graduate whose voice and iconic hairstyle became a hallmark of SABC broadcasting since the mid 1970s.
• Jo-Ann Strauss – glamorous Stellenbosch B.Comm Law graduate who went on to take the Miss South Africa crown and is currently a Top Billing Presenter.
• Bob Skinstad – former student of Marketing at Stellenbosch University, who played Flank and eight man for the Springboks and now regularly commentates for Super Sport.
• Portchie –  Stellenbosch BComm graduate who has become one of South Africa’s most prolific and popular artists.
• Heinz Winckler – former law student of Stellenbosch University went on to become the first winner of Idols South Africa.
• Elana Meyer – former B.Comm (Hons) and HOD graduate became one of South Africa’s most famous middle-distance runners and who won acclaim at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona.

To make sure that you have all the information you need to turn up at the right time and place to join these hallowed ranks, make sure you take a look at the University's graduation guidelines:http://sun025.sun.ac.za/portal/page/portal/STUDENT_PAGE_GROUP/Ouers_Parents/Parents%20Home/Graduation

So - in less than a month's time Stellenbosch will be over-run with grateful and relieved parents, ecstatic students, exhausted graduation event organizers and restaurateurs with fat wallets!  From Monday the 6th to Friday the 10th December Stellenbosch is abuzz with excitement and festivities, and for those of you who have not booked your accommodation yet - the Oude Leeskamer Guest House is particularly well located for an easy walk to Coetzenburg (where the graduation ceremonies take place) and an even easier walk to a great selection of excellent restaurants to celebrate your son or daughter's graduation with an excellent meal and a good bottle of wine! We still have some availability, but rooms are being booked up quickly, so don't leave it too late!