Newsletter Archive

Our Treasurer, Robin Fryer CPA, FCCA, CA(SA), recently shared a beautiful reflection on the holiday season on LinkedIn. With  his kind permission, we share it with you below:

The other day, growing tired of the continuous Christmas music on the radio, I tossed an old CD into my car’s CD player—yes, my car is also old and has one. The CD is a medley of songs written by singer-songwriters, some famous, others less so. Around the middle of the CD is a song I had long forgotten: “Hands” by Jewel (Kilcher), the last song she wrote for her second album, Spirit, released in 1998.

Want in on a secret, Witsies? We have a brand new way to change lives forever… and you can see it first. Don’t wait, visit our new Gift page and discover what’s coming on Giving Tuesday.

Read more about Wits today. IT’S FALL Y’ALL…or autumn as we used to call it. Do you also switch between “sidewalk” and “pavement” , or “robot” and “traffic lights”? Hope you also see our ability to switch between cultures and languages as a strength, part of our shared identify as Witsies in the US, looking for ways to give back.

HOWZIT WITSIES, and happy September! Despite the stories below about AI, this newsletter was not written using an AI bot. Have we already reached the future, where artisanal and human-made are at a premium? Or are we all explorers, with all the potential still ahead? We remain grateful for our community here, and for the journey that has led us from Wits, to the US.

HOWZIT WITSIES! DID YOU KNOW Wits has been ranked by ARWU as being in the top 300 universities in the world (joint first in SA), out of a pool of 2,500 global universities? Our August newsletter is full of world-class achievement by Witsies. Please let us know what you’ve been up to – writing a book, climbing a mountain, fighting world hunger –  so that we can brag about you too.

DO YOU BELIEVE IN YOUR FUTURE SELF? It’s an interesting exercise to imagine what our past selves would think about where we are today and what we have achieved. During the Covid Lockdown, the Wits Medical Class of 1960 started to think about their journeys, which you can read about below. And speaking of both the past and the future, the Professor Barry Dwolatzky Memorial Lecture – which the Fund is happy to support – will be about AI in Africa. Hope you’ll join us.

Howzit Witsies! Your time is precious and we’re grateful for you spending some of it with us, reading our monthly newsletter. So many of you have also taken the time to write in and tell us how much you enjoy the stories we curate for you: thank you, you make it all worthwhile.

THERE IS LIGHT EVERYWHERE if only we know where to look. And our Wits researchers are telling us that this is the century of light (as you’ll see in the story below). We hope that this newsletter will continue to inspire and inform our fellow graduates, so that we continue to serve our communities here in the United States, and at home.

AS THE SEASONS SHIFT AND WILFLOWERS BLOOM, spring arrives with a gentle reminder to stay hopeful, grateful, and to find joy in the beauty that surrounds us. In that same spirit, we hope this April newsletter brings you happiness—not only in the stories we share, but in celebrating the joy and accomplishments of fellow alumni.

PASSAGES, HOWEVER LONG THEY MAY LAST, WILL LEAVE YOU CHANGED. Are there things you wish you knew when you began your adventure, and moved to the United States? If so, we would love to hear from you, in particular if you carried out post-graduate studies here, after your Wits degree. You are all invited to join the first Wits Fund Interactive Indaba 2025 (see the invite below for details). We will share our experiences, triumphs, and challenges… and network with other Witsies and alumni who’ve made the same passage, from Wits to the US.

DO YOU REMEMBER BEING A FIRST-YEAR? The feeling of wonder and possibilities and all the paths not yet taken? Have you held on to the optimism, knowing that every day, there is a chance to do good, to learn something new, and to keep finding new ways forward? We hope this newsletter will be a spark for some of that for you.

TWENTY TWENTY THRIVE – THAT’S WHAT SOUTH AFRICANS ARE CALLING 2025. So typical of a country that is full of humor and hope and possibility. Wits has started welcoming students, new and old, who are on a path of learning and service. We can’t wait to see how they use their education to make the world a better place.

IN THIS SEASON OF GIVING AND GENEROSITY, the members of the Wits Fund wish you and your loved ones joy and light, and a restful and safe December. As you contemplate your giving and charitable donations, we remain grateful for your support of Wits, our alma mater. Donate here.

THE END OF NOVEMBER IS A TIME WHEN WE ARE ASKED TO GIVE THANKS. Science tells us that regularly thinking about our blessings helps improve both our mental and physical health. Finding ways of giving back, in gratitude, is the reason the Wits Fund Inc. was established, helping US Witsies connect to each other, and find ways of improving their communities, both at home in the United States, and in South Africa.

OUR PLANET IS THE HERITAGE WE LEAVE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION. We all want to ensure that we leave the world better than we found it, and work towards a better future by living our lives in service to others. How can we support the next generation to do the same?

HOW DO YOU DEFINE A GOOD GRADUATE? Is it their academic prowess, or is it their ability to apply what they have learnt in the real world? Will they be good citizens, making ethical choices, no matter their profession? Is it a combination? The latest session of the Wits Fund Indaba (video link below) had us thinking about these questions, and our own roles in creating paths for the next generation.

AS SUMMER WINDS DOWN and children head back to school, it is amazing to think of the potential of each child, and how they can change the world. Our role is to ensure that the world they inherit will be better, and safer, and more equitable. And for those heading to university, to make sure that their experience is as rewarding as ours was.

IT’S STILL IN OUR HANDS… that’s the theme for this year’s Nelson Mandela International Day, celebrated on July 18th. It reminds us of the joy to be found in serving others, and the progress that can be achieved through unity and a commitment to justice.  We hope that wherever Witsies are in the US, they look for ways to serve their neighborhoods. And to give back however they can.

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CREATING CONNECTIONS is what the Wits Fund is all about. We build the sense of home and belonging, as well as the professional networks that Witsies can rely on. Wherever you are in the US, please reach out to us if you would like to start a small and sustainable local group. We’d love to help and guide you as our community grows.

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Memorial Day is there to remind us of the sacrifices made by those who came before us, and our responsibility to our communities. Let us think deeply about how we can make sure that we honor the memory of our own families and live a life of purpose.

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IN A WORLD SEARCHING FOR MIRACLES, be the reason someone else is able to take a step forward, to feel good about themselves, and to have courage. Be the miracle.

Wits and the Embassy of Ukraine to South Africa come together to honor a scientist son of both countries. The much anticipated Balinsky Symposium was a commemoration of the life and legacy of world-renowned Wits scientist Professor Boris Balinsky, who died in 1997.

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SPRING HATH SPRUNG, and everything feels more hopeful and alive. Even though there are still days of gloom and darkness to get through, we know that sunny days are just ahead. How can we help our communities bloom, and how can we pay forward all the things for which we are grateful?

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Wits University officially welcomed 6,300 first-year students to its campus during the annual Welcome Day event at the end of January.

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As we think about our institution and how it advances the public good, we recognise that the world is facing multiple challenges including global conflicts, humanitarian crises, and a climate emergency.

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December is already here, bringing to an end another year of successes and challenges for us all.  As you take time to reflect on 2023 and prepare for the new year, we hope that you will  have a comforting and joyful holiday season, as well as the chance to be of service to each other.

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NOW THAT WE HAVE SHAMELESSLY USED OUR SPRINGBOK PRIDE TO GET YOUR ATTENTION, we are asking for your 2023 end-of-year charitable gift to the Wits Fund. Wits (and South Africa) need us and every dollar will go a long way. No matter the size of your donation, whether it’s helping to pay a student’s outstanding fees to enable them to graduate with the rest of their class or establishing a named scholarship in a loved one’s name, we can help guide you so your giving will be maximized.

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AUTUMN LEAVES ARE FALLING, AND THE SKIES ARE GREY. The world is feeling fragile, and our thoughts are about how to make sure future generations don’t repeat the mistakes of our pasts. We should each look for ways to make the world better, one small act of love at a time.

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SUMMER CAME AND WENT, and here we are, renewed with energy and focus, looking to make a positive impact in the world. In this month’s newsletter, we carry stories of donations made, and lives already changed because of it.

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With the re-opening of Zola Clinic, we are celebrating a giant step forward for the provision of cutting-edge oral health care in Africa. The Wits Fund board was grateful to facilitate this project, made possible by a generous donation from the Stanley, Marion, Paul & Edward Bergman Family Foundation as part of Wits University’s Centenary celebrations.

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KNOW IT’S COME AND GONE, BUT HAPPY FOURTH, Y’ALL! Here’s hoping you and your family and friends are taking advantage of the beautiful summertime activities all across the United States. And as we celebrate our American home, let us never forget our beloved South African homeland.

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Wits Fund is proud to present two powerhouse academics to discuss “The power of Universities in Society – The role of Wits in South Africa”. South African society continues to evolve as it deals with the realities of immigration, development, and global issues. What role do universities play in forming, informing and transforming society?

Watch the video

HOW WILL THEY REMEMBER YOU WHEN YOU ARE 90? Will people gather and tell tales of your kindness and wit and impact on their lives? It is never too late to do what you need to leave the world better than you found it. Prof Margo Steele, a redoubtable Wits heroine shows us the way, as we show in the story below.

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It is with heavy hearts that we write this newsletter. On 16 May, the Wits community lost a giant – Professor Barry Dwolatzky, the “Grand Geek” and Innovation Guru. He is remembered for his brilliant mind, his sense of integrity and purpose, and his kind and loving heart. We dedicate this newsletter to him.

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It’s always so wonderful to hear from so many of you, telling us how much you enjoy reading and receiving this monthly newsletter. We love putting it together, cause it reminds us of all the lovely things we should be grateful for – growing up in wonderful South Africa, graduating from a world-class university, and now being here in the US, taking on the world. 

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The March madness weather – either 10ft snow, or high sunny days – is almost over. And while we can look forward to warmer days with a new spring in our step, what step can every one of us take to bring sunshine into someone else’s life? You can brighten and change someone’s entire future with a scholarship! Contact us at the Wits Fund, and we will help make that happen.

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HOW DO YOU SHOW LOVE? WITH FLOWERS AND A CARD ONCE A YEAR? OR WITH SOMETHING THAT IS MUCH LONGER LASTING? Have you thought about setting up family philanthropy goals, even if you are still far from retirement? What about a scholarship in the name of a loved one? Call or write to us and we will help you find ways to give back to causes at Wits which are close to your heart.

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SO YOU MADE IT TO THE END OF JANUARY…now what? Time to shake off the “Janu-worry blues” and figure out how you will have an impact in the world in 2023. Don’t worry, we have some ideas for you!

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Wits celebrates thousands of Graduands at its December Graduation ceremonies including an Honorary Degree conferred on Wits Fund Board member, Prof Hazel Sive for her contribution towards promoting academic excellence and international partnerships.

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Prof Konidaris explores the future of artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and computer science – as well as share stories of growing up in Joburg in the 80s and 90s, finding his passion for AI at Wits, and his journey since then.

Watch the video here

‘Tis the season to be Thankful! And we say, to each and everyone one of you: thank you for flying the Wits flag high, wherever you are in the country.

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Whether you still call it Autumn, or now say Fall… you have to admit it is a beautiful time of the year, here in the USA. As we go about getting ready for Halloween, and the upcoming holiday season, it is good to remember our roots, and to pay our good fortune forward.

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It’s been a jam-packed month. And this is the first of our new-look newsletter, which we redesigned just in time to celebrate the 100th anniversary of our alma mater, Wits University. The Wits Vice-Chancellor was on a tour of the US East Coast in September (look out for more news on that in our next issue) and he made it to Times Square for a very special celebration.

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Time for our latest Wits Fund newsletter! We tell you about next month’s reunions on the east coast… don’t miss out! And about the Great Hall Facelift: because, when you turn 100, who doesn’t need a little lift and tuck to weather the next 100?

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World renowned endocrinologist, and former Dean of the Perelman School of Medicine at UPenn and EVP of its Health System, Prof Arthur Rubenstein, is our inaugural speaker for the Wits Fund webinar series. He reflects on his illustrious career, and his start at Wits University, in a talk entitled “My Journey from Wits to the Univ. of Pennsylvania: Personal Reflections”

Watch the video here

How Curiosity Saved this Cat: The life story of an out-of-the-box thinker and maverick. Plus, in the 13th issue of Curios.ty, themed: #Gender, Wits University features research across the gender spectrum that aims to ensure a more equitable and tolerant society.

Read the newsletter here

Our June 2022 newsletter covers the visit to our shores of a Fellow of the Royal Society, as well as the story of how having great chemistry took one alumnus all over the world…sometimes by bicycle.

Read the newsletter here