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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
‘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.
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.
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.