Wits turned 100 in 2022. Learn more here.
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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. We stand ready to help you realize your philanthropy goals, to give back to projects close to your heart, which can help generations of people after you.
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WITS SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTANCY RENAMED AFTER FORMER HEAD, MARGO STEELE
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Wits University has received a donation of US$10 million to rename the Wits School of Accountancy after celebrated Professor Margo Steele, who served as Head of School from 1987 to 1995.
The donation was announced at Steele’s 90th birthday celebration that Wits hosted in her honour on Wednesday, 3 May. Steele, who joined Wits University as a part-time tutor at the Wits School of Accountancy in 1957, was appointed as a senior lecturer in 1969, and became the first woman Head of School of Accountancy at the University in 1987. She served in her position for eight years before she retired in 1995.
Wits University celebrated Steele’s 90th birthday in a small, exclusive event at the Wits Club on Wednesday. The celebration was hosted by outgoing Head of the School of Accountancy, Professor Nirupa Padia, the third female Head of School (after Professor Jackie Arendse - the second Head of School), and attended by guests, including Wits Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Zeblon Vilakazi and business leaders such as Alan Pullinger (First Rand), Peter Wharton-Hood (Life Healthcare),Steve Binnie (Sappi) and Jacob Modise (Batsomi), all former students of Steele.
Another notable student of Prof Steele is the Chair of the Wits Fund, Mr. Stanley Bergman, who sent through this message to the birthday celebrations:
Professor Margo Steele was a key educator who helped make Wits such a special and important institution. Though my accounting skills never matched those of Professor Steele, her enduring influence on the curriculum and teaching of accounting at Wits prepared generations of young leaders for successful careers in Africa and around the world. Thanks for all your many contributions to educating Witsies globally, and happy 90th birthday, Professor Steele.
Read more here.
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WATCH | Explore Earth’s early past or journey to Jupiter, celebrate academic leaders and a 90-year-old who inspired a $10 million donation. Did you know smarter human oversight is crucial in facial recognition AI? Learn more about it in the sixth episode of Wits in 60 seconds.
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An outpouring of grief has followed the passing of Professor Barry Dwolatzky - an innovator, a strategist, a humanitarian, and a much-loved Professor. The Wits Fund is setting up a campaign to help channel donations - made in Prof Barry's name and memory - towards Wits University, a place to which he dedicated 50 years of his life.
If you would like to donate, please click on the link below to reach the Wits Fund giving page. If you would like to discuss a bespoke gift in Prof Barry's name, please contact us at nooshin.erfani-ghadimi@wits.ac.za
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Reader Tributes to Prof Barry Dwolatzky
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From Stanley and Marion Bergman:
"Barry was such a special person in his modest brilliance, simplicity, devotion to the struggle against Apartheid, and to Wits which he considered his “other family “ as he inscribed in the copy of his book that he gave to us. He was a true giant and made such a huge difference and we feel personally blessed to have encountered him.
Our hearts go out to Barry’s family. There are no words to describe the loss to the Wits community.
From Moira and Stephen Clingman
"Both my wife (Moira Miller at that time) and I knew Barry well during our student days at Wits. We knew him from the general round of student interaction on campus and in various communes in Berea, and mostly from SAVS—the South African Voluntary Society to which a number of us belonged. SAVS worked with local communities, mainly in rural areas both in South Africa and Lesotho, building schools and clinics. Barry was an extremely important figure there. Those were the days of appropriate technology and small is beautiful, and Barry was our coach on such matters. But we knew him too as a friend, a gentle and always encouraging presence, a real mensch in everything he did. Later, when I was a student in Oxford, Barry came to visit us there, and we also saw him in London. He is, for us, one of the shining lights of that era, and how wonderful that he became an inspiration for so many through his remarkable work at Wits. Across time and space we miss him, grateful for the warmth that his memory will always bring."
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Running For His Life... Wits Fund Treasurer Shares What Keeps Him On the Road and Trails Across Six Continents
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 Rob Fryer, Wits Fund Treasurer, writes: Since 1974, I have been an avid runner, having logged more than 65,000 miles or 100,000 kms, including 120 marathons and ultramarathons. I estimate I have worn out 250 pairs of ASICS running shoes and I am convinced my commitment to running has led to improved physical and mental wellbeing.
My experience on the roads and trails across six continents – augmented by what I have learned from reading medical research – inspired me to share my insights into the many benefits of by writing my first book: Running For Your Life: Exploring the Amazing Benefits of Regular Exercise.
This book weaves together my experience of running and racing on six continents with what I have learned from studying the extensive body of published research into the benefits of regular exercise for one’s physical and mental health. It is never too late in life to start your own routine and enjoy the rewards.
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CHECK OUT NEW VIDEO: “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?
This is a recording of conversation with Prof. Teboho Moja and Prof. Hazel Sive, both Witsies, both taking leading roles in American universities – and both actively engaged in strengthening Wits community in the US as part of the Wits Fund board.
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The University of the Witwatersrand Fund, Inc. is a corporation under the Internal Revenue Code, section 501 (c) (3). Donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law. The Wits Fund IRS EIN number is: 13-3902012.
Vision
To ensure that Wits University remains one of Africa’s – and the world’s –
pre-eminent research-intensive educational institutions, with top academic standards, committed faculty, and supportive alumni.
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Travelling to Israel or Dubai?
Sunday 15 October: Herzliya/Tel Aviv
Tuesday 17 October: Jerusalem
Thursday 19 October: Dubai
Enquires: Peter.Maher@wits.ac.za
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Copyright © Wits Fund Inc., 2023
The University of the Witwatersrand Fund, Inc.
PO Box 7101, New York, NY 10150
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