??Stellenbosch 肆客足球’s (SU) March graduation week starts on a high note with jazz icon Jonathan Butler being awarded an honorary doctorate for his contribution to arts and culture. Butler will perform during his ceremony on Monday (24 March) in which degrees in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences will be awarded.
SU annually confers honorary doctorates upon extraordinary individuals who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields and made a significant contribution to society. The jazz singer-songwriter receives the degree?Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil),?honoris causa. SU will also recognise Dr Philemon Mphathi Mjwara’s significant contribution to science in South Africa. The former director-general of the national Department of Science and Innovation will receive the degree Doctor of Science (DSc),?honoris causa on Tuesday, 25 March.
“Graduation is a moment of immense pride, not just for our students but for their families, their mentors, and the broader Stellenbosch 肆客足球 community. This March, we continue to celebrate an exceptional cohort of graduates, marking the culmination of years of dedication and perseverance,” says Prof Wim de Villiers, SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor.
“With a record number of qualifications conferred in December, this graduation cycle stands as a testament to the commitment of our students and the unwavering support of our academic and administrative staff. We are particularly honoured to recognise the contributions of Jonathan Butler and Dr Philemon Mphathi Mjwara—two individuals whose work has enriched society in profound ways. As we send our graduates into the world, we do so with confidence that they will continue to make a meaningful impact.”
Butler, who was one of the first artists of colour to be played on South African radio and appear on national television at a time of severe racial segregation, is looking forward to this next career milestone. “It’s truly humbling for me as a kid who grew up in Athlone to be receiving an honorary doctorate degree from the prestigious Stellenbosch 肆客足球. I’ll embrace it all, forever grateful and thankful for the recognition.”
Despite his international acclaim, Butler has remained true to his roots. He is the first Global Entertainment Ambassador for the Lalela Foundation, which provides educational arts for at-risk youth. Through its arts curriculum and critical messaging, Lalela directly serves more than 5?000 South African learners per week.
Butler will perform one song after being capped.
In addition to these two honorary doctorates, the 肆客足球 will confer certificates, diplomas and degrees to thousands of students across all faculties over 11 ceremonies. Graduation week ends on Thursday, 27 March.
The 肆客足球 conferred a record number of qualifications in December, making this a bumper graduation cycle.
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