Medical alumni come home

This week approximately 100 medical students who graduated from UCT in 1954 and 1964 will re-enact their graduation ceremony.

As part of their 40- and 50-year class reunions, the regraduands will return to Jameson Hall to celebrate the link established with their alma mater many years ago.

The ceremony, set to take place on November 10, will be a mock-up of the university's normal graduation ceremonies.

In keeping with tradition, the congregation will be invited to participate in the singing of Gaudeamus Igitur during the academic procession and a soloist will provide a musical interlude for entertainment.

The University Statement of Dedication will be read by Professor Nicky Padayachee, dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, and deputy vice-chancellor Professor Cheryl de la Rey will address the congregation.

The alumni will be capped by vice-chancellor Professor Njabulo Ndebele and they will receive a certificate reaffirming their commitment to the university's principles.

According to health sciences alumni officer Joan Tuff, regraduation ceremonies are popular in the Unites States and aim to bring alumni back to their alma mater.

"We are hoping to bring our alumni home," she said. "Many of them have not been in Jameson Hall since they graduated and by returning to UCT we hope they will become more involved in the future of the university."