Page 18 - DUT CONNECT Summer 2024

SUPER TROOPERS, SUPER CONNECTIONS:
DUT’S ALUMNI CELEBRATION AND THE INAUGURAL ALUMBIZ FUND AWARD
The DUTs Advancement and Alumni Relations Unit recently hosted a spectacular event at the Suncoast Barnyard Theatre, bringing together alumni, faculty and supporters for an evening of music and celebration. The event, held in honour of Women’s Month, featured the lively tribute show “Super Troopers,” which celebrated the iconic music of legends such as the Bee Gees, ABBA, and Billy Joel.
This night of entertainment also marked a significant milestone for DUT, as it highlighted the university’s commitment to fostering strong connections with its alumni through the newly established AlumBiz Fund.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the inaugural AlumBiz Fund award to Sihle Sibisi, the first recipient and the inspiration behind this transformative initiative. The AlumBiz Fund, designed to support entrepreneurial alumni in realising their business ambitions, was born out of Sibisi’s remarkable journey. His story of perseverance and innovation has become a beacon of inspiration for the DUT community, exemplifying the university’s dedication to empowering its graduates to become leaders and innovators in their respective fields. Sibisi has been developing his idea of customised bags for students for the past year. He observed that students who had to carry special equipment and devices did not have adequate and appropriate bags that would also protect these often very delicate devices. Spotting a gap in the market, he designed various prototypes and is now even getting ready to present his idea in China. As the first recipient of the AlumBiz Fund, Sibisi’s journey will undoubtedly inspire many others within the DUT community to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.The fund’s establishment marks a momentous step forward in DUT’s mission to provide ongoing support to its graduates, ensuring that they have the resources and encouragement needed to succeed in their ventures.
Spearheaded by Ronelle Lyson, Alumni Relations Coordinator, in the Advancement and Alumni Relations Unit, the AlumBiz Fund Award is a powerful testament to DUT’s commitment to fostering meaningful connections with its alumni.The night transcended mere celebration of music, embodying the spirit of entrepreneurship, resilience and the shared sense of community that defines DUT.
These qualities resonate deeply with the living values of DUT’s ENVISION2030 — transparency, honesty, integrity, respect, and accountability. The event exemplified these values, demonstrating how they are woven into the fabric of DUT’s culture, guiding interactions and initiatives that shape a brighter future for all members of the DUT community.
The Barnyard Theatre provided the perfect setting for this vibrant celebration, with the “Super Troopers” show taking the audience on a nostalgic journey through the timeless hits of the Bee Gees, ABBA and Billy Joel. The performances were electrifying, with attendees singing along and reminiscing about the music transcends generations.The atmosphere was one of joy and unity, as alumni and guests connected over their shared memories and love for these musical legends.
In addition to the award presentation, the evening featured an exciting prize raffle, adding an element of anticipation and excitement. Lucky winners walked away with exclusive prizes, further enhancing the celebratory atmosphere and ensuring that the night was one to remember.
A guest at the event, Dr Govender, a lecturer in Information Systems at DUT, shared his excitement, “Our table of guests had a fantastic time. Beyond the fundraising aspect, it served as a great teambuilding opportunity. I reconnected with many acquaintances and met their spouses, while my spouse got to know my colleagues from DUT.We’re eagerly anticipating next year’s event and hope it becomes a regular feature on the DUT calendar.”
The success of the evening is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Advancement and Alumni Relations Unit, led by Zwakele Ngubane, Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations, in creating opportunities for alumni to remain connected to their alma mater.
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