Energise alumni support
Wits University has an enviable cohort of over 200 000 highly successful graduates in all fields of endeavour based in South Africa and around the world. Harnessing the support of these alumni will play a critical role in ensuring the financial sustainability of the University by contributing to a broadening of the University’s donor base.
Centenary projects:
1. Alumni initiatives
Former Wits SRC and Black Student Society Presidents have established fundraising initiatives to support students such as the South African Student Solidarity Fund for Education and a Challenge grant towards projects that support students in need. Multiple opportunities exist for academic, sporting, cultural and other former student groupings to make group contributions – with the potential of naming rights.
2. Leaving a legacy
Bequests, also known as Planned Giving, from an Estate can make a substantial contribution to the future of the University. Gifts can be designated for any project or purpose to support Wits. You may also wish to create a legacy in the name of a loved one, such as the scholarship for female architecture students created in the name of one of that department’s first female graduates - the Felicia Johnston Memorial Scholarship, set up by her family after her passing.
3. Regular giving
Monthly, annual or occasional giving to a discretionary endowment fund to support teaching and research, scholarships, campus improvements, and the student experience.
3. Class gifts
The solidarity and comradeship of a Class celebrating milestones since graduation can provide the impetus for a Class Gift, usually designated to support the relevant Faculty or School of classmates.
