“This evening is a celebration of your dedication, resilience, and pursuit of excellence,” said Professor Sehaam Khan, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). “As we honour your achievements, we also challenge you to keep pushing boundaries, stay curious, and make an impact on the world.”
These inspiring words set the tone for the UJenius Club’s celebratory dinner, held to recognise the academic excellence of UJ’s top-performing undergraduate students on Thursday, 17 October 2024. The event honoured the top 50 students from 2023 and the top 50 students of the first semester of 2024, celebrating their exceptional grades and commitment to personal growth, leadership, and the values UJ holds dear.
The UJenius Club, launched in 2011, is more than just a recognition programme; it is a beacon of intellectual and professional development. The celebratory event, organised by UJ’s Division of Academic Development and Support (ADS), brought together students from diverse disciplines, all united by their academic achievements and shared ambition to make meaningful contributions to society.
“Your journey does not end here,” said Professor Suzy Graham, Senior Director of ADS, as she addressed the students. “We aim to equip you not only with knowledge but also with the tools to thrive in the world of work. You are now ambassadors of UJ and its values: Imagination, Integrity, Inclusivity, and Innovation.”
The event highlighted the significance of academic performance in shaping UJ’s student identity while promoting personal and professional development. For students like Geena White, a Top 10-2023 performer and aspiring counselling psychologist, the UJenius Club has been a transformative experience. Reflecting on her journey, she shared, “Being part of UJenius allowed me to grow academically and personally. I’ve connected with people across disciplines, which has broadened my perspective.”
Geena’s story echoes the sentiment of many students in attendance, as UJenius is more than just a platform for academic recognition; it’s a space where future leaders are nurtured, friendships are forged, and personal growth is encouraged.
The UJenius Club exemplifies UJ’s commitment to academic excellence and holistic student development. Prof Khan emphasised the importance of recognising not only the students’ high marks but also the qualities of perseverance, curiosity, and community engagement that propelled them to success. “We are not just celebrating grades,” Prof Khan remarked. “We honour your resilience and the contributions you’ve made to the broader UJ community.”
The dinner was not just a celebration of past accomplishments but a call to action for the future. “As you move forward, whether into the workforce or further academic pursuits, you are reminded of your responsibility to continue striving for excellence and making a positive impact on the world around you,” said Prof Khan.
“At UJ, we aim to do more than acknowledge our students’ achievements,” said Mrs Franci Janse van Vuuren, Senior Manager: Projects at the Centre for Academic Technologies. “We want to inspire our students to innovate, to lead, and to embody UJ’s core values in everything they do.”
The UJenius Club plays a pivotal role in fostering a community of top achievers who are prepared to navigate the complexities of the modern world. It offers members exclusive opportunities for professional development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and leadership training, ensuring that UJ’s values remain central to their personal and professional journeys.
As the event concluded, students were left with a powerful message: “Be catalysts for change, foster inclusivity, maintain integrity, and pursue excellence in all you do. Take UJ’s values with you as you step into the world and leave a lasting impact wherever you go.”
The UJenius Club remains a cornerstone of UJ’s legacy of academic excellence, continually inspiring the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers.
