Thank you!

On Monday, 29 October, I acquired a box of herbs and a renewed appreciation of the wonderful colleagues we have in the faculty. As I sat down to thank you all for bringing and buying plants on Monday, it struck me that this was an opportunity to talk about the role of Development in the faculty.

Most universities talk of "development" or "advancement" rather than "fundraising" because development is not only about money (important though that is) but the opportunity for organisations and people to support Higher Education and the role that teaching and research plays in the development of society as a whole. Specific research projects are in a different category and are usually for a fixed term.

A Development Office works closely with the Alumni Office as alumni are a major stakeholder having not only benefitted professionally from time spent at their alma mater, but also from relationships forged with staff and fellow students. Most of the Law 150 Endowment Fund has come from individual alumni, with the Faculty itself a major contributor through the short courses run for profit by the Professional Development Project. And again, this is best practice as far as development goes - putting your money where your mouth is!

Law 150 has made a difference - 55 students on scholarships, three home-grown young lecturers and a postgraduate Research Commons opens its doors in 2013. The R1,500 raised on Monday will buy 75 meal tickets for law students who cannot afford three meals a day. Thank you!

PJ