2025 Welcoming Ceremony for the newly admitted Bachelor’s Honours students

On 2nd April 2025, the Welcoming Ceremony for the 270 newly admitted Bachelor’s Honours students took place in the Aula of the Academy Building. This marks the start of the 'Bachelor’s Honours cohort 2024-2025'. Admission to the Honours Programme provides our new students with the opportunity to join an array of talented students from diverse backgrounds and experiences, and across disciplines.

The evening started with a warm welcome by Prof. Joke Fleer, the Dean of the Honours College. Following this, Bas Gadiot, our guest speaker, shared insights from his life work as a cultural anthropologist. The students also got to hear from representatives from the Honours Programme Committee, Honours Review, and the Honours College Social Association. After the speeches, the students chose the name of their cohort by using a poll and voted for Dr Flossie Wong-Staal. Dr Wong-Staal was a Chinese-American virologist and molecular biologist who played a key role in HIV/AIDS research. She was the first scientist to successfully clone the HIV virus and map its genes, which led to the development of a diagnostic test for HIV. Thanks to her research, her work was instrumental in advancing efforts to better manage and prevent the spread of this virus.

Afterwards, a group photo was taken outside and on the stairs of the Academy Building. The evening ended with informal drinks (tea and coffee) where the students socialized and got acquainted with fellow students. They also had the opportunity to chat with faculty coordinators, and the staff of the Honours College.

The Honours College would like to extend hearty congratulations and a warm welcome to the Bachelor’s Honours cohort 2024-2025!

Check out our Instagram for photos from the ceremony.

Bachelor’s Honours Programme