The University of the Free State’s Dean’s Medal returned to the Vorster family after 30 years.

Wikus Vorster (21) graduated on 14 April 2024, obtaining a BSc in Actuarial Science, with a 95,74% overall average, receiving the Dean’s Medal for the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. This is just 30 years after his mother Carna Vorster received it in the Faculty of Education for her BEd and BEd Hons Degree.

“I was really very excited because I know the hard work Wikus had put in, and according to me, Actuarial Science is one of the most difficult courses to study,” said Carna on her son’s achievement.

Wikus Vorster (in black) with his parents Carna and Wikus Snr, sister Ine, and her friend, Phillip Erasmus. Picture: G Photography

Wikus also received four additional awards at the ceremony the night before the graduation. He received the Kovsie-Alumni Trust Award, the PPS prize for best BSc student, and the Best Third Year in Mathematics Statistics.

However, Wikus was caught off guard when he was called to the stage a second time to receive the senate medal, awarded to the student who achieved the best overall results in undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in all faculties at the University of the Free State.

When asked what motivated him on those tough days, Wikus told OFM that it has always been the support he receives from his family and friends, because they gave him the courage and strength to keep going.

Wikus holding up both the Dean’s Medal and the Senate Medal. Picture: G Photography

Wikus advises students still striving to reach their undergraduate degree, to keep going. Continue working hard and always give your best. It is normal to feel overwhelmed at the beginning of each new year or semester, but gradually you will adapt to the amount and difficulty of the work. Always believe in your abilities.

And if you want the secret recipe to winning awards … “Our family’s secret for success is a large supply of biltong that we keep in the pantry for midnight snacking when working late. The biltong is the fuel that makes the academic machine run smoothly,” Carna spills their secret.

OFM News/Casey-Lee Anthony mvh