Long serving staff from the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science were recognised for their contribution to the University at two intimate functions held on the Pietermaritzburg and Howard College campuses recently.

A total of 37 staff were applauded: 23 for 15 years service, five for reaching 25 years service at the University, and a further three for a remarkable 35 years in the saddle. In addition, five retirees were bade a sad but fond farewell.

The collective contribution of those assembled to the institution reached some 745 years!

Through the reading of individual citations, colleagues and friends enjoyed learning about the personal and professional achievements of the awardees over the course of their careers at UKZN. They even learnt some unexpected facts, for example, that of all the beans one might purchase and eat, one can be fairly certain that they have been grown from a seed variety bred by Professor Rob Melis of the African Centre for Crop Improvement (ACCI).

Director of Professional Services, Mr Mark Tufts, said that the events were a way to pay tribute to the depth of service provided by UKZN’s long serving employees. Staff and family members present were unanimous in their appreciation of the effort made by the College to acknowledge their role in making the University what it was, whether it be in the academic or professional sphere.

Awardees were presented with a certificate and gift by the College.

Words: Sally Frost

Photograph: Ntokozo Dladla