Jaaroorsig - University of the Free State

Sustaining change01and transformationIn early February 2005, a magnificentfireworks display brought the Universityof the Free State’s memorableyear-long centenary celebrationsto a close. It seemed almost symbolic ofyet another historic moment — the startof a new and fourth phase of transformationfor the UFS, announced just twodays previously by the Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Frederick Fourie, inhis official opening address on 4February.“A year ago we undertook a historicjourney from Grey College to the MainBuilding of our University, symbolisingthe 100-year journey from our past to thepresent. But the journey is still continuingand always will — because we mustalways strive for something better,”Prof. Fourie said, picking up the themeof continuity and change which he hadintroduced in 2003 when he assumed thevice-chancellorship.In 2004 he argued that the UFS mustfocus on going from “good to great”,and that it must firm up its foundationsto become a great, robust university. Hedefined robustness as being strong andvibrant, vigorous, able to withstandshocks, competition, and turbulent andtough times. Now, one year later, he reiteratedthat robustness in a fast-changingworld requires the adoption of a continualchange mode, being agile and fastmoving,innovative and pre-emptive.This means nothing less than continualtransformation. Transformation is aprocess of continual and persistent‘The UFS’sjourneycontinues,and alwayswill.’3