UJ honours pioneers of social justice and civil rights activists during the 2021 graduation ceremonies
UJ honours social justice pioneers and civil rights activists with Honorary Doctorates at the University of Johannesburg (UJ)’s virtual graduation celebrations. The cohort of five Honorary Doctorate recipients joined almost 13 000 graduates who received their qualifications virtually. Among those awarded with Honorary Doctorates were anti- apartheid activist and the last surviving leader of the Women’s
Burger said: “The University is pleased to acknowledge the five influential individuals who, through their sacrifices, have made sterling contributions to humanity in the socio-economic and political fields of our country, on the African continent and the world at large. This vision and purpose make the conferral and acceptance of an Honorary Doctorate a noteworthy gesture of mutual respect.” The other recipients of the Honorary Doctorates are: • American educational theorist and educator, Dr Gloria-Ladson Billings; and • Renowned American scientist, Professor James Sylvester Gates, who is a renowned expert in supersymmetry, supergravity and superstring theory.
March on 9 August 1956, Ms Sophia Williams-De Bruyn;
champion of economic freedom for women, Ms Gloria Serobe; as well as entrepreneur and pioneer developer of property in previously disadvantaged areas, Mr Mike Nkuna. On the Honorary Doctorates, Prof
Ms Sophia Williams-De Bruyn
Renowned American scientist, Prof James Sylvester Gates
contributions to public life and the scientific and engineering society at large. Currently, he is President of the American Physical Society and has served on the USA Presidential Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, during the term of President Obama. Prof James Sylvester Gates has been instrumental in improving science and engineering to practical challenges, such as the current pandemic, climate change and the economy. The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof Tshilidzi Marwala, conferred the Doctor of Philosophy (honoris causa) in Engineering on Prof Gates at the recent virtual graduation celebrations, held from 16 March to 11 May 2021. Honorary degrees are awarded to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the wider community or who have achieved exceptional academic or creative excellence. “James Sylvester Gates has had a remarkable international career in the
scientific industry. He is passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion, and has especially worked to build
African excellence,” Prof Marwala said.
Prof Gates is a renowned expert in supersymmetry, supergravity and superstring theory. He is also currently the Brown Theoretical Physics Center Director, the Ford Foundation Professor of Physics and Affiliate Professor of Mathematics, and Watson Institute for International Studies & Public Affairs Faculty Fellow at Brown University. Among his numerous awards in an astonishing career is the USA National
Medal of Science, the highest recognition given by the USA to
Prof James Sylvester Gates is one of the most influential figures in Theoretical Physics. The University of Johannesburg (UJ) has awarded an Honorary Doctorate to Prof James Sylvester Gates in recognition of his intellectual contributions of the
scientists for their contributions both to science and the public engagement in the beauty and wonder of science.
Prof Gates has a history of engagement with South Africa and this University. Watch Prof Gates delivering his acceptance speech.
highest academic distinction together with outstanding
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