By Fred Felton | Mar. 17, 2025
The Inauguration Ceremony for Professor
Francis Petersen was held last week on Friday 14th March, 2025. He
was recently appointed as the Vice-Chancellor and Principal for the University
of Pretoria.
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The Inauguration Ceremony was filled with music. | Photo: Fred Felton
The ceremony itself was a glamorous affair
as guests dressed up to attend this event. Professor Petersen is responsible
for the management and administration of the University. He has a distinguished
academic background and years of experience in higher education with a wide
background in engineering, finance, and academic management.
He is highly educated with a Bachelor of
Engineering (Chemical Engineering) and a Master of Engineering (Metallurgical
Engineering) from the University of Stellenbosch, as well as a PhD. in
Engineering. He has also completed a course in Financial Skills for Executive
Management from IIR Training.
Professor Petersen has held many academic
positions at the University of Stellenbosch, Cape Peninsula University of
Technology, University of Cape Town, and University of the Free State. His
leadership roles included Head of Department, Dean and Deputy Vice-Chancellor.
He has also contributed to industry and science councils including strategic
leadership at Anglo American Platinum Limited, Mintek and the Council for
Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
Professor Petersen has years of extensive
leadership and academic experience that positions him perfectly to guide and
uphold the University of Pretoria’s tradition of academic distinction while
carving out new roads in research, teaching, and society engagement.
The theme for the Inauguration Ceremony
was The Power of Possibility and the
event was held at the Aula at the University of Pretoria. The ceremony began
with a performance by the University of Pretoria Symphony Orchestra of: Andante Festivo by Jean Sibelius.
The University of Pretoria Youth Choir
performed Hlonolofatsa: Traditional
followed by the Academic Procession and the University of Pretoria Symphony
Orchestra, University of Pretoria Youth Choir and UP Ovuwa Cultural Ensemble
performing Gaudeamus igitur.
The Constitution of The Assembly and the
Welcome were done by Chancellor Justice Sisi Khampepe.
There was a moment of silence and then the
UP Ovuwa Cultural Ensemble performed I
Will Rise by Chris Tomlin.
The Presentation of The Vice-Chancellor
and Principal Professor Francis Petersen was done by the Chairperson of Council
Mr Ben Kruger. Afterwards the University of Pretoria Symphony Orchestra
performed Coriolan Overture by Ludwig van
Beethoven.
The Investiture was done by Registrar
Professor Caroline Nicholson. The Inauguration of the Vice-Chancellor and
Principal was performed by Chancellor Justice Sisi Khampepe.
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| Justice Khampepe presents the VC with sheet music of the original piece played at his inauguration. | Photo: University of Pretoria. |
The University of Pretoria Symphony
Orchestra, University of Pretoria Youth Choir and Ovuwa Cultural Ensemble
performed The Power of Possibility by
Atlegang Milanzi.
Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor
Francis Petersen then gave an Inaugural Address filled with positivity.
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| Prof Petersen delivering his inaugural address. | Photo: University of Pretoria. |
‘’I’m honoured to stand before you today
as the 14th Vice-Chancellor,’’ noted Professor Petersen.
He pledged to do his utmost to serve in
this role at the University of Pretoria. His aim was to serve with dedication
and passion.
‘’Our strength lies in working together to
transform the future,’’ said Professor Petersen.
He also went on to say that, ‘’The
University of Pretoria is its people.’’
‘’University of Pretoria is committed to
developing people, creating knowledge and making a difference both locally and
globally,’’ noted Professor Petersen.
He also acknowledged the various platforms
offered at The University of Pretoria such as Future Africa, Innovation Africa,
Engineering 4.0, The Javett-UP Art Centre and the recently announced The South
African Centre for Industry and Technology which will be hosted at the University
of Pretoria.
Professor Petersen also spoke of the
‘missing middle’ students whose families earn too much to qualify for financial
assistance but not enough to cover the tuition fees and living expenses. ‘’In
the light of this I was proud to announce the Vice-Chancellor and Principal’s
Scholarship Fund last year. The goal of
this fund is to ensure that no student is denied the opportunity of studying at
the University of Pretoria because of financial constraints,’’ said Professor
Petersen.
‘’The aim is to position the University of
Pretoria as a global intellectual leader on African matters, for Africa and the
World,’’ emphasised Professor Petersen.
After his speech the UP Ovuwa Cultural
Ensemble performed Botho: Traditional.
There were congratulations from various
people including from the students. The Student Representative Council
President Vhutshilo Muambadzi wished Professor Petersen well. ‘’An engineer
never stops building,’’ noted Ms Muambadzi.
The National Anthem was performed by the
University of Pretoria Symphony Orchestra, University of Pretoria Youth Choir
and UP Ovuwa Cultural Ensemble.
The Dissolution of the Assembly was done
by the Chancellor Justice Sisi Khampepe and the Academic Procession left the
venue.
Thereafter University of Pretoria Symphony
Orchestra, University of Pretoria Youth Choir and UP Ovuwa Cultural Ensemble
performed Gaudeamus igitur.
All donations towards The Vice-Chancellor
and Principal’s Scholarship Fund from South Africa, the USA and the UK are
tax-deductible.
If you would like to donate to the fund or
get more information on it email giving@up.ac.za
