Geography and Environmental Science Department Benefits from the Fullbright Foundation Donation

The Executive Dean in the faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Professor Jan Raats welcomed the newly appointed Head of Department for Geography and Environmental Sciences, Professor Cecil Seethal at an occasion that also celebrated the presentation of a donation of geography books to the university library by professor Vernon Domingo of the Fullbright Foundation. The ceremony was held at the faculty of Agriculture boardroom last month.

Professor Seethal returns to the academic world after sabbatical in the Department of Traditional, Land and Government Affairs in the Provincial Administration of Kwazulu-Natal. Prof. Seethal has lectured extensively throughout South Africa’s Historically disadvantaged University’s. He has lectured at the University of Bophuthatswana, now the University of the North West, the University of Transkei, the University of Zululand and the University of Durban Westville. In his welcome address, Prof Raats said, “Prof Seethal will add immeasurable value to department of geography as he brings with him, a wealth of knowledge and experience in which the university will benefit immensely from”.

Prof. Domino who is on the Fullbright Foundation staff exchange programme, donated books on geography to the university library on behalf of the Fullbright Foundation. The books, valued at US $ 1000.00 cover a broad spectrum across the field of study, they include education, development and geographic information systems (GIS). Giving a brief background of the Fullbright Foundation, Prof. Domino said, “The Fullbright Foundation was founded in 1946 by Senator William Fullbright with the purpose of enhancing, “mutual understanding between people through greater interaction and social and professional student and staff exchange programmes.”

He stated that while the university will benefit a lot from the donation, memories of his experience at Fort Hare will last the rest of his life and his students and colleagues will benefit a lot from what he has learnt about Fort Hare. “The image my students and colleagues back home have of Fort Hare will undoubtedly change for the better. I am glad to have chosen to come to Fort Hare and to be a part of this vibrant family.” Prof. Domingo who will soon be returning home to the University States of America pledged to become a goodwill ambassador of Fort Hare.