A programme aimed at supporting the holistic development of top undergraduate academic achievers in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at Stellenbosch University (SU) was launched on Monday (15 February).

The intent of the Optimus programme is to offer like-minded individuals opportunities to stretch their academic abilities, explore interests, build well-balanced lives, give back to their communities, connect with industry leaders and identify mentors, explained programme coordinator Dr Suzanne van Aswegen.

An invitation to apply to the programme was sent to the top academic achievers in each department in the faculty, many of them achieving more than 80% in their first year of study. A group of approximately 30 students were selected to become part of the Optimus programme.

They were requested to commit for two years – the second and third year of their study. One of the prerequisites of the programme is that students maintain their academic performance.

Prof Ronel du Preez, Vice-dean: Teaching cautioned the students that they might find the programme challenging and that they will be expected to move outside of their comfort zones and push their boundaries.

"That is necessary for your personal growth. We want to contribute to your excellence," she said.

Prof Stan du Plessis, Dean of the faculty, told the students that the faculty spends a lot of time working on solving problems on the other end of the educational spectrum.

"But it would be a mistake for us not to think about what we can do for our top achievers."

He said that many top achievers become victims of their own success.

"You might be overwhelmed by all the opportunities available to you and end up not taking any of them for fear of choosing the wrong one. When you came to SU, you signed up for an academic programme, but that's not the only thing you can do here. You can unlock many other opportunities, and the Optimus programme will assist you in making choices that will work for you."

Van Aswegen explained that the focus of the Optimus programme is on capacity-building.

The programme will focus on the following five elements: Academic enrichment; Self-development & leadership; Professional and career orientation; Social impact; and Global mindset and innovation.

"This holistic approach to academic excellence seeks to help SU students reach new levels of leadership and intellectual development, giving them a head start on the road to brilliant careers in their fields. The idea is therefore that these achievers be nurtured to realise their full potential, empowered to apply for post-graduate prestigious scholarships, create positive role-models for others (inspire others to aspire to greatness) and further enhance the intellectual reputation of SU, during and after their studies," Van Aswegen said.

Lyle Ressouw, a second-year student in Actuarial Science, looks forward to embracing this opportunity for personal growth and development.

"I see it as a platform for great things," he added.

Danielle Lambrechts (Accounting), Tonia Schoeman (Actuarial Science) and Janine Stols (Actuarial Science) agree that they are excited about the opportunities that the programme will unlock and the skills that they will acquire – skills that aren't taught in class.

Evan Abrahams, a second-year Accounting student, is pleased about this opportunity to strive for excellence.

"I think we are going to learn a lot," he said.