"They say once a Matie, always a Matie. And for me it is certainly the case. This is where I got the foundation that opened career doors for me." These were the words of Prof Wim de Villiers, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University (SU) at the launch of the University's first ever Homecoming Weekend for alumni."The best universities in the world all have strong alumni networks. They all arouse strong loyalty from those who studied there – mostly during those crucial, formative years of early adulthood and Stellenbosch University is certainly no exception," Prof De Villiers said.He shared his reasons why he loves Maties - the place itself, the people and the impact of its people. "Victoria Street, Die Laan, Coetzenburg, the Rooiplein, the Neelsie, and the Botanical Garden are but a few places and buildings that are synonymous with Stellenbosch. The people who work here are some of the brightest minds, devoted, hard-working staff. Those who study here are bright, passionate young thought leaders and the nearly 250 000 graduates produced by Stellenbosch through the years, play a key role in society. And what is being done here, often sets the tone - nationally and internationally," he added. "I feel blessed that I am back at my alma mater and that I was entrusted with the responsibility to lead Maties into its next century. And with alumni like you, I feel confident that the bond of the Maties family remains strong. Welcome home. Make yourselves at home. Stay a while, and do come back again."The Homecoming Weekend comes to an end on Sunday, 6 March, but you can still look forward to a range of faculty- and residence- specific networking, social activities and cultural events. One of the weekend's highlights is an intergenerational talk on local and global issues to be hosted by the Discourse Café where alumnus Prof Pierre de Vos will speak. Residence-specific events include Heemstede's 50th reunion, a Koeksisterfees at Nemesia, Erica and Serruria, a Spit Braai at Huis Visser and a Legacy Festival with Metanoia at De Vette Mossel. Not to mention the discounted Woordfees productions such as a variety Woordfees POPS Concert on Sunday, 6 March where you can rub shoulders with the cream of South Africa's music stars like Laurika Rauch, Elvis Blue, Gloria Bosman, Brandon October, Andriëtte Norman, Peter Maartens and Joshua na die Reën. And do not miss out on the campus tours on Saturday 5 March at 11:00 and 15:00. For more information or to arrange for a time that suits you best, visit the Homecoming Welcome station at Erfurthuis (37 Ryneveldt Street, Stellenbosch, opposite the Museum).Browse the full programme of Homecoming events by clicking here: http://www.matiesalumni.com/p….