​Stellenbosch University's (SU) first Homecoming Weekend has come to an end after a weekend filled with an array of activities tailor-made for Maties alumni.

The Homecoming Weekend had something for everyone. A Homecoming cocktail party with the Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Wim de Villiers; a range of faculty activities; the popular Dagbreek/Maties Street Mile and various residence-specific events including Heemstede's 50th reunion, a Koeksisterfees at Nemesia, Erica and Serruria, a Spit Braai at Huis Visser, and a Legacy Festival with Metanoia. An intergenerational talk on local and global issues hosted by the Frederick van Zyl Slabbert Institute and facilitated by Maties alumnus Prof Pierre de Vos was one of the weekend's highlights.

While Homecoming events in other parts of the world are usually linked to the most rivalled sporting event on the university calendar, SU elected to partner with Woordfees , the literary and art festival of Stellenbosch University, which has made quite a name for itself since its inception in 2000, and celebrates South African written, visual and performing arts – a celebration of the word in all its expressions – and Stellenbosch. With a focus on Afrikaans, the Woordfees also features works in English, other African languages, Dutch and Flemish.

"It was wonderful to welcome back alumni from far and wide. We met alumni from eight of the nine provinces, and from as far afield as Sao Paulo, Munich and Brussels, and all remarked on how Matieland has evolved over the years and, yet, how familiar the friendliness and inclusiveness remain," says Karen Bruns, Senior Director: Development and Alumni Relations.

"Our very first Homecoming Weekend was a great start and we're delighted with the warm and positive feedback that we have received from alumni that attended the various events that were on offer. We begin today to make plans for Homecoming 2017, with a view towards the University's centenary celebrations in 2018!

"I hope we've succeeded in showing alumni that it's always great to come home to Matieland; that their alma mater is doing well and remains a world-class institution, held in high esteem for its expertise in teaching and research, and climbing up the University rankings. I sincerely hope that being back here in beautiful Stellenbosch reignited or enhanced their passion for this wonderful place," says Shaun Stuart, Manager: Alumni Relations.

• Do you have ideas for Homecoming 2017? Send your thoughts to [email protected].