Keenen Gilbert likes to joke that his blood is maroon and gold. After nine years at Stellenbosch University (SU), four degrees and countless leadership roles, there may be some truth in the joke. 

Gilbert’s affection for SU is about far more than institutional pride. For him, the University became a place where a curious boy from Johannesburg discovered that helping people does not require a medical degree, wealth or influence. It simply requires a willingness to serve.

Today, the PhD candidate in physiological sciences is one of the most recognisable student leaders on campus. Whether he is organising food drives, tutoring struggling students, raising funds for those in need or helping shape student development programmes, Gilbert has spent much of his university career asking one simple question: How can I help?

A scientist with a servant’s heart

Gilbert grew up in Edenvale, east of Johannesburg, in a family that valued education, compassion and community service. “My parents always taught us that even with the little you have, you can still give within your means,” he explains. “We’re not wealthy people, but we always made time to help others.”

As a child, he was fascinated by science. His bedroom was filled with crystal-growing kits, microscopes, ant farms and experiment sets. Inspired partly by years of watching Grey’s Anatomy, he initially dreamed of becoming a doctor.

But university broadened his horizons. “Going through university and finding myself, I realised I don’t really want to be a doctor,” he says. “There are other ways to help people.” That realisation eventually led him to the Muscle Research Group in the Faculty of Science, where he is now completing a PhD investigating how muscle stem cells repair and regenerate damaged tissue.

While the science remains a strong impetus, Gilbert increasingly found himself drawn to another passion: people. “SU gave me opportunities to put service more to the forefront,” he explains. “It showed me that you don’t need to do things alone. There are like-minded people who share the same passion and want to make a difference.”

His approach is deeply human-centred. “At the end of the day, yes, your studies are important. But being kind, being compassionate, being empathetic and helping others is more important.”

Food, dignity and community

If there is one thread connecting Gilbert’s many leadership roles, it is food. Over the years, he has organised sandwich drives, food collections, fundraising campaigns and community feeding initiatives. Through collaborations with organisations such as Ladles of Love, ShareBite and the Tygerberg Pantry Project, he has helped raise thousands of rands worth of food and essential supplies for vulnerable communities and food-insecure students.

For Gilbert food represents far more than nutrition. “Food is not just sustenance,” he insists. “In my culture, in my community, food is a spiritual experience. It’s community, it’s love, it’s everything.”

As a student leader, tutor, Golden Key executive member and participant in the Listen, Live and Learn (LLL) programme, he repeatedly sought opportunities to create spaces where students felt supported, valued and connected.

One of his proudest contributions came through LLL, where his residence community embraced the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger. Together they raised more than half a tonne of food and packed over 100 hampers for students facing food insecurity during the assessment period and holiday season.

For Gilbert, leadership has never been about titles. “You’re there to serve,” he says simply. “You’re there to represent people’s needs.”

Growing through community

While Gilbert has become a familiar face in leadership circles, he is quick to credit the University community for helping him flourish. From Simonsberg Residence and student societies to academic departments and student support services, he speaks warmly about the people who shaped his experience. “I found community here,” he smiles. “I found my friends. I found opportunities. It’s built me as a person.”

He is particularly passionate about encouraging students to make use of the University’s support structures, including academic counselling, Campus Health Service and the Centre for Student Counselling and Development. “There are all these things there to support you. You just need to reach out.”

His own leadership journey taught him important lessons about balance and resilience. “The biggest lesson is learning to say no,” he admits. “You can’t be everywhere all at once.” He also believes in the power of planning. “Outlook Calendar is your best friend. My academic schedule, social events, even my family gatherings go into my Outlook calendar. If it isn't there, it's not happening!” he jokes.

Gilbert often speaks about how the rewards outweigh the challenges of being an active student leader. “If you impact one student, if you inspire one student, if someone remembers that you helped them when they needed it, then it’s worth everything.”

As South Africa commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Soweto Uprising this Youth Month, Gilbert believes young people have both a privilege and a responsibility to continue building a better society. “We have the time, we have the energy and we have the voice. We can’t just sit idly and wait for things to happen. We have to bring about change ourselves.”

Gilbert hopes to remain in higher education, focusing on student development, wellbeing and success. But wherever his journey takes him, one thing seems certain: Service will remain at its heart. After all, he firmly believes that anyone can make a difference.

“Never think you can’t help people just because you’re a student,” he says. “There are opportunities to go out there and help and serve people on campus. In your community there are NGOs, there are struggling schools, there are people on the side of the road who need your help. So never think you’re not needed or that you can’t do anything.”