JOHANNESBURG, South Africa -- Today the CIDA City Campus officially launched the Thurmond Woodard Men’s Residence Hall, made possible by a R7.9 million ($1.1 million) grant from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation.
“The residence will house approximately 180 bright CIDA male students from across the country, whose lives will be taking a significant turn towards success and influence in leadership despite their economically-disadvantaged backgrounds,” said Professor Murapa, the Dean of CIDA City Campus.
“We would also like to thank Cobepa and other donors in Belgium, who prefer to remain anonymous, for their truly inspired support of this men’s residence,” said Professor Murapa.
The residence was named after Thurmond Woodard, a Dell Inc. employee who sadly passed away from cancer in April 2007. Thurmond oversaw Dell Inc.’s global business conduct and led the company's diversity initiatives.
Known for his dedication to creating cultures of dignity, respect and inclusion, Thurmond promoted the importance of leadership through creating opportunity for all.
In 2005 Thurmond Woodard and his dear wife Suzanne came to visit the Dell Inc. team in Johannesburg, South Africa - a team who had been wonderfully generous in their support of CIDA, the first virtually free university in South Africa and in all of Southern Africa.
“Thurmond was an avid champion of youth, particularly disadvantaged youth. He wanted them to have the skills and tools to build the future of their dreams,” said Janet Mountain, Executive Director of the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation. “He played a crucial role in introducing the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation to CIDA and cultivating our relationship. We are pleased we could find the perfect way to honor him and continue the work he did while he was here.”
The residence will have 68 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms and 2 lounges/leisure rooms. It costs R490 per month to stay at the residence; students on a full scholarship are exempt from these monthly fees.
About CIDA City Campus:
CIDA City Campus, based in Johannesburg, is the first virtually free higher education institution in South Africa, offering holistic education to historically disadvantaged youth who would not otherwise be able to access higher education. CIDA aims to transform these students into leaders of their communities who will then advance the socio-economic transformation of the country.
Since its founding in 2000, CIDA has developed an innovative education model. It offers a fully accredited Bachelor of Business administration degree.
CIDA aims to develop business minded graduates who can think creatively, engage in open dialogue and care about transforming Africa. The institution uses holistic principles of teaching and learning that increases learning effectiveness and which builds a student’s confidence and self esteem.