Wits honours Adrian Gore with an honorary doctorate
BRAAMFONTEIN – Chief executive officer of Discovery, Adrian Gore, receives an honorary degree from Wits University.
With graduation season euphoria at Wits University, a number of distinguished change-makers from the government and corporate spheres will line up to receive accolades from the institution between 23 and 31 March.
One such recipient and a leading face of business in South Africa, Adrian Gore, was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate in Commerce at a graduation ceremony held at Wits University’s Great Hall on 27 March.
Speaking on the significance of the honour, Gore, who is also a Wits alumnus – having completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Actuarial Science (Honours) in 1985 – attributed the accolade to a lifetime of work within the healthcare insurance industry.
“I think it’s an award based on the contribution that Discovery’s made to society. While it’s a personal award I really think that [it’s one] for the team,” he said.
“I think it recognises what the organisation has done [in terms] of our pursuit to make people healthier.”
While the ceremony was headlined by Gore’s achievement, a large number of Wits undergraduate students had bachelor’s degrees conferred on them; ensuring that they too, like Gore, claim a stake in the annals of Wits academia.
Asked what sage advice he would offer to the graduates, particularly in light of the plight of graduates who battle to secure employment post studies, the Discovery chief executive officer said, “The advice I’d give to others is that they need to focus on purpose and impact [in light of] the massive issues of inequality and unemployment faced by the country.
“But at the same time, it is a country full of opportunity. And so I think if you can build the country while pursuing the opportunities, I think it’s a good thing.”
Fellow business leader, Patrice Motsepe, will also be conferred with an Honorary Doctorate in Commerce by Wits University on 31 March.
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