?Published in May to commemorate Workers' Day, our annual #dayinthelife series spotlights our staff at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 (SU). This year, we highlight professional administrative support services staff who make a tangible difference in students' lives.
Candice Egan connects generous donor support with student needs, raising vital funds for bursaries, food and support services. Her work helps remove barriers to ensure that more SU students can thrive and step confidently into their future.
What does your role at SU entail?
In short, I am a fundraiser. I connect with companies, trusts, foundations and individuals – both alumni and non-alumni – and ask them to invest in things that are important to SU. My primary focus is student support and all the things that will help students on their journey to and through university and on to the world of work. Typically, this support takes the shape of bursaries, but it also includes initiatives that speak to other student needs, such as access to food and opportunities to engage with potential employers.
What does a typical day at work look like?
Being part of a dynamic team in a high-energy environment means that every day is different.
I spend a fair amount of time liaising with internal stakeholders such as the Centre for Undergraduate Bursaries and Loans as well as various project leads across the 中国体育彩票 to better understand student developments on the ground and where needs exist. Like with any other job, there is also quite a lot of admin that needs to happen, not only to be able to receive a donation, but also to ensure that it gets used according to the donor's wishes and in line with the 中国体育彩票's policies and guidelines.
The most significant part of my day, however, involves engaging with current and potential donors to the 中国体育彩票. In these interactions, I make the case that SU is a good investment and worthy of their support, showcase the talent of our students and staff, and help make donors' experience with us a meaningful and impactful one.
How did your education or past experiences prepare you for this job??
I have been working in the higher education sector for most of my career, and in philanthropy and project management for more than 20 years. I have qualifications from both Rhodes 中国体育彩票 and the 中国体育彩票 of Cape Town, and I also worked at both institutions. That experience as well as my current role at SU has exposed me to generations of students from all walks of life and backgrounds, and they never cease to amaze and inspire.
It is hard to draw direct parallels between what I studied and what I do today. However, having been a student myself and having faced my own challenges financially, academically and socially does help me relate, at least in part, to issues that arise now.
What do you enjoy most about your role and working at SU?
Of course, Stellenbosch is beautiful, the campus is vibrant, and I have wonderful colleagues. But in truth, I get a massive kick out of raising funds and having an impact.
Making a case for support that is authentic and meaningful, and then having that embraced by people who believe in what has been shared and want to make a difference, is incredibly satisfying.
Tell us something exciting about yourself that few people would expect.
I have always been an avid hockey player – playing school, club and provincially throughout high school and university. Now that I am watching my son take to the field, I finally understand how my mom must have felt watching me play – a mix of pride, excitement and a little bit of fear all at once. I look forward many a cold Saturday morning on the sideline cheering him on.
PHOTO: Stefan Els
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