???In Germany, we meet Arnim Ritter, a financial whizz with a heart full of fond Stellenbosch memories, a growing young family, and a passion for staying connected to the Matie community.
Living 20 minutes outside Frankfurt am Main, Arnim balances a fast-paced professional life with the joys of family time. By day, he is immersed in financial due diligence for mergers and acquisitions (M&A) – a field he finds both intellectually challenging and deeply rewarding.
Outside of work, life is filled with books, travel, and time spent with his family. He is even looking to take up sailing as a hobby. “I haven't quite figured out when or where yet, but I'd love to give it a proper go," he says with a grin.
Why he volunteers
When asked what drew him to the alumni volunteer network, the answer comes easily: “I spent some of my best years at Stellies," he shares. “Even now, when I meet a fellow Matie – whether I know them or not – there's always this natural, special bond. I really cherish that."
This sense of shared experience and connection motivates him to give back. Volunteering offers a way to stay in touch with the unique Matie values and to connect with people who understand what it means to have walked down Victoria Street, crossed the Rooiplein, and called Stellenbosch home.
Work, growth, and a surprising stint
Arnim studied BAccLLB at Stellenbosch from 2010 to 2015, followed by a year of postgraduate studies. While his honours attempt did not go quite as planned, he turned the experience into fuel for the next stage of his journey – completing a master's degree in Law and Finance in Germany.
Today, he applies his expertise to M&A transactions across industries, learning and growing along the way. “I don't see myself as especially talented," he says modestly. “But if I stay focused and keep learning, I know I'll keep moving forward." He draws m motivation from the timeless lines of Marcus Aurelius (“The most noble thing is to be yourself"), Hemingway (“There is nothing noble in being superior"), and the stirring verses of If by Kipling as well as Invictus by Henley. These are all a reminder that strength, character and courage come from within.
Not everything about him fits the serious lawyer or accountant stereotype, however. In fact, one of his most memorable experiences was serving on the protocol team – and briefly as a bodyguard – for Namibian opposition leader Hidipo Hamutenya during a political rally in Walvis Bay back in 2009. “It was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience," he laughs.
Fond memories and future plans
Thinking back to his student days, a few memories stand out, especially the Joolmentorskakels in Helderberg residence (aka the Republic) and lazy afternoons spent on the stoeps of residence sections Kanonkop and Lokkenfekker. While he does not have regular contact with too many classmates these days, the friendships he has maintained from his student days are strong and meaningful.
Looking ahead, Arnim hopes to deepen his involvement as a volunteer and build stronger connections with other Maties in the region. “I enjoy interacting with fellow Maties – there's just something lekker about meeting people with that shared background, even this far from campus."
Personally, his biggest joy is watching his young son grow up, and discovering the world with him. “Spending time together outdoors, teaching him new things – that's what I'm most looking forward to this year."??
