The Doris Crossley Foundation recently hosted its second student gathering of the year — a relaxed and creative morning with our 2025 undergraduate bursary cohort at The Pottery in Stellenbosch. Twenty-five students joined the DCF team for what has become one of the Foundation’s most cherished traditions: a moment to pause, connect, and unwind before the busy exam season begins.
Unlike the more formal start-of-year session, this midyear gathering is intentionally light and pressure-free. It’s designed as a space for students to take a break from academic demands, enjoy good food and conversation, and express themselves creatively by painting a pottery piece of their choice. The result each year is a colourful reflection of individuality and shared experience — and a room filled with laughter, calm focus, and the gentle hum of connection.
For the DCF trustees and team, this is always a highlight on the calendar. The event not only allows us to spend informal time with our students but also offers a reminder of the diverse paths, disciplines, and dreams that the Foundation supports — from engineering to education, social sciences to health studies. By this second gathering, the students know one another well, and the atmosphere is one of familiarity, warmth, and genuine camaraderie.
As the morning drew to a close, there was a clear sense of renewal and calm. The group shared laughter, stories, and connection — a welcome pause before the demands of exam season. The experience itself was a meaningful reminder of the need for balance and creativity amid busy academic lives.
This year also marks a special milestone, with several students in the cohort graduating — a moment of pride for the Foundation and a reflection of the growth and perseverance these young people have shown throughout their studies.
The Doris Crossley Foundation is deeply proud to walk alongside these talented individuals as they continue their journeys — whether completing their degrees or stepping into the next chapter as graduates, future leaders, thinkers, and changemakers of South Africa.
