THRIVE ISSUE 6 DECEMBER 2025 29 37th STH Golden Circle Alumnus Award Recipient The STH Golden Circle and Rising Star Alumnus Awards carry forward the school’s tradition of recognising alumni for their contribution to the sector. Accomplished hotelier and current General Manager for the flagship Sandton Sun and Towers Hotel, Robert Jasper is the 37th recipient of the STH Golden Circle Alumnus Award. The award is a status that is awarded to only one alum per year, and its ethos is considered a benchmark against which new generation tourism and hospitality leaders are developed. In his acceptance speech, Mr. Jasper reflected on his career journey, stating: “40 years ago, or so I started off at the hotel school in Smit street, with Dok Morne and Petra. I have had the most amazing journey along the way. I have worked in interesting places. I have worked with some interesting people and loved every minute of it. It is nice to be recognised but then again, it’s not just for me, it’s obviously because of the people you work with, that you have the success that you do”. Passing down the baton In special moment, Paul Elliot, himself a STH Golden Circle Alumnus Award Recipient (1994) expressed his pride he handed his daughter, Amy Elliot, the citation as the recipient for the STH Rising Star Alumnus Award. Amy Elliot, General Manager at the Marriott Hotel, Johannesburg Wanderers, joins a growing list of emerging leaders making their mark in dynamic field of tourism and hospitality. Accepting her award, Amy thanked everyone who voted for her as well as her family for their support. She highlighted that that the time had come for her to be more active in collaborating with the university, beyond receiving and training students at the hotel. Appreciation and Acknowledgements UJ Chief Financial Officer, Nolwazi Mamorare concluded the formal proceedings, with words of gratitude on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Letlhokwa Mpedi and the Executive Dean for the College of Business and Economics, Prof Tankiso Moloi. Ms. Mamorare acknowledged the contributions of past STH leaders, notably the presence of Dr. Reinie (Dok) Mornet who attended the event with his wife Petra. From 1973 to 2003, Dr. Mornet was the director of the former TWR Hotel School. As senior project coordinator, he played a role in the establishment of the STH. “Your legacy continues to endure, said Mamorare. Other notable guests in the audience included Ms. Gillian Saunders (STH Board Member), past STH award recipients: Chef Rudi Liebenberg (Golden Circle 2007), Karen Boraine (Golden Circle, 2011), Duane Schroder (2018), Nancy Gaylard (Rising Star, 2017) and Bongani Kubheka (Rising Star, 2018). It has been fantastic to be back here after fourteen years, and I look forward to more engagements such as this. I also just want to give a special shout out to my first ever General Manager, Mr. Robert Jasper.
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