HB Thom Collection
H.B. Thom was born on 3 Desember 1905 in Aliwal North, South Africa. He was a direct descendant of Dr. George Thom, one of the founders of the Scottish Presbyterian Church in South Africa. Thom started his long affiliation with Stellenbosch University as a student in 1924. He also studied abroad and returned to South Africa in 1931 after receiving his PhD. He was then appointed as lecturer in History at the Stellenbosch University Department of History. He became Professor in 1937 and would for many years enrich the lives of students through his in-depth knowledge of the subject and high standards of teaching. Prof. H.B. Thom became Rector of Stellenbosch University in 1954. During his 16 years as rector the University flourished with student numbers rising, four new faculties opening, as well new residences and academic buildings being erected. In addition to being a highly respected academic and historian, Thom was also a cultural leader and played a leading role in many South African organisations and cultural and educational institutions. Thom was the author of the publications “Die lewe van Gert Maritz” and “D.F. Malan” and was responsible for the publication of Jan van Riebeeck’s journal at the Cape under the auspices of the Van Riebeeck Society. Thom received Honorary Doctorate degrees from Stellenbosch University and the University of the Free State and was also awarded the Decoration for Meritorious Srevice by the Republic of South Africa in 1980. Prof H.B. Thom was married to Maria Johanna (Ria) du Toit since 1934. He died in November 1983, shortly after being inaugurated as Chancellor of Stellenbosch University.
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Recent Submissions
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Boomplant by Ou Hoofgebou
Notes for an address delivered at a tree planting ceremony, Stellenbosch University, 12 August 1983. -
Universiteit, maatskappy, gemeenskap
HB Thom's inaugural address as ninth chancellor of the University of Stellenbosch, 6 May 1983. -
Sluitingsfunksie van die Kerninstituut van die Suidelike Universiteite
Address delivered at Southern Universities Nuclear Institute closing function, Faure, 31 March 1983. -
Die betekenis van diplomas en grade
Address delivered in HB Thom's capacity as chancellor of Stellenbosch University at a graduation ceremony, 10 March 1983. -
Rede ter geleentheid van die heropening van die akademiese jaar, Militere Akademie
Address on the history of the Military Faculty of Stellenbosch University, delivered at the start of the new academic year, Saldanha, 28 January 1983. -
Die universiteit in nasionale verband
Address on universities in a national context, delivered at a graduation ceremony at the Randse Afrikaanse Universiteit (RAU), Johannesburg, 24 April 1982. -
Staat en universiteit
Address on state and university delivered at the opening of the new academic year, University of Port Elizabeth, 5 February 1982. -
Fakulteit van Geneeskunde, Universiteit van Stellenbosch
Paper on the history of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, delivered as memorial lecture at the 25th anniversary of the faculty, 6 August 1981. -
Tandheelkunde aan U.S. : die begin
Paper on the history of Stellenbosch University Faculty of Dentistry delivered at the faculty jubilee, 24 June 1981. -
Die staat en die universiteit : terugblik en vooruitskouing
Paper on the history and future of the state and the university, delivered at a symposium of the University of South Africa, 18 September 1980. -
Oor gevorderde grade
Address on advanced university degrees delivered at graduation ceremony, University of Pretoria, 12 September 1980. -
Die behoefte aan samewerking tussen universiteite en kolleges vir gevorderde tegniese onderwys, met verwysing na mannekragopleiding
Paper on the need for cooperation between universities and colleges for advanced technical training with specific reference to manpower. Delivered at the Vaal Triangle College for Advanced Technical Education, 24 October 1978. -
Die aansluiting tussen skool en universiteit
Paper on the transition between school and university, Pretoria, 19 September 1978. -
Gelofte-aflegging, Fakulteit van Tandheelkunde, U.S.
Address delivered at an oath taking ceremony, Stellenbosch University Faculty of Dentistry, 20 June 1978. -
Universiteite
Summary of an address delivered before the Stellenbosch University Convocation, 7 February 1978. -
Colleges for Advanced Technical Education and the universities
Address on colleges for advanced technical education and universities, delivered at a diploma ceremony, Natal College for Advanced Technical Education, 4 June 1977. -
Die dilemma van die akademikus
Address on the dilemma of academics with regard to politics and academic freedom. Delivered at a graduation ceremony, University of South Africa, 14 May 1977. -
The universities belong to the nation
Address on universities in South Africa, delivered at a graduation ceremony, University of Natal, 7 May 1976. -
Universiteit en maatskappy
Address on the role of universities in society, delivered at a graduation ceremony, University of the Free State, 20 April 1974. -
Die jongste ontwikkelings aan die U.S.
Notes for an address before the Stellenbosch University Convocation on recent developments at the university, 11 December 1969.