Bradley Moorcroft, an actuarial science graduate, is the recipient of Stellenbosch University’s (SU) coveted Chancellor’s Medal for 2021.
The medal is awarded annually to a final-year or postgraduate student who has excelled academically, has contributed to campus life in various ways, and has worked hard at developing co-curricular attributes.
Moorcroft was awarded the degree BCom Hons in Actuarial Science cum laude at the virtual graduation in December 2021 and returned to Stellenbosch this week to receive the medal in person at the April graduation ceremony of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences.
Over the last four years, Moorcroft passed all his subjects in his BCom and Honours (Actuarial Science degrees with distinction, achieving 90%–99% in half of his modules. During his honour’s year, he was the top student and achieved the highest average mark in the past five years.
Furthermore, he reached the standard necessary to be recommended for exemptions from all the Actuarial Society of South Africa (ASSA) examinations available to date in his studies, which is a very rare achievement.
Commenting on his award, Moorcroft says: “There are so many exceptional final-year and postgraduate students who graduated in my cohort, and it is a big surprise and huge honour to be recognised in this way. This is the ‘cherry-on-top’ of a rewarding and enjoyable Stellenbosch chapter.
“It was quite a challenge to balance my actuarial studies with other responsibilities during the Covid-19 period. So, I also view this award as recognition of the hours of commitment and hard work it took to navigate this journey.”
Moorcroft adds that many people have supported him and contributed to his success. “I cannot take credit for this award alone. I am very grateful for the unfailing support and encouragement of those who have been closest to me through the ups and downs of the past four years.”
He believes embracing his studies with a team mindset helped him achieve his goals. “This is an approach that I would recommend to any incoming student. I was lucky enough to form a solid group of classmates. We supported each other, learned from each other’s successes and mistakes, helped each other grasp the key concepts, and formed great friendships.”
Moorcroft, who hails from Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape, demonstrated significant leadership potential as primarius (head student) of the Simonsberg residence in 2020/21. He was also the head boy of Kingswood College in Makhanda and captained the first hockey and water polo teams during his high school years.
When he is not studying or fulfilling his other responsibilities, he enjoys putting on his running shoes and getting active. “For me, it is the best medicine for the mind and soul.”
He joined Discovery Bank as an actuarial analyst in Sandton at the start of the year and describes it as “a brilliant experience so far”. He also plans to qualify as a Fellow of the Actuarial Society of South Africa (FASSA).
