Book Launch New York
Phillip Tobias – Into the Past:  A Memoir

New York, New York - October 5, 2006. The University of the Witwatersrand Fund, Inc. held a reception at The Consulate General of South Africa in New York for the launch of Phillip Tobias’ new book Into the Past: A Memoir. Professor Tobias is one of South Africa’s most honored and decorated scientists. Best known for his pioneering work at South Africa’s famous hominid fossil sites, Professor Tobias is considered one of the world’s leading authorities on the evolution of mankind.

The hosts of the event were The South African Consul General, Fikile Magubane, the University of the Witwatersrand Fund, Inc, Stanley Bergman, Chairman, The Wits Health Graduates Association represented by Dr. Bernard Tabatznik, and Pan Macmillan and Wits University Press. During this very successful event, a warm welcome to the many guests by David Schneider, the Executive Director of Wits Fund was followed by short speeches by Consul General, Fikele Magubane and Dr. Marion Bergman. Justice Richard Goldstone, the Chancellor of Wits, then introduced Phillip Tobias.

Distinguished guests present that evening included, Mr. John Teeger, President of the Wits Fund Board and, distinguished Wits Medical graduates Dr. Maureen Dale (Oxford), Dr. Marion Bergman (with Mr. Stanley Bergman, the major sponsors of the event), Dr. Alan Kisner, Professor Clive Rosendorff, Professor Mervyn Susser, and Dr. Oskar Weg and from Pennsylvania, Dr. Jacqueline Brooks, Dr. Jackie Niemann, Dr. Lauren Rome and Dr. Bernard Storey. Mr. Martin Feldman, Dr. June Schneider and Ms Elizabeth Scholtz were among the distinguished non medical alumna present and Professor Holloway from Columbia and Dr. Ian Tattersall of the American Museum of Natural History were among the distinguished non alumni.

Phillip Tobias said: “I was absolutely delighted that the reception launching my book in New York was such a success. It was a special pleasure to see Wits alumni display a passion to support and maintain strong ties with Wits. I was also delighted to see colleagues who traveled from other States, from Canada and the UK. It was most meaningful for me that the gathering took place in the South African Consulate General through the gracious kindness of Consul General Fikile Magubane. Wits Fund’s achievement in building this powerful base assures Wits’ future as an institution maintaining the highest standards of excellence in learning, teaching and research.”

The Board of The University of the Witwatersrand Fund, Inc:

Stanley Bergman, Chairman, John Chalsty, Trevor Davis, Bruce Hubbard
David Schneider, Executive Director, John Teeger, President.