Stellenbosch University honours Kerry Porrill with prestigious Chancellor’s Medal

Kerry Porrill, one of Stellenbosch University’s standout young mathematicians, has been awarded the institution’s prestigious Chancellor’s Medal for 2025 — just weeks after securing a Rhodes Scholarship.

The honour, instituted in 1961, is awarded annually to only one final-year or postgraduate student who combines exceptional academic performance with meaningful contributions to campus life and co-curricular development.

Porrill, who this week graduated with a BSc Honours in Mathematics from the Faculty of Science’s Mathematics Division, has built an academic record that places her among the university’s elite achievers. She earned 90% or above for more than half of her undergraduate modules, achieved 100% for two postgraduate modules, and received distinctions for all the rest.

Her research trajectory is already taking shape: she is a co-author of a paper titled Some structural aspects of the ring of arithmetical functions: Prime ideals and beyond.

Her excellence also extends well beyond the classroom. Over the past four years, Porrill has excelled in national and international mathematics competitions. Earlier this year, she placed joint 109th at the International Mathematics Competition for University Students in Bulgaria. In 2024, she and a fellow student ranked as the third-best pair in the West Division of the Simon Marais Mathematics Competition.

She has also played a significant role in strengthening Olympiad mathematics in South Africa. In 2024, she served as team leader for South Africa at the European Girls’ Mathematics Olympiad and was the coordinator for the Pan-African Mathematics Olympiad. She also served as deputy leader for South Africa’s International Mathematics Olympiad team in 2024 and 2025.

Receiving Stellenbosch University’s highest student honour, Porrill said the moment felt surreal. “Unbelievable,” she said. “It is such a great honour. I am so honoured to receive this (award).”

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