Meet Keenen Gilbert: The Scientist Serving Others One Compassionate Project at a Time

Photo Credit: Stellenbosch University

Nine years ago, Keenen Gilbert arrived at Stellenbosch University to pursue a qualification in medical science, but discovered a whole new passion along the way: to serve others.

Stellenbosch, South Africa (18 June 2026) – Those who know Keenen Gilbert personally best describe him as a scientist with a servant’s heart. Deservingly so, as over the past nine years, the Stellenbosch University (SU) PhD student has made his mark not just as a rising academic but as a community builder who creates opportunities that directly meet the needs of his peers.

For him, the University became a place where a curious boy from Johannesburg discovered that helping people does not require a medical degree, wealth or influence. It simply requires a willingness to serve.

Keenen has spent much of his university career asking one simple question: How can I help?

Over the years, Keenen has organised food drives, tutored struggling students, raised funds for those in need, and helped shape student development programmes.

Hailing from Edenvale, east of Johannesburg, Keenen was raised in a family that valued education, compassion and community service.

“My parents always taught us that even with the little you have, you can still give within your means,” he tells SU.

“We’re not wealthy people, but we always made time to help others.”

Those teachings stayed with Keenen, and he’s found various ways to help people ever since.

While the science remains a strong impetus as a PhD candidate in the Muscle Research Group in the Faculty of Science, Keenen has increasingly found himself drawn to another passion: people.

“SU gave me opportunities to put service more to the forefront. It showed me that you don’t need to do things alone. There are like-minded people who share the same passion and want to make a difference,” he explains.

Keenen has organised sandwich drives, food collections, fundraising campaigns and community feeding initiatives. Through collaborations with organisations such as Ladles of Love, ShareBite and the Tygerberg Pantry Project, he has helped raise thousands of rands worth of food and essential supplies for vulnerable communities and food-insecure students.

For this young philanthropist, food isn’t just about sustenance.

“In my culture, in my community, food is a spiritual experience. It’s community, its love, it’s everything.”

As a student leader, tutor, Golden Key executive member, and participant in the Listen, Live and Learn (LLL) programme, he consistently sought opportunities to create spaces where students felt supported, valued, and connected.

One of his proudest contributions came through LLL, where his residence community embraced the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger. Together, they raised more than half a ton of food and packed over 100 hampers for students facing food insecurity during the assessment period and holiday season.

Keenan speaks warmly about the people who shaped his experience. He went to SU to pursue academic knowledge and a qualification, but he found so much more: friends, opportunities, and his purpose.

In everything that Keenen does, his approach is deeply human-centred. As he best puts it:

“Never think you can’t help people just because you’re a student. There are opportunities to go out there and help and serve people on campus. At the end of the day, yes, your studies are important. But being kind, being compassionate, being empathetic and helping others is more important.”