Some 8,922 students have graduated in front of more than 23,000 guests during ceremonies held at Ponds Forge over the last two weeks, with the final students receiving their awards today (Friday 21 November).
Those marking the completion of their studies included 1,700 health students including nurses, paramedics and physiotherapists as well as more than 1,400 students on teaching related courses. Many of these students will already be supporting the regional workforce in the NHS and schools across South Yorkshire.
Among those who graduated from Sheffield Hallam this year is the niece of the University’s former Chancellor, Uriah Rennie, who sadly passed away earlier this year. Jade Rennie-Campbell graduated with a degree in law on Thursday 20 November in front of family and friends.
Sheffield Hallam University Vice-Chancellor Professor Liz Mossop said: “Graduation is such a special time for students and their families, marking the culmination of years of hard work and dedication, and I feel immensely proud and privileged to be part it.
“Graduation marks an official change in life stage for many and whatever their next steps it’s important we take a moment to celebrate and reflect on their achievements. I would like to wish all our students graduating over the next two weeks the best of luck for the future.”
This year also saw the first cohort of therapeutic radiographer degree apprentices in the country graduate. The group of seven are the first to follow the ‘learn while you earn’ route into the profession.
The apprenticeship enables current NHS employees to further their careers in radiotherapy and earn a degree at the same time. Sheffield Hallam was the first university in the country to offer the course.
Keeley Rigby, Degree Apprenticeship Course Leader, said: “We are so proud of our first cohort of therapeutic radiography apprentices, they have worked so hard and all shown such resilience throughout the last three years.
“Working alongside them and their mentors in NHS Trusts has been a privilege; and to see the positive impact they are already having in their departments through service development and exceptional patient care is fantastic.”
The impact of Sheffield Hallam University’s graduation ceremonies is felt across the city with experts in Sheffield Business School estimating this year’s events will generate £2.8m in economic benefit.
The figure is based on estimates that over 75 per cent of graduates and their guests had a celebratory meal out in Sheffield with approximately 50 per cent staying the night in a local hotel.
Former students have also had an impact on this year’s graduation ceremonies. Dan and Anna Potter, who graduated more than 20-years ago and now run Nether Edge based Swallows & Damsons, have become the new suppliers of the University’s graduation flower arrangements. The pair both studied Fine Art at Hallam and graduated in 2004.
Anna said: “Hallam brought us both to Sheffield and it feels a bit like we’ve come full circle in a way. It’s a privilege to be asked to contribute to graduation all these years later.”
The flowers and plants are sustainable with some of them being replanted around campus following the ceremonies.
Find out more about graduation at Sheffield Hallam University.
