More than 200 graduates, accompanied by families and friends, were invited to the ceremony and wore traditional robes to receive their scrolls at Sheffield Cathedral.

The prestigious annual ceremony celebrates the achievements of students who have successfully completed a range of university level qualifications at the College.

Angela Foulkes, Chief Executive and Principal, The Sheffield College, said: “It was a privilege to celebrate the inspirational achievements of our students who have completed university level qualifications with us. I am very proud of their success and delighted that Sheffield’s Lord Mayor could celebrate with us.”

Sheffield’s Lord Mayor Councillor Magid said: “One of the big issues that’s really important to me is celebrating young people and all the amazing things they do for our city.”

He added: “The Sheffield College has a massive impact on young people, helping thousands of students from diverse communities go further in their education, training, skills and careers. It’s been a great honour to celebrate with this year’s graduates.”

Around 500 students are studying full-time and part-time university level courses at the College, recognised by universities, employers and professional bodies.

A group of the College’s first higher apprentices were among those graduating this year at the ceremony held on October 28th.

The College offers full honours degrees, foundation degrees, higher national diplomas and certificates, and higher apprenticeships.

Dr Shqiperim Reka, an alumnus and guest speaker, said: “Studying at The Sheffield College changed my life. One of the reasons why I am now in academia is I wanted to give back to the city by returning the amazing support shown to me.“

Shqiperim has completed a remarkable educational journey since arriving in Sheffield in 1999 as a teenage refugee with his family from Kosovo.

They received support to integrate into the culture of the city and Shqiperim progressed with his studies despite barely speaking any English initially.

After attending secondary school, he studied a Foundation Degree in Travel and Tourism at The Sheffield College and went on to complete the final year at Sheffield Hallam University gaining an Honours’ Degree.

Shqiperim then studied a Masters Degree and is now a Lecturer in Events Management at Sheffield Hallam University. Recently, he finished his PhD in tourism governance in post-war transition in Kosovo.

To find out more about courses starting in September 2019, click here or call 0114 2602600.