Sheffield Hallam graduation fortnight generates £3.4m benefit to city

Students and their families attending Sheffield Hallam University graduation ceremonies have generated £3.4m for city centre businesses.

The figure has been revealed as the University’s annual graduation fortnight draws to a close. More than 31,000 guests accompanied 8,400 students to 34 ceremonies held at Ponds Forge between Monday 14 November and Friday 25 November.

Academics in the University’s Sheffield Business School calculated the significant benefit to the city’s economy 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.

Professor Sir Chris Husbands, vice-chancellor, Sheffield Hallam University: “This year’s graduation ceremonies have been a huge success and I would like to thank everyone who contributed to making them so special for graduates and their families.

“It is always a delight for me to chat to attendees before and after the ceremonies, and to understand just how important graduation, and the University, is to them. I wish them the very best for what the future holds.”

Alongside the Class of 2022 graduating students, Sheffield Hallam also awarded honorary doctorates to a number of leading industry figures who embody the University’s values of inclusivity, social mobility and transforming lives.

The Chair of the Commission on Young Lives and former Children’s Commissioner for England, Anne Longfield CBE, received an honorary doctorate for dedication to improving support for children and families.

Anne has worked tirelessly with government administrations for over three decades to shape and improve support for young people.

Anne Longfield CBE said: “It is a huge honour to accept this award from Sheffield Hallam in recognition of my work campaigning for children and families. I have long been an admirer of Sheffield Hallam as an outstanding university, with social mobility and inclusivity at its heart and its excellent and ground-breaking work on health.”

The University also recognised the Peak District Mountain Rescue Organisation (PDMRO), which consists of nine teams, for their “outstanding and sustained contribution to public safety” over 58 years.

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

• Add me on LinkedIn and Twitter to keep up to date
• And follow Bdaily on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn
• Submit press releases to editor@bdaily.co.uk for consideration

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →