The highlight of our year: Our Awards Ceremony celebrates our students and staff
1 April 2026
Lifelong Learning at Cardiff University provides learning opportunities to people of all ages who want to return to the classroom. This enables our students to earn credits towards qualifications which helps transform lives. Their success is acknowledged at our annual awards ceremony.
Our students can choose from a wide range of subjects and Pathways to a degree at Cardiff University including languages, creative writing, law, computer studies, social studies, healthcare and business studies to name just a few.
Although this is a prestigious event, it is very friendly and welcoming, and we try to emphasize that we are a community of lifelong learners. This is reflected in the laughter, joy and rapturous applause that can be heard in the ceremony, along with many happy tears. Our students are at the heart of the event.
“My journey at Lifelong Learning has been incredible as I met wonderful friends who would make me laugh and happy, as well as the great lecturers who were very supportive specially during my critical moments.
“They made sure I had all the support I needed during my course and always responded when I was in need which gave me courage and confidence to pursue my studies. I couldn't be more grateful.
“One thing I was really impressed with is the diversity, the quiet place to pray and the consideration during Ramadan to have break. I was treated well and I never felt in any way discriminated.
“I'm now doing my master’s, and I still keep coming back to Lifelong Learning as I feel more comfortable there. It's my safe place!”
The event also provides the opportunity to acknowledge our hardworking colleagues:
- Dr Gemma Scammell, awarded for exceptional contribution to widening participation
- Alison Burt, Sophie Squire and Fiona Warren (Enquiry Desk Team), awarded for exceptional customer service
- Romina Ciraci, awarded for excellence in assessment and feedback
- Michele Fitzsimmons, awarded for exceptional enhancement of the student experience in experiential learning
- Dr Jim Vafidis, awarded for exceptional teaching and student support provision
- Paloma Galvez Corredor, awarded for excellent teaching and dedication to supporting Lifelong Learners
This year over 150 people joined in our celebration. We would like to congratulate all our awardees, and everyone involved in making the event such a success.
Find out more about our courses and Pathways.