An anniversary worth celebrating
Discover how alumnas Will Scott-Gall’s generosity honoured 50 years of Czech Studies at Sheffield.
Will Scott-Gall (Class of 2004) knew the golden jubilee of Czech Studies was an anniversary worth celebrating. Inspired by gratitude for a university experience that shaped his professional life, he made a generous donation to mark the milestone in style.
Will’s gesture powered a special event run by the School of Languages, Arts and Societies that brought together students, alumni, and distinguished guests to honour a half-century of academic and cultural achievement.
Will credited the course with shaping his whole career. "I'm so pleased I’ve been able to help celebrate this wonderful anniversary," he said.
Alumni giving back
A passionate advocate for the teaching of languages, Will hopes he and other alumni can do more to support the study of Czech language and culture in future. Language skills, he believes, offer a “real point of differentiation for graduates in today’s job market.”
Which is why Will's commitment extends to making a regular gift to the University too.
In that spirit, the event offered current students invaluable alumni insights and networking opportunities with the UK-Czech community, including a passionate address from the Czech Consul General in Manchester.
Sheffield is one of few remaining shining beacons for scholars focusing on Czech language and culture in the UK.
David Frous
Czech Consul General
Strengthening international ties
The celebration paid tribute to Czech Studies’ academic leaders, Professor Neil Bermel and Luděk Knittl.
Their unwavering commitment has shaped generations of students and been instrumental in forging deep ties with Czechia. For their dedication, the leaders received the highest recognition from the country’s President, Petr Pavel, during the anniversary celebrations.
Congratulations to Czech Studies on 50 years of academic excellence, and thank you Will for your generous donation!