St Mary's University college's position as a religious, educational, cultural and social resource for the community has been celebrated.
The mission statement of the west Belfast institution seeks to "show concern for the poor and powerless" and also advance its community engagement and to support social enterprises in particular.
Representatives from more than 80 organisations and groups attended a community engagement reception.
Groups including the West Belfast Partnership Board, Féile an Phobail and Trócaire, have held events at the Falls Road campus within the past twelve months. St Mary's has also welcomed representatives of African and Indian communities in Belfast.
Principal Prof Peter Finn told the groups that community engagement was part of the college's mission as a Catholic higher education institution that supported economic regeneration and social development initiatives, as well as peace building and the resolution of conflict.
Community engagement, he added, was also an element of the Higher Education Strategy for Northern Ireland.
