A first class degree for Llŷn student

After an incredible three years, a former Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor student will receive a first class degree during the celebratory graduation ceremonies at Bangor University this week.

Not only will Lois Angharad Owens, 21, from Pwllheli graduate with a BA History with Journalism degree, but she will also receive the Blanche Elwy Hughes Prize of £100. The prize was instituted in 1960 in memory of the late Miss Blanche Elwy Hughes, a past student of the University, who for many years was the Headmistress at Bangor Grammar School for Girls. She continued to be very interested in the University until her death in 1960. The prize is awarded by the School of History, Welsh History and Archaeology to the best student of Welsh history.

Happy to be graduating, Lois said: "It’s a relief to know that the hard work has paid off but I feel a sense of sadness in leaving Bangor.

"I'm thrilled to have been awarded this prize, it was totally unexpected and my family are very proud.

"I decided to study at Bangor as I wanted to study through the medium of Welsh and I felt that Bangor was the best place to do so. There’s a lovely university community and the general Welsh atmosphere is great.

"During the second year, I gained an internship with the Bangor Employability Award. The objective of my project was to catalogue resources relating to the Urdd as the organization celebrates its centenary in 2022.

"During my third year I worked at the University Library, this was difficult at times, but I was glad of money and a break from my academic work.

"In the future I hope to continue my education and study for a Masters degree."

Publication date: 10 July 2014