Today, Wednesday 6 August, at the National Eisteddfod, the names of the students who have won the Coleg bursary in memory of the late Dr Llŷr Roberts, who died suddenly in June 2023 at the age of 45, were announced.
It was announced that four students will benefit from the bursary this year.
Hanna Fflur Morgans Bowen, who is studying Journalism at Cardiff University, will travel to Tokyo and Osaka in Japan to produce a documentary video that will explore the impact of the Wales Year 2025 celebration and its influence on the community over the year running.
Hanna said:
"It's a privilege to receive this bursary because I love to travel and learn about diverse cultures. The trip will be a completely unique opportunity for me as someone hoping to pursue a career in journalism. Researching and documenting the history of Wales and Japan will certainly strengthen my contacts in the country, as well as develop my journalistic skills."
Fiji was Lowri Lane’s destination of choice. Lowri is studying Paramedical Science at Swansea University. There she will participate in the Think Pacific Youth Empowerment Project , where she will participate in public health workshops to deepen her understanding of community health challenges.
Bleddyn Denman, who is studying Zoology at Bangor University, will travel to Mozambique to work with the Love the Oceans organisation. There he will develop his research, knowledge and experience on practical marine conservation.
And Gwern Morus, who is studying Performance at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, will travel to Hawaii. There he will perform at the International Music Festival, before embarking on his course in Voice Development and Musical Theatre at NYU Steinhardt University in New York in September. Gwern said:
"I am extremely grateful to receive the bursary in memory of Dr Llŷr Roberts. I'm really looking forward to having the opportunity to study with some of the best teachers of American musical theater in Hawaii, and develop valuable skills and techniques as I develop my career as a performer."
The bursary is for undergraduate students studying through the medium of Welsh in order to sponsor an educational journey related to their degree. This is the second year that it has been offered by the Coleg in collaboration with Llŷr’s family and Bangor University.
Dr Llŷr Roberts was one of the first associate lecturers at the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.
Dr Ioan Matthews, Chief Operating Officer of the Coleg said,
"Llŷr was a very dear colleague, hardworking and talented. He has made a broad contribution to Welsh-medium higher education in Business at the University of South Wales, Cardiff Metropolitan University and more recently, at Bangor University.
"He was passionate about the Welsh language, about business studies and marketing, about music and about travelling. Being able to combine some of Llyr's interests in this bursary allows us to remember him and specifically his contribution to students across Wales. We would like to congratulate the four recipients of the bursary this year – we look forward to hearing about their experiences of travelling."
As well as announcing the winners of the Dr Llŷr Roberts Bursary, the winners of the Professor Gwyn Thomas Prize, the Dr John Davies Prize, the Eilir Hedd Morgan Prize, the Norah Isaac Prize, and the Gwerddon Prize were announced.
Here is a list of the winners:
· Professor Gwyn Thomas Award – Huw Griffiths, Cardiff University
· Dr John Davies Award – Thomas Pugh, Cardiff University
· Eilir Hedd Morgan Prize – Dr Cerys Jones, Aberystwyth University
· Norah Isaac Award - Sion Jones, University of Wales Trinity Saint David.
Gwerddon Prize - Dr Hannah Sams, lecturer in the Department of Welsh at Swansea, with her article ‘Dod i oed: llenyddiaeth Oedolion Newydd yn Gymraeg’.
Cerys said:
"I would like to thank Eilir Hedd’s family and the Coleg Cymraeg for this honour. The award recognises pioneering research and teaching in the field of Sciences, so I am honoured to be recognised for my contribution to the Department of Earth Science at Aberystwyth University.
"I'm passionate about giving all students the best experience to ensure they gain essential skills and the ability to continue using their Welsh in the sciences."
Visit the Awards section of the Coleg's website to read more about the award categories.
