Student proves an ‘inspiration to others'

Image of Megan A mature Welsh with Creative Writing student has graduated from Bangor University this summer with four prizes, in addition to a first class honours degree.

Megan Lloyd Williams from Cwmystradllyn, Garndolbenmaen was inspired to study at Bangor as a result of her daughter’s happy experiences when she pursued a degree course in Welsh at the university. Megan will be graduating at a ceremony held at the university at 11am on Tuesday 14 July.

Megan hails originally from Rhydymain near Dolgellau but has lived in Cwmystradllyn for 36 years. She is a farmer’s wife and mother to two children who are now in their thirties. Having originally graduated in Education she spent 21 years teaching at primary schools in Gwynedd before retiring early from her position as Deputy Headmistress at Ysgol Bro Lleu in Penygroes in 1992. In 2003 Megan decided to study Welsh with Creative Writing part-time, leading to her graduation this year with an excellent degree result.

Professor Gerwyn Wiliams, Head of the School of Welsh said, “As a mature student, Megan Lloyd Williams joined us part time and immediately made an impression due to her tenacity and determination, as well as her knowledge and cultural awareness. Her graduation this year with the best results in the School of Welsh is fantastic, and as a result she was nominated from the John Morris-Jones award.

“Megan also excelled in the Dissertation module at the School and her essay on the life and work of the preacher and writer Harri Parri earned her the Ellen Kent award.”

In addition to these two departmental prizes, Megan has also won two University awards; the Hedd Wyn award of £400 for the best essay through the medium of Welsh and the Dr John Roberts Jones prize, the most important award given by Bangor University on the basis of a student’s overall degree result.

Four Dr John Roberts Jones prizes are awarded each year to the best graduates across all disciplines at the university. Winning is a sign of exceptional academic achievement and Megan will be receiving a prize of £700 at the Graduation Ceremony on 14 July.

Megan Lloyd Williams said, “Having a long held interest in literature my ambition was to gain a degree in Welsh. I was aware of the dedication and professionalism of the staff of the School of Welsh at Bangor and I knew that my daughter Llinos Medi had been very happy when she had studied Welsh at Bangor in 1993-1996. The university was therefore the natural choice for me.

“Unfortunately I had to give up my studies for a time as I suffered a serious injury to my knee as a result of an accident. It’s likely that I would not have returned to the university had it not been for the support and encouragement of Professor Gerwyn Wiliams who ensured that I completed the course.

“I would also like to thank Professor Wiliams and the staff at the School of Welsh –without forgetting Mrs Gwyneth Williams – for their kindness and support. I’m also grateful to my fellow students for the happy hours I spent in their company at Dylan’s café!

“I’m so pleased to have gained so much enjoyment in completing my personal goal and I hope to gain a place on a research degree course at the School of Welsh within the year.”

Professor Gerwyn Wiliams added, “Megan’s excellent degree result is even more of an achievement when you consider all that she was involved with during her studies. She was an energetic community councillor, a hard working member of the North Wales Police Authority; Chair of the Governors of Ysgol y Gorlan, Tremadog and was nominated as Governor of the Year in a national competition.

“Teaching Megan has been a rewarding and enriching experience. Megan’s achievements are an inspiration and an example to others.”