Graduation Success Stories 2013

Congratulations to all our 2013 graduates, some of whom have achieved success against all odds. Read about our inspirational students below and watch our Graduation videos on
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Top Student Nurse Graduates

Through hard work and commitment, a Âé¶čAV student will be graduating with a first-class Bachelor of Nursing – Learning Disabilities degree this week.

Former Ysgol John Bright pupil, Georgina Hobson, 29, from Llandudno Junction previously worked as a drama tutor in America at a summer camp for people with special needs.

Former Navy Engineer graduates in Nursing

After moving out of the family home and renting it out for 3 years to pay for higher education, a Âé¶čAV student will graduate this week.

Married, father-of-three, Anthony Green, 43, from Penmaenmawr, will graduate with a BA Nursing (Learning Disability) degree.

Mark gets ready for world cycling tour

A BANGOR University student is getting ready for a once in a lifetime round the world cycling trip after he graduates this week.

Mark Phillips, 22, from Tameside, Manchester, who graduated with an MSc Chemistry degree at Bangor this week, is gearing up to visit the top 50 wonders of the world on a bike over the next two years.

Âé¶čAV student takes local business from strength to strength

Whilst most of us would find running a business challenging, a Âé¶čAV student also studied for her degree at the same time. Rebecca Orford, 21, from Llanfairpwll, graduated with a BSc Environmental Conservation degree this week.

Rebecca said: “Coming from a self-employed family, I have always appreciated the importance of succeeding in areas where you are strongest and being aware of your abilities equally as much as areas where you need to improve."



Agricultural Student of the Year Graduates

A Âé¶čAV student graduating this week will never forget the amazing feeling of receiving his degree results.

Former Ysgol Gyfun Llangefni pupil, Huw Emrys Mitford Davies, 24, from Llangefni, Anglesey will be graduating with a BSc Agriculture, Conservation and Environment Degree.

Chemistry success for local graduate

A former Ysgol Tryfan student is delighted to be graduating after three years of hard work this week.

Toby Ellis, 23, from Tregarth graduated with a BSc Chemistry degree this week, ten years after his mother, Sarah Tomlinson, graduated with a degree in English Literature, both from Âé¶čAV.

'Life changing' experience for mum

Young mother who left school at 16 says studying at Âé¶čAV has been ‘life changing.’

Mother of three Natasha Yvonne Stubbs-Davies, 35, from Deganwy, is graduating with a BSc in Cancer Biology.

Prize Winning Student Graduates

A Âé¶čAV prize-winning student will be celebrating her success during graduation week this week.

Former Birkenhead Sixth Form College student, Jennifer Hughes, 21, from Birkenhead will graduate this week with a degree in Molecular Biology. Jennifer has also been awarded the Jones-Morris prize of ÂŁ100.

Britta gains First in Cancer Biology

A hard working student has graduated with a First Class Honours degree after a memorable three years at Âé¶čAV.

Britta Ismer, 21, originally from Germany, graduated this week with a First Class degree in Cancer Biology.

Prize-winning business student graduates

A prize-winning, former Welshpool High School pupil celebrates her success at Âé¶čAV’s graduation ceremony this week.

Susan Jeffreys, 21, from Welshpool, graduates with a First Class degree in Accounting and Finance this week. She was awarded the Craig Williams Memorial Award for the best performance in any Bangor Business School undergraduate degree.

Local graduates achieves Education Degree

Proud of realising what hard work can achieve, a future teacher from Anglesey receives a 2:1 degree from Âé¶čAV this week.

The former Ysgol Gyfun Llangefni pupil, Swyn Llewelyn Jones, 21, from Pentre Berw, graduates this week with a BA in Primary Education (QTA).

Âé¶čAV Student Scoops Top UK Award

A Âé¶čAV graduate recently picked up a prestigious ‘Best Student Award’ by The Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF). Joseph White, 21, from Aldershot, Hampshire graduated recently with a BSc Forestry degree, and was presented with the prize at his graduation ceremony by Antony Griffiths, who represented the ICF.



Student with the best results in his final year graduates

SiĂŽn Elwyn Hughes, 21, from Bethel, Caernarfon will be graduating from Âé¶čAV with a BA  First Class Honors degree in Welsh. SiĂŽn is the winner of the Sir John Morris Jones prize. The award was established over forty years ago and is awarded to the student who received the best results in his or her final year.

“That’s a wrap” Film-making student graduates

A business-minded Âé¶čAV student graduates this week after three years of hard work and an illustrious beginning to his film-making career.

Former Ysgol Gyfun Rhydfelen pupil, Osian Williams, 21, from Pontypridd, will graduate with a first class BA Communication and Media degree. Osian was also awarded a prize for the best practical dissertation by the School of Creative Studies and Media. During his time at Bangor, Osian set up his own successful media company, and was involved in some award winning productions.

Louis celebrates with a First!

Louis Rhys Waters, 21, from Pencoed, Bridgend, is graduating from Âé¶čAV with a first class degree in Journalism and Media Studies this week.

Louis said: “Graduation is a great achievement! You just want to relive the past three years all over again, but at the same time I wouldn’t change anything.

Hard working volunteer wins award for dissertation

A hard working student, who volunteered throughout his studies, is graduating from Âé¶čAV this week.

Daniel Rhydderch-Dart, 21, who is originally from Dolgellau but now lives in Conwy, graduated from Âé¶čAV with a joing honours degree in History and Religious Studies. He was also awarded the Andrew Downham award, worth ÂŁ100, for his dissertation in History.

First in family to graduate wins award

A prize winning student, who was the first member of his family to go to University, graduates from Âé¶čAV this week.

Matthew Robson, 21, from York, is graduating this week with a degree in History and Economics. He has also been awarded the Charles Mowat Memorial Award for History worth ÂŁ100.

A Degree and an Award for Llio

Âé¶čAV student will be celebrating this week by graduating with first class honours and also winning an award for her hard work.

Llio Mai Hughes, 21, from Bryngwran, Anglesey is graduating this week with a  BA Welsh with Creative Writing degree as well as receiving the Sir John Morris Jones award. The award was established over forty years ago and is awarded to the student/ students who received the best results in their finals.

LlĆ·n Student Graduates

Work experience has led to a job for a Âé¶čAV student graduating this week.

Former Ysgol Botwnnog pupil, Cari Ann Roberts, 21, from Rhoshirwaun, Pwllheli will graduate  with a BA Communication and Journalism degree after three “brilliant years” at Bangor.

It’s never too late to learn!

A member of staff from Âé¶čAV’s Library will be joining students in celebrating graduation week after completing a part-time postgraduate course at the School of Lifelong Learning. ShĂąn Robinson, 47, of Tregarth will be graduating with an MA in Women’s Studies this week.

“To be graduating is the best feeling in the world! It’s nice to have the opportunity to celebrate the perfect result, after years of hard work. Even better, to be sharing the experience with my family, who have supported me over the years, making sacrifices with very little complaint."

New chapter for budding journalist

Having reported news from London 2012 and Formula 1, a Âé¶čAV student is looking forward to revisiting north Wales for her graduation ceremony this week. Former Alva Academy student, Stef Black, 22, from Sauchie, Clackmannanshire, Scotland will be graduating with an MA English Literature.

Shelf stacker turns award winning First Class graduate

A mature postgraduate student, who left school at 15,  is graduating from Âé¶čAV this week.

Ged Hodgson, 43, from Llanfairfechan, who is graduating with an MA in English, said: “Having achieved a 1st class honours in my BA and MA at Bangor, I am proud to be graduating for the second time. I am especially happy to see so many of the staff and friends who helped make my time at Bangor so enjoyable.

Au revoir to prizewinning Âé¶čAV languages graduate

The last four years have “gone too quickly” says one Âé¶čAV student graduating this week.

Susie Turnbull, 22, from Polebrook near Peterborough will be graduating with a BA French and Italian degree. Susie also received the Dr Barbara Saunderson Language Prize which is awarded to a student for their excellent work by the Board of Studies of the School of Modern Languages on the advice of the relevant Examining Board. Dr Saunderson, who endowed the prize in 1997, graduated from Bangor and was a Lecturer in French here from 1964-2004.

First Class achievement for Hannah

Hannah Mundy, 22, from Leek, Staffordshire, is graduating from Âé¶čAV with a first class degree in English Language and Creative Studies this week.

Hannah, a former student at Moorlands Sixth Form College, said: “It feels excellent to be graduating, it’s a huge achievement and I feel like I’ve completed what I set out to do three years ago. 

Linguist wins top University prize

Rozzen Grainger, who has graduated with a degree in French, German & Italian from Âé¶čAV was awarded one of the University’s top Prizes.  She was awarded the Dr John Robert Jones Prize which is awarded to three of the best graduates across all subjects at the University, and received a Prize of ÂŁ1,000.

Prize winning student graduates

A prize winning mature student is looking forward to moving ‘onwards and upwards’ after graduating with a first class honours degree from Âé¶čAV.

Wendy Ann Evans, 43, from Bangor is graduating this week with a first class honours degree in Information Communications Technology.

Law student Alex wins first court case BEFORE graduating

A Âé¶čAV student who endured discrimination at work took her former employer to court and won – before even finishing her Law degree.

Alex Gibson, from Bangor, chose to study Law after suffering disability discrimination and harassment at her former workplace.

Determined to take the company to court but unable to afford the legal fees, Alex decided to represent herself for the duration of the case. And last year, after a two and a half year legal battle, she won her case.

Zoology degree delight for Victoria

One of the first recipients of a Âé¶čAV Excellence Scholarship, Victoria Warren, 21, from Loughborough, is graduating with a first class BSc in Marine Vertebrate Zoology this week.

The former Charnwood College student said: “I feel a real sense of achievement having completed my three years and coming out with first class honours, the degree classification I was working for. It feels like my hard work has paid off, and I’ve really enjoyed my course and living in Bangor, which makes it feel like even more of a bonus!



Saran celebrates after Law degree achievement

Saran Enfys Jones, 25, from Llanfair PG, Anglesey, has graduated from Âé¶čAV with a 2:1 in LLB Law.

The former Coleg Menai student said: “If feels absolutely unbelievable! I was diagnosed with cancer at 14 so I missed out on a lot of education, particularly GCSE’s and A-Levels, so I was unsure about which route to take career wise.  Eventually, after several years working and as my father is a retired police officer, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in law and applied to Bangor.

First Class honours degree for busy mum Eira

Eira Winrow, 38, originally from Holyhead, has just graduated with a first class joint honours degree in Health & Social Care and Social Policy.

Eira, a busy mother of two who runs Bangor’s Antelope pub along with her husband, said: “It feels amazing to be graduating! It’s been a tough but very enjoyable three years and I’m missing studying already. I can’t wait to start my Masters degree in September”

Law graduate scoops prestigious sporting prize

Âé¶čAV’s Sport and Leisure department have awarded this year’s Llew Rees Memorial Prize to Law student Benjamin Pritchard. Ben, from Swansea, is graduating with Bachelor of Law degree. Ben is a triathlete but he is also involved with several other AU clubs, including being the Vice Club Captain of Men’s Hockey, Event Organiser of the Road Cycling Club, and a varsity member of Bangor Swimming team.

Eurliw’s on the way to realizing her dream

Eurliw Hydref Lloyd Williams, 21, will graduate from Âé¶čAV this week with a degree in Law with Welsh.

Eurliw, who studied at Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor before coming to Bangor, said: "It feels wonderful to be graduating this year and gain recognition for the fruits of my labour. All the hard work has certainly paid off and I'm looking forward to a special day that will be remembered forever.

Student celebrates graduation in late mother’s memory

Relief, happiness, fear and sadness are just some of the emotions that a Âé¶čAV student will be feeling during her graduation ceremony this week.

Fflur Emlyn, 37, from Morfa Bychan, Porthmadog graduates this week with a BA Psychology degree. Feeling very proud of her accomplishment, Fflur cannot wait for graduation day so that she can celebrate with her children, father, partner and best friends - without them, she would not have achieved this dream.

Former professional footballer graduates

David Cashman, 23, from Deiniolen, is graduating with a degree in Sport, Health & Physical Education. A former professional footballer, David came back home to North Wales to study at Âé¶čAV.

Prize winning student overcame serious illness to graduate

A prize winning student overcame a serious illness to graduate at the top of her class.

Niamh Ní Eireamhóin, 25, from Baile Átha Cliath, is graduating this week with a BSc in Psychology. She has also been awarded the Dr John Robert Jones prize, worth £1,000.

Publication date: 15 July 2013