AMONG the hundreds of graduates who received their degrees last week from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) in Carmarthen, was Dan Rowbotham.
Dan is the winner of this year’s Gwobr Merêd – a national prize awarded annually by Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol. The prize is in memory of Dr Meredith Evans and recognises the contribution of a current student who is a member of the Coleg Cymraeg to the Welsh life and culture, within the university and beyond.
Dan Rowbotham of Llangeitho, near Tregaron, was chosen above other university students throughout Wales for his contribution to the cultural and social life of UWTSD and, indeed, to the Carmarthen area. Dan has just completed his Welsh medium BA degree in Perfformio (Performance).
During his studies at UWTSD, Dan has helped run the university choir; represents students on the university’s Welsh Affairs Committee; has worked as a Welsh Affairs Officer in the Student’s Union and has organised Welsh classes for his fellow students. He has also worked closely with the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol’s Branch Officer within UWTSD to organise Freshers Weekend in Carmarthen and coordinate a number of social activities.
In addition, Dan has worked as a Social Media Ambassador for the university to promote Welsh medium courses and promote the Welsh ethos and life at UWTSD. He has also volunteered with the International Department of the University.
Despite the work that Dan undertakes at the university, he’s also made his mark externally. Dan is the President of the Urdd during 2016; he’s Chair of the Youth Board Sir IfanC; he co-leads Aelwyd Myrddin – a Welsh language youth club in Carmarthen and is one of Radio Beca’s most prominent volunteers.
“I’m so pleased to receive such a prestigious award – especially as it’s given in memory of a man so incredible and so unique as Merêd,” said Dan Rowbotham.
“This recognition, and the fact that people have actively nominated me, means so much to me. My thanks to UWTSD for all the opportunities I’ve had during my time at the University and the Urdd for giving extra special opportunities – and to both organisations for believing in me!”
Gwilym Dyfri Jones, Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor at UWTSD, said: “Having worked on the Carmarthen Campus since 1992, I can hardly remember a student who’s been as actively engaged in Welsh language and cultural activities as Dan Rowbotham. The fact he was elected President of the Student’s Union for the Lampeter, Swansea and Carmarthen campuses speaks volumes about him.
“Dan is a visionary, insightful and eloquent advocate on behalf of our culture; his enthusiasm is infectious and is of a totally unpretentious character. I look forward to working with him in September in his role as President of the Student’s Union to ensure that the Welsh language and culture is an integral part of the institution’s experience of all students regardless of their background.”
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