Hywel Davies

William ‘Hywel’ Davies (BA French and Hispanic Studies, 1977) was an alumnus of the University of Birmingham who had a lifelong passion for languages.

Sadly, Hywel passed away in March 2020, but his connection to the University and his commitment to education have lived on. Shortly after his passing, we were delighted to learn that Hywel had left a generous gift in his will to the University, aimed at supporting scholarships in the modern languages department. His thoughtful contribution has allowed us to establish the Hywel Davies Scholarships, specifically designed to support students studying French and Spanish from low-income households. Through this scholarship, Hywel's enthusiasm for languages continues to inspire and support the next generation of students, just as it did throughout his own academic journey.

The Hywel Davies Scholarships provide vital financial support to students who, like Hywel, have a love for languages and are eager to immerse themselves in their studies. The first recipients of these scholarships, Molly Hill and Lorna Quantrill, have already begun to benefit from this incredible opportunity. They are using the support not only to excel academically but also to engage more deeply with the cultures and communities linked to their language studies.

Molly plans to use the scholarship to enhance her cultural understanding by visiting the Spain and Hispanic World Exhibition at the Royal Academy of Art in London. She expresses her excitement about how this experience would enrich her learning:
‘I feel this will give me a further understanding and ability to connect to my studies and to interact in discussions at a deeper, more personal level. So far, I am enjoying life at the University of Birmingham as it has allowed me to have experiences that I would not normally have had, and I feel excited for my future years here. I would once again like to express my thanks for this fantastic gift.’

Lorna was equally grateful for the scholarship and described how it will ease the financial burdens that she and her family have been facing. With the scholarship’s support, she hopes to devote more time to her academic work and extracurricular activities, which includes membership in two orchestras and the Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) Society.

She says: 'Thank you very much for awarding me the Hywel Davies Scholarship. There were many reasons I applied for this scholarship, the main one being that it would solve the money issues my family and I have been experiencing. This scholarship means that instead of spending time trying to find a job, I can use that time to better improve my work.’

Lorna continued by expressing her ambitions to improve her exam results: ‘I got 2.1s in all of my exams over Christmas, but I would like to achieve higher marks in upcoming assessments. Whether that’s bringing my marks up to the higher end of the 2.1 section or even aiming for a First, the scholarship will help as it gives me more time to do extra independent work. Once again, thank you so much for the scholarship.’

Thanks to Hywel’s generosity, students like Molly and Lorna can pursue their studies at Birmingham without the added stress of financial hardship. The Hywel Davies Scholarships not only open doors for these deserving students but also empower them to fully engage in university life and make the most of their academic potential. Hywel’s legacy lives on through these scholarships, supporting students who share his passion for languages and helping them fulfil their dreams of a bright and successful future. Through his thoughtful gift, Hywel continues to make a profound impact on the lives of students, ensuring that financial obstacles do not stand in the way of their education and aspirations.