The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
USA trip of a lifetime for student pair
Fife College has welcomed back two students who have been studying in America as part of a trip funded by a scholarship programme.
Abigail-rose Cloete completed two art courses at the prestigious Pratt Institute in New York earlier this summer while Niamh Hogwood recently returned from a historic building design internship, all as a result of the George Lauder Bursary award.
The accolades, offered through Adam Smith Scholarships at Fife College, are funded by the family of George Lauder and the St Andrews Society of the State of New York, which has fully supported both students’ stays including food, travel and accommodation.
Both students were awarded the scholarship opportunity at the end of 2019. However, their trips were postponed as a result of Covid-19 restrictions.
Abby and Niamh have both studied BA (Hons) creative enterprise at the college, with Niamh graduating this year and Abby working hard in her final year.
Abby said: “I did not realise just how lifechanging this experience was going to be when I applied for the George Lauder Bursary.
“I have had the privilege to study abroad, explore a new city, meet incredible people and make lifelong friends along the way.
“I am eternally grateful to the Lauder family, the St
Andrews Society of the State of New York and Fife College for providing me with this wonderful opportunity.”
Niamh, who studied HND 3D design with architecture before going on to do the creative enterprise degree programme, recently returned from a threemonth trip to Baltimore
where she produced a range of computer-aided designs and videos to support employees at Mount Clare Museum House.
She said: “Having never travelled on my own before, I was delighted to receive the George Lauder Bursary – this gave me an opportunity to take the biggest step of my life.
“I am so grateful to everyone who looked after me whilst I was there and welcomed me into their family and homes.”
Lyn Gold of Fife College, said: “We are extremely fortunate to have this amazing scholarship as part of the range of scholarships and funding we offer to Fife College students.”