Our annual Gold Scholarship Celebration Event looked a little different this year, with participants mingling as pixelated avatars rather than in person.

First-year Scholars joined Gold Mentors, donors to the Programme and University staff via online platform Gather Town – a virtual space made up of networking rooms, a lecture theatre, and even a campus lake.

One of the highlights of the evening was the ‘Around the World Challenge’, an ice-breaking activity that tasked teams of up to six to virtually travel to as many countries as possible, completing tasks and answering questions at each destination.

In addition to the opportunity to network and celebrate the end of the scholars’ successful first year at Bath, attendees heard from the Vice-Chancellor; Gold Scholarship Programme patron Margaret White; and third-year Gold Scholar Mason Excell.

Scholars also received a goody bag as a thank you for their hard work over the academic year, which included gifts donated by colleagues across the University, as well as a range of beverages from AB InBev, who also sponsor scholarships at Bath.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian White DL FREng says:

The resilience of Bath's student community during this time of adversity demonstrates what makes Bath students so unique – they are not only deeply committed to their personal and academic development, but they are also dedicated to their institutional and local communities. During times of adversity, it is hugely encouraging to see our students find new and innovative ways to come together to support one another.

Gold Scholar Mason adds:

One of my key pieces of advice to my fellow Gold Scholars is to be bold. We are an incredible community achieving incredible things, such as chairing V-Team and running for SU President. You can be surprised at what you find when stepping beyond your comfort zone.

You can see more photos from the evening here.