Alumni Spotlight
Visiting student Holly Anzani came to study economics and left with her future husband, a career on Wall Street and a lifelong connection to Bath.
Holly spent a year at Bath as a visiting student from the US and lives in New York with her husband Mark Anzani (BSc Electrical & Electronic Engineering 1980). After a career on Wall Street, she now gives back to Bath by volunteering on our US Foundation board, which oversees the disbursal of donations from the University’s alumni and friends in the US.
The couple also provide opportunities for students through Gold Scholarships. In 2023, Holly became our first recipient of the President’s Award in recognition of her longstanding support for the University.
Why did you choose to study at Bath?
I was two years into my economics degree at Colby College in the US when I had the opportunity to spend my third year abroad. Bath was my first choice – the reputation of the economics department, combined with the allure of the city, made it an easy choice.
Did you have a particular career in mind when you chose your course?
I knew I wanted to pursue a career in finance and so chose an economics and finance degree. I was able to secure a position on Wall Street immediately upon graduation. I firmly believe that my year spent at the University of Bath was an asset during my interview process. The coursework was relevant, made me a strong candidate for the position and was a source of discussion with the investment banking professionals who soon became my colleagues.
Can you tell us about your experience of studying here?
Spending a year in Bath was a highlight of my educational experience. I made lasting connections with fellow students and professors. The excitement of being in a different country and experiencing a different educational setting, combined with living in such a unique city, made for many great memories.
One of my fondest will always be RAG Week parade. The theme was ‘crime’, so we recreated the Boston Tea Party on our float. I still have the Bath RAG t-shirt, which my daughter finds hilarious – a shirt that exceeds her age by a couple of decades!
What was your experience as an international student studying here?
I loved the challenge of moving to a new country, where I basically knew no one, and starting a new phase of my undergraduate experience.
I made it a goal to take advantage of extracurricular activities, such as joining clubs and travelling around the UK. It was an opportunity that I’d strongly recommend to anyone up for the challenge, as the rewards will remain for a lifetime.
Describe your career journey since graduating.
Although I’m now retired from Wall Street after a long and successful career, I currently use the skills I developed by volunteering for many different non-profits in the US. I also previously served as a board member of the University of Bath’s US-based Foundation.
What motivates you to support students through scholarships?
I believe that universal access to education is vital to a thriving, dynamic society. We have been proudly giving to the Gold Scholarship Programme since its inception, supporting the University’s goal to eliminate economic barriers to higher education.
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