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The RSU Academic Ball has been held since the conclusion of the 2002 academic year with the phrase Finis coronat opus (The end crowns the work). The academic ball marks the end of the intellectual and practical work done throughout the year, which manifests in the slogan of the ball Ad honorem artes, scientia, veritasHonouring art, science, truth.

2018

In 2018 the RSU Academic Ball was held on 24 March at Riga Latvian Society House. The evening began with a performance by Duo LV  (violinist Kristīne Balana un pianist Andrejs Osokins). This was followed by the presentation of the RSU Annual Awards in various categories. 

Performances by Daumants Kalniņš and Kaspars Zemītis followed the RSU Awards ceremony. Big Al & The Jokers performed at the ball, also Štrausa stīgu kvartets, and soloists Aija Vītoliņa and Daumants Kalniņš and others.

2017

In 2017, the RSU Academic Ball was held on 8 April in the Riga Latvian Society House. The RSU Annual Award Ceremony was followed by a cycle of songs by Uldis Marhilevičs together with the RSU choir Rīga and the Folk Dance Group Ačkups (soloists Aija Andrejeva and Andris Ērglis, musicians Dzintars Beitāns, Modris Laizāns and Ivars Kalniņš).

The Student of the Year Award went to Dmitrijs Rots, a fifth-year student in the study programme “Medicine”

The International Student of the Year Award went to Amanpreet Singh Grewal, a fifth-year student in the study programme "Dentistry"

The Master’s Student of the Year Award went to Anastasija Tjarve-Zimacka, a second-year student in the study programme “International Marketing and Business Administration”

The Resident of the Year Award went to Liene Bērze, a third-year resident in the study programme “Residency in Medicine” of the Faculty of Continuing Education in the speciality “Psychiatrist”

Mirage Jazz Orchestra performed and Agnese Rakovska, Lauris Valters, Kristīne Prauliņa, Atis Ieviņš and others sang at the ball.

Hosts: Dita Lūriņa and Intars Rešetins.

PhOTO GALLERY

  • The Doctoral Student of the Year Award went to Vita Skuja, a second-year doctoral student in the study programme “Medicine” of the Department of Doctoral Studies

  • The Lecturer of the Year Award went to Rudīte Koka, Assistant Professor of the Department of Biology and Microbiology in the Faculty of Medicine

 

2016

The Academic Ball was held on 19 March in the Large Hall of the Riga Latvian Society House. It began with the student anthem Gaudeamus Igitur and a speech by the RSU rector prof. Jānis Gardovskis. Following this, the traditional RSU Annual Awards were distributed to the best students and employees in eight categories.

The Student of the Year Award went to Dana Kigitoviča, a 6th year student in the study programme “Medicine” of the Faculty of Medicine

The International Student of the Year Award went to Linda Veith Sanches, a 4th year student in the study programme Medicine.

In the category Master’s Student of the Year, the award went to Baiba Jakobsone, a 2nd year student in the Master’s study programme “Business and Law in the European Union” of the Faculty of European Studies

In the category Resident of the Year, the award went to Arta Spridzāne, a 5th year student in the study programme “Residency in Medicine” of the Faculty of Continuing Education

The Doctoral Student of the Year Award went to Vita Začesta, a 3rd year doctoral student in the doctoral study programme “Medicine” of the Department of Doctoral Studies

The Researcher of the Year Award went to Maija Dambrova, professor at the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry of the Faculty of Pharmacy

The award in the category Lecturer of the Year went to Maija Rumaka, a lecturer in the Department of Human Physiology and Biochemistry of the Faculty of Medicine

Andulis Priednieks, Director of the Finance Department, became the Administrative Employee of the Year

 

After the concert, guests were invited to refreshments in the Golden Hall and the White Hall.

Dancing started at 20:45 with the polonaise. The first dance set was played by the Big Band of National Armed Forces from Liepāja, followed by the Jelgava Big Band, led by Raitis Ašmanis (soloists – Aija Vītoliņa and Daumants Kalniņš), presentations by dance studio Evita and dancers of the Intelligence Academy.

On the second floor, guests had an opportunity to participate in creative workshops, as well as watch a water cinema performance or painting on water, and try out their talents in this ancient technique of Persian art.

Atis Ieviņš, musical association The Rock Brothers and DJ Kārlis Ķilkuts entertained guests in the Golden Hall. A photo room was set up nearby.

The official cutting of the ball cake was scheduled for 23:00.

The ball programme was hosted by Intars Rešetins.

PHOTO GALLERY

The mixed RSU choir Rīga and Folk Dance Group Ačkups performed at the official ceremony, devoting their performance to events of the previous year that were current in Latvian culture – poets Rainis and Aspazija, composer Emīls Dārziņš, choreographer Uldis Žagats. The ceremony ended with the song by Imants Kalniņš and lyrics by Rainis –  Jau ziediem rotātas pļavas.

 

2014

The Academic Ball was held in the culture palace Ziemeļblāzma for the first time. Date: 12 April.

The official part of the Ball started at 19:00 in the Large Hall with a speech by RSU rector prof. Jānis Gardovskis followed by the student anthem Gaudeamus Igitur. The traditional RSU Annual Awards were distributed to the best students and employees in eight categories.

The Student of the Year Award went to Kārlis Rācenis, a 5th year student in the study programme “Medicine” of the Faculty of Medicine

The International Student of the Year Award went to Wasifa Butt, a 5th year student in the study programme Medicine

In the nomination Master’s Student of the Year, the award went to Aleksandra Aitullina, a 2nd year student in the Master’s study programme “Clinical Pharmacy” of the Faculty of Pharmacy

The Doctoral Student of the Year Award went to Marina Makrecka-Kūka, a 3rd year doctoral student in the study programme “Pharmacy” of the Department of Doctoral Studies

Irina Rjabceva, a 4th year resident in the speciality “Diagnostic Radiologist” in the study programme "Residency in Medicine" of the Faculty of Continuing Education was named Resident of the Year

The Researcher of the Year Award went to Juris Ērenpreiss, principal researcher and head of the Andrology Laboratory

The award in the nomination Lecturer of the Year went to Silvija Umbraško, Assistant Professor of the Institute of Anatomy and Anthropology

Uldis Berķis, Director of the RSU Research Department, became the Administrative Employee of the Year

 

The ball programme was hosted by Normunds Rutulis.

Bus transport was available to ball participants to and from the culture palace Ziemeļblāzma.

The mixed RSU choir Rīga, folk dance group Ačkups and an instrumental band performed at the official ceremony devoting their performance to Riga. A new Rīga choir CD with cycles of songs, titled Spuldze un nakts taureņi and Mīlestības dziesmas was presented with a wide group of attendees.

After the concert guests were invited to a glass of wine and refreshments in the halls and cafeteria on the 1st floor of the palace.

The dance in the Large Hall started at 20:45 with the polonaise. The first dance set was played by the Big Band of National Armed Forces from Liepāja, then – the Jelgava Big Band led by Raitis Ašmanis (solo singers – Aija Vītoliņa and Normunds Rutulis), performance by dance studio Evita.

Musical association Tonick and Miks Dukurs’ band played in the Chamber Hall; there were dance performances and a DJ.

PHOTO GALLERY

Magicians Dace and Enriko Pecolli gave two performances: Doctor Dulakmar and Micro-magic in the Chamber Hall and in the hall next to the Large Hall.

The palace cafeteria was open to all attendees to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere at tables in the conversation area in the Ceremony Hall.

The exhibition halls, park and watchtower were open to visitors.

A fortune-telling parlour and Imants Prēdelis’ photo room were set up for ball attendees.

At 22:45 the ball cake was cut.

 

2013

Raimonds Pauls was special guest at this Academic Ball.

While expecting guests, music and a pair of mime artists from the youth theatre Brīvo aktieru biedrība created a special atmosphere in the foyer of the Riga Latvian Society House.

Rector Jānis Gardovskis gave a speech during the official part of the ball and the traditional RSU Annual Award was distributed to the best students and employees in eight categories.

The Student of the Year Award went to Anna Šaļapina, a 5th year student in the study programme Pharmacy of the Faculty of Medicine

The International Student of the Year Award went to Kirsten Ytreland, a 6th year student in the study programme Medicine

In the category Master of the Year, the award went to Valda Pastare, a 2nd year student in the Master’s study programme “International Relations” of the Faculty of European Studies

The Doctoral Student of the Year award went to Aleksandrs Derjabo, a 3rd year doctoral student in the study programme “Medicine” of the Department of Doctoral Studies

Ņikita Bezborodovs, a 4th year resident in the speciality “Psychiatrist” in the study programme Residency in Medicine of the Faculty of Continuing Education was named the Resident of the Year

The Researcher of the Year Award went to RSU graduate Elīna Škapare

The award in the nomination Lecturer of the Year went to Andris Sprūds, a professor of the Faculty of European Studies

Edijs Šauers, head of the Public Relations Unit of the RSU Communication Department became Administrative Employee of the Year

 

The ball was held in three halls at the same time. Dancing in the Large Hall started at 21:00 with a polonaise. Afterwards, dance music was played by Jelgava Big Band, led by Raitis Ašmanis with soloists and the band Bet Bet, as well as dance studio Evita (led by Evita Pavasare) performed a dance number.

Gain Fast and The Picture, as well as DJ Kārlis Ķilkuts played in the Golden Hall.

A cafeteria was open in the White Hall, where the play of light and lounge music could be enjoyed. Projections created by a video artist specifically for this event were demonstrated on the walls. A screen and an emograph were installed in the hall, which could be enjoyed by the guests where one’s heartbeart created music and a mosaic when a finger was placed in the device. Moreover, everyone could have the opportunity of seeing the interior of this peculiar device and to learn how the information from the heart, flowing through different mechanical parts, turned into a work of art.

An exhibition devoted to the 100th anniversary of the painter Alfejs Bromults could also be viewed in the White Hall.

Alongside all this, there was also a fortune telling parlour and a photo room Foto pie Brenča.

The ball programme was hosted by Valdis Melderis.

PHOTO GALLERY

After the official ceremony, a unique concert was held, during which the mixed RSU choir Rīga and an instrumental band: Pēteris Liepiņš – bass, Reinis Ašmanis – drums, Raitis Ašmanis – percussion instruments, performed a cycle of songs by Raimonds Pauls Spuldze un nakts taureņi, which was updated after many years. Conductor – Zane Zilberte. Soloist – Zigfrīds Muktupāvels. Piano – Raimonds Pauls.

 

2012

The tradition of the Academic Ball of the Riga Stradiņš University celebrates its 10th anniversary.

Klāvs Truševskis, a 4th year student of the Faculty of Medicine received the award in the category Student of the Year.

International Student of the Year – Massensen Izem Ayati, a 5th year student.

Master’s Student of the Year – Diāna Potjomkina, a 2nd year student in the study programme “International Relations” of the Faculty of European Studies.

Resident of the Year – Anna Mihailova, a resident in the speciality “Rheumatologist” in the study programme “Residency in Medicine” of the Faculty of Continuing Education.

Doctoral Student of the Year – Arnis Āboliņš, a 3rd year doctoral student in the doctoral study programme “Medicine”.

 

The ceremony was followed by a concert performance Mīlestības dziesmas (music by Pēters Butāns, lyrics by Fricis Bārda). Choreography by Madara Galviņa. Conductor – Evita Taranda. The performance was delivered by: soloists – Aija Vītoliņa, Ingus Pētersons, mixed RSU choir Rīga, RSU folk dance group Ačkups, group Tango Sin Quinto.

In the Large Hall: polonaise, Jelgava Big Band led by Raitis Ašmanis, group Tango Sin Quinto, singers: Amber and Ingus Pētersons, dancers from the Evita dance studio danced the Viennese Waltz and tango; an auction and the cutting of the ball cake were also part of the programme.
Bellaccord and Čehols played music in the Golden Hall, magicians performed magic.
In the White Hall – Mirage Cafe: Sand cinema, theatre of improvisation ImproZoo and Lounge.

The ball programme was hosted by Valdis Melderis. Photographer Jānis Brencis commemorated the festive events in the photo room.

PHotoS

  • Administrative Employee of the Year – Ingrīda Kalviņa, Director of the Development and Project Department.

  • Researcher of the Year – Edvīns Miklaševičs, an associate professor of the Department of Biology and Microbiology.

  • Lecturer of the Year – Leons Blumfelds, an Assistant Professor of the Department of Human Physiology and Biochemistry.

 

2011

The ball opening and award ceremony in the Large Hall was held with a music revue of 2010/11. The concert was performed by the RSU choir Rīga, Raitis Ašmanis’ Big Band, vocal group Ambermusic, Liene Circene, Diāna Pīrāgs, Marko Ojala, Laimis Rācenājs, Andris Ērglis.
Undertango and La Petite Paris bands played in the Golden Hall.
Kaža, Vadītājs konduktors, MadDry, Catus Catus bands played in the White Hall.
The ball was hosted by Artis Robežnieks.

This year’s ball continued the Christmas Charity mission, donating to those who were in need of help. When visiting the art parlour during the ball, the donation and the fee for photographing and for the portrait painted by painters Agnija Ģērmane and Agnese Rolava were transferred to the rehabilitation centre Vaivari for young patients – for children with special needs. The funds collected during the last champagne auction at 23:00, as well as other funds donated at the ball went to the donation box. The funds were collected to replenish the equipment of the Art and Music Therapy Room in the rehabilitation centre with specialised toys.

PHotoS

2009

The music event of this year’s RSU Annual Award Ceremony was a concert presenting the cantata Carmina Burana by Carl Orff performed by the RSU choir Rīga, the RSU folk dance group Ačkups and musicians. Raitis Ašmanis’ orchestra, IGO and the band The Hobos played after the ceremony. In the White Hall, different student activities were organised, The Hobos band and entertaining Stendera ielas zēni delivered their performances.

The Researcher of the Year Award went to Vladimirs Kasjanovs, a professor in the Laboratory of Biomechanics of the Institute of Anatomy and Anthropology

The Annual Administrative Staff Award went to Dainuvīte Vītola, head of the Division of Postgraduate Courses

 

The programme was hosted by Inese Tauriņa and Andris Tauriņš.

  • The Annual Academic Staff Award went to Vita Nagliņa, teacher of one of the Chemistry courses in the Division of Postgraduate Courses

  • Dace Zavadska, a young paediatrician received the RSU Doctoral Student of the Year Award.

  • Resident of the Year Award – Inga Melbārde-Gorkuša, a 5th year resident in the speciality “Surgery”

  • Mārtiņš Daugulis, a student in the study programme “International Relations” of the Faculty of European Studies became the Master’s Student of the Year

  • Student of the Year – Kristīne Zivtiņa, a 6th year student of the Faculty of Medicine

  • The Annual Student Council Award went to Jānis Bernāts, the rector’s counsellor on legal matters

2008

Mārtiņš Brauns’ song concert was held by the Rīga choir and the band Keksi. The choir performed a song by Mārtiņš Brauns and Uldis Bērziņš devoted to RSU Vecā, labā Alma Mater, which was intended as the anthem of the Riga Stradiņš University.

The Annual Research Award 2008 went to the Laboratory of Biochemistry team and its head, Andrejs Šķesters.

The Annual Academic Staff Award 2008 went to the Language Centre.

The Annual Administrative Staff Award 2008 went to Benita Kukleja.

The Student of the Year Award 2008 went to Andrejs Ivanovs

 

A representative of the Norwegian Reserve Officers’ Association, Eric Irgen, gave a speech.

Performers at the ball: Ingus Pētersons, Ieva Kerēvica and the band Keksi , Mārtiņš Brauns and Niks Matvējevs, Štrausa stīgu kvartets, medieval dance group Ballare, Red Bee band, DJ Carlo.

The ball was hosted Mārtiņš Brūveris.

  • The Master’s Student of the Year 2008 Award went to Una Aleksandra Bērziņa

  • The Resident of the Year 2008 Award went to Jana Pavāre, a resident in the speciality “Paediatric Pulmonologist”

  • Jasantha Kodithuwakku received the Dean’s Acknowledgement Award for excellent academic performance, active research and community work

  • The Annual Student Council Award 2008 went to Ligita Lūka, the accountant of the Higher Education Fund

  • Ainārs Stepens became the Doctoral Student of the Year 2008

2007

The ball marked the official end of two important events at RSU – the annual scientific conference and inauguration ceremony of Honorary Doctoral Students of RSU Jānis Stradiņš, Jānis Dūmiņš and Valdis Birkavs.

The musical event of the ball included the performance by the symphonic orchestra, RSU choir Rīga and soloists of the spiritual oratorio Cantus in aeternum by Rihards Dubra, conducted by esteemed conductor Andris Veismanis. The oratorio was composed the previous year specifically for the choir Rīga and the Festival of European Medical Students’ Choirs in Riga.

Annual Awards of Riga Stradiņš University in 2007:

Līga Dermaka – Student of the Year,  Dace Zavadska – Resident of the Year,  Jānis Jušinskis – Doctoral Student of the Year.

Commemorative awards:

Kitija Kursa, Aleksandrs Zlatopoļskis, Dace Dimza, Andrejs Ivanovs, Madara Kreile, Ilze Maldupa, Juta Martinova, Olga Deičmane, Ingrīda Birzniece, Madara Kapeniece, Katrīne Morkāne, Sanita Karāle, Jānis Brūzītis.

The awards ceremony was hosted by Jānis Tomels.

The dance orchestra led by Aivars Gudrais played after the ceremony; during the evening, performances were delivered by solo singers Olga Rajecka, Uģis Roze, Modris Laizāns, magicians, mime artists, professional dance couples and other guest artists. DJ Karlo was in charge of the atmosphere in the Golden Hall; different social activities were organised for students.

Pasniedza balvas:

the composer of Cantus in aeternum Rihards Dubra, the first mayor of Riga – physician Jānis Birks.

2006

This year’s Academic Ball was held as part of the 55th anniversary of the University. 1950/51 was the first independent academic year in our higher education institution (at the time – Riga Institute of Medicine). At that time, the oldest RSU associations were established: the Folk Dance Group Ačkups, the mixed choir Rīga and the Scientific Student Society. The anniversaries were celebrated at an official ceremony with a small concert at the beginning of the ball.

Annual Awards went to:

Student of the Year – Valdis Pirsko, Resident of the Year – Anda Kadiša, Doctoral Student of the Year – Signe Tomsone, an Annual Award was awarded to Ausma Matusēviča, who had worked 55 years in the higher education institution.

The evening programme was hosted by RSU student Kaspars Zlidnis.

After the ceremony, the Raitis Ašmanis’ Big Band, solo singers Ieva Kerēvica, Laimis Rācenājs, Normunds Rutulis and other guests held musical performances.

Popular bands H2O, Ēnas, Gain Fast - some musicians of these bands had studied at RSU - played for the students in the Golden Hall.

Acknowledgement awards went to:

Ieva Vītiņa – Annual Award of mixed choir Rīga; Gatis Klaucāns – Annual Award of Folk Dance Group Ačkups; Andrejs Ivanovs – Annual Award given by the Scientific Student Society.

Commemorative awards went to: Sarmīte Plaude, Elita Treilone, Zane Zilberte, Evita Taranda, Linda Piekuse, professor Jānis Dūmiņš.

2004

Students of the RSU Faculty of European Studies invited Sandra Kalniete and the students of military medicine of the Faculty of Medicine invited Colonel Ulf Persson, the Defence Attaché of the Swedish Kingdom, to visit the ball as honorary guests.

The best students of the 2003/04 academic year were:

Reinis Vilšķērsts (Faculty of Pharmacy);

Zanda Raiskuma (Faculty of European Studies);

Canadian citizen Gouthami Gangadharan (Faculty of Dentistry);

Resident of the Year – Solvita Selderiņa (speciality “Laboratory Physician”);

Doctoral Student of the Year – Arvīds Irmejs.

The most active members of RSU student organisations were also awarded – nominated representatives of the Sports Club, Student Council, Scientific Student Society, choir Rīga and Folk Dance Group Ačkups.

The ball was hosted by Nauris Puntulis. The programme included dance and musical masterpieces from around the world, songs from popular shows, musicals, films. The New Chamber Orchestra of Riga (conductor – Viesturs Gailis) took care of the music.

Solo singers – Jolanta Gulbe, Nauris Puntulis, Jānis Stībelis, Ivars Pētersons and the best Latvian instrumentalists – Madars Kalniņš, Deniss Paškēvičs, Raimonds Macats, Norberts Skraucis, Ainis Zavackis, Ingus Feldmanis, Eduards Glotovs

2003

The four best students of the final academic years were awarded for excellent performance in studies and scientific research work:

Kaspars Stāmers (Faculty of Dentistry), Jūlija Jeganova (Faculty of European Studies), Inta Macāne (Faculty of Postgraduate Education), Gowry Kathirawetpillai (Department of International Students, Faculty of Medicine).

 

The dance opened with a polonaise played by the Chamber Orchestra of the Latvian Philharmonic, and the ball continued with orchestra music together with Laimis Rācenājs, then – Pits Andersons’ band. The evening was hosted by actor Harijs Spanovskis.

There were demonstrations by sports dance club Evita.

Preparing for the ball, there was an opportunity to attend free dance courses using the entry ticket. The dances that could be learnt were the polonaise, Viennese Waltz, Slow Waltz, disco fox, under the guidance of professional dancer Evita Pavasare.

At the ball a cooperation agreement was signed with Apeirons – an organisation for people with disabilities and their friends and its president Ivars Balodis. Following this, several joint events were organised – lectures for people with special needs, participation of students in a wheelchair dance camp, a campaign for students with the opportunity to sit in a wheelchair. This was the International Year of Disabled Persons. As future ergotherapists acquire education at RSU, this cooperation seemed a logical continuation of the interests of RSU students.

The honorary guest at the ball was Rear Admiral Gaidis Andrejs Zeibots.

2002

Three excellent students were awarded, each of whom had demonstrated excellent performance in their field – Andra Dērveniece (Faculty of Postgraduate Education), Aleksejs Kontijevskis (Faculty of Pharmacy) and Oskars Cēris (Institute of European Integration).

As in 2002 RSU had a close cooperation with Gauja National Park, an agreement was signed on voluntary and charity activities of students and employees in the development of the Gauja National Park.

Ambassadors and representatives from the public were invited to participate at the ball. Its honorary guest was Director of the Institute of Latvia Ojārs Kalniņš with his spouse Irma Kalniņa, as well as lecturer of the University of Kalmar Jan Sjolin from Sweden, co-author and supporter of the idea to establish the Institute of European Integration.

The Richter Dance School provided the opportunity to learn the polonaise and classical dances at dance courses, and Dr. Iveta Ķestere gave a lecture on behaviour and clothing style at social events, because an RSU graduate is not only a professional and a specialist, but also a public person, for whom observing the code of conduct is an integral part of life.

The programme was hosted by Juris Žagars.

Music was played by the New Chamber Orchestra of Riga consisting of students of the Art Academy of Latvia conducted by Viesturs Gailis, and performances were delivered by artists from Riga Circus and other artists.