The RSU Foundation – a bridge between ideas and opportunities

Photos: Courtesy of Dace Gardovska

Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) is not only a place where future medical and social science professionals receive their educations, but also an intellectual hub that shapes society's values. In this context, the RSU Foundation serves as an important instrument for supporting students, research projects, and social initiatives. The Foundation operates based on ethics and respect for our donor's values, while simultaneously providing opportunities for those striving for excellence.

You have been managing the RSU Foundation since the end of July. Why did you agree to take on this responsibility?

It was not an easy decision. When Rector Prof. Aigars Pētersons offered me the position, I felt honoured, but I did not immediately say “yes”. I thought a lot considering how much time I could dedicate and whether I could make a meaningful contribution. I do not have any background in law or economics, but in recent years, I have been actively working in the field of children’s rights within hospitals, building connections and observing how much can be achieved when the goal is clear.

This experience gave me confidence that the Foundation can help people live richer lives, fulfil their ideas, and achieve excellence. It is a role that requires not only administrative skills but also human understanding and empathy.

What are the operating principles of the Foundation? 

The Rector and I discussed what the Foundation's philosophy should be at length.

The core is ethics and integrity, because without them, philanthropy would not be possible. We must ensure a transparent policy so that everyone understands how decisions are made.

That is why the board includes professionals from various fields, such as lawyers, financial experts, and university management. This ensures that decisions are well-founded and understandable to the public. Excellence is our priority, and we support those who strive for the highest quality in their studies, research, and community work.

Prof. Dace Gardovska with RSU Rector Prof. Aigars Pētersons

 How are the tasks of the Foundation realised? 

The Foundation is not only a financial instrument. Its mission is to help people implement ideas that foster both academic and personal growth.

We want to motivate students and university staff to do good things while respecting the values of our donors.

When a donor sees that their support is used honestly and brings real benefits, long-term cooperation develops. We want every beneficiary to be aware of where the support comes from and to feel grateful. It is a dialogue, not a one-sided act of giving.

What initiatives are you planning?

Social support is very important. Some students come from difficult backgrounds but study with great passion. They need our help. Likewise, our colleagues who have dedicated their entire careers to the university should be supported in various life situations. The Foundation will serve as an instrument to help people not only study but also live with dignity.

We are also considering international opportunities that would allow students and staff to learn from world-class specialists. This is not tourism, but an investment in acquiring new knowledge, skills, and competencies that will be useful for RSU and Latvia.

We will award scholarships, develop study and research projects, and provide opportunities to study abroad. Each potential beneficiary must take responsibility. They must demonstrate what they have already accomplished and present detailed plans for their future goals.

How is the Foundation developing at present? 

The Foundation is closely connected with the university. We collaborate with the alumni association, the rector, and benefactors. Everything is based on shared values. Every scholarship recipient should know where the support comes from. It is a dialogue between the benefactor and the beneficiary. We want these relationships to be human, not merely formal.

How do you interpret the meaning of philanthropy? 

Philanthropy is not just about money. It is an attitude and a willingness to help. 

People want to do good both by supporting students in Latvia and by helping Ukrainians. 

It is a matter of solidarity and humanity. As a society, we cannot live only for ourselves - we must also give. It is not only financial assistance that matters; sometimes it is about attitude, gratitude, attention, or knowledge. In our history, there were tragic events when, during the war, many Latvians were forced to leave their homeland, abandon their possessions and go abroad. In those countries where they arrived, people helped them by offering shelter, sustenance, and later the opportunity to study, work, and achieve many things. We must act in the same way, supporting Latvian and Ukrainian students and lecturers.

RSU has successfully run an Intelligence Academy for some time. Will this continue?

A university should not be a place where professionals are educated in narrow field. It should also be an intellectual and cultural centre that broadens the perspectives of our students, staff, and alumni. What does it mean to be an intelligent person today? 

Currently, we expect not only deep knowledge and a high level of education and culture, but also genuine emotional intelligence.

For six academic years, from 2011 to 2017, RSU implemented a unique lifelong learning project with the support of the Boris and Ināra Teterev Foundation - the Intelligence Academy. The project provided an opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills of students and interested parties that are not provided by academic education but are essential for the growth of any personality. Under the guidance of experienced and well-known experts, participants enriched their knowledge of art, culture, music, social etiquette, dance skills and in other areas. Tens of thousands of people attended these classes. We gained valuable experience, and I have good reason to believe that with the next academic year, we will be able to relaunch the Intelligence Academy in a new form.

The President of Latvia presented Prof. Gardovska with a letter of commendation on 10 May 2023

What would you wish for students and colleagues? 

Life is not infinite, and each of us must find a way to fill it with meaning. Every day, we can be better than we were yesterday. Do good deeds, share with others, and do not be afraid to take action. Do something simple and sincere, because great changes often begin with small things. Together, we can be strong and successful!