RSU Foundation celebrates 15 years: Rector’s message, achievements and future opportunities

On 18 March, the Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) Foundation celebrated its 15th anniversary. We reflect on achievements, share congratulations from Rector Prof. Aigars Pētersons, explore the future plans, and encourage you to become a supporter of the RSU Foundation! 

The Rector’s greeting on the anniversary of the RSU Foundation 

On the anniversary of the RSU Foundation, the RSU Rector Prof. Aigars Pētersons extends his wishes to its founders and supporters: ‘Dear representatives and supporters of the RSU Foundation! Since 2011, you have been a significant source of support for our university community.

I would like to thank every patron, donor, and alumnus who contributes through the RSU Foundation – every such contribution is truly valuable.

I wish the RSU Foundation team and everyone involved in its philanthropic initiatives continued success in inspiring, supporting, and creating new opportunities for future generations of RSU students and researchers! 

I encourage every graduate and anyone who holds RSU dear to get involved in strengthening the RSU Foundation by starting a new tradition through finding the most appropriate way to make their contribution.’

Achievements of the RSU Foundation 

The RSU Foundation focuses on supporting the university students and staff who have demonstrated their abilities and potential, have a clear vision for their future growth in professional, academic, or scientific fields, or whose activities contribute to the RSU development and the wider public benefit.

• 472 scholarship recipients in medicine, sports, and culture supported. 
• 42 students from Ukraine supported. 

Thanks to the RSU Foundation, the RSU mixed choir Rīga continues to shine in concerts, and the Folk Dance Ensemble Ačkups can perform its best dances. The RSU basketball team has been able to prove itself at the European University Sports Games. Also, the support has been provided to volleyball and floorball players, and other athletes.

The foundation offers opportunities for those who are determined, talented, and ready to grow. ‘We believe that talent should not be held back by financial barriers. That is why the RSU Foundation is more than a support instrument - it is a bridge of trust between opportunities and people,’ explains Laila Kundziņa, Executive Director of the RSU Foundation. 

Prof. Dace Gardovska, Chariperson of the RSU Foundation, emphasises that the foundation’s support also opens up broader opportunities: ‘We are considering international opportunities so that students and staff can learn from world-class specialists. This is not tourism, but an investment in acquiring new knowledge, skills, and competencies that will be useful to RSU and Latvia.

We will award scholarships, develop study and research projects, and provide opportunities to study abroad.

Katram potenciālajam atbalsta saņēmējam jāuzņemas atbildība. Ir jāpierāda, kas paveikts jau iepriekš un detalizēti jāplāno nākotnes ieceres.”

Future initiatives – Giving Day, donations via Mobilly, relaunching of the Intelligence Academy 

The RSU Foundation continues its work with great dedication while developing new initiatives. ‘This year, we especially invite our alumni to start a new habit with added value – to set up a monthly donation through the Mobilly app. We will also continue supporting Ukrainian students. We will launch a new initiative Giving Day: a day when we can give back to our Alma Mater through donations for scholarships for the next generation. And we will restart the Intelligence Academy,’ informs Laila Kundziņa.

We also invite everyone to support the foundation by following and sharing information on the RSU Foundation’s newly created social media accounts on Facebook and LinkedIn. It is only together that we can change the future.