RSU Red Cross Medical College celebrates its 105 anniversary

Photo: Courtesy of the Red Cross Medical College

On Friday, 28 November, the Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) Red Cross Medical College celebrated its 105th anniversary, bringing together lecturers, employees, cooperation partners, and guests for a special event dedicated to the college’s distinguished history and vision for the future. 

The event was hosted by singer and television personality Lauris Reiniks, while guitarist and composer Mārcis Auziņš provided the musical atmosphere, opening the festive event with his composition "Virs galvas mūžīgs Piena Ceļš." 

Ceremonial speeches and congratulations 

During the ceremonial part of the event, the college staff and guests were addressed by: 

• Elmārs Mārtinsons, Advisor to the Minister of Health on change management,
• Aigars Pētersons, Rector of Rīga Stradiņš University,
• Agnese Bīdermane, Project Manager at the Social Work and Social Assistance Policy Department of the Ministry of Welfare,
• Ināra Upmale, Principal of the RSU Red Cross Medical College. 

A journey through 105 years of history 

During the event, guests were invited to explore the development stages of the college – from the Latvian Red Cross Merciful Nursing School, founded in 1920, to today’s modern educational institution, proud of its simulation rooms, digital solutions, international collaborations, and high-quality studies.

Honouring long-serving employees 

One of the most emotional moments of the celebration was honouring of the long-serving staff members. First, the RSU Rector congratulated college employees Arvīds Grigans, Edīte Rudzīte, Zane Šnore, Sanita Litiņa, and Ilze Celma with Letters of Commendation, followed by the presentation of the College Letter of Gratitude to 33 lecturers and employees. Each honouree was invited on stage to receive flowers and a letter of gratitude for their contribution to the development of the college.

Congratulations from collaboration partners 

The college received greeting from its long-standing partners:  

• Māris Andersons, Director of ARS Medical Clinic,
• Antra Kupriša, Senior Nurse at Vidzeme Hospital, 
• Vizma Vīksna, Head of the Pharmaceutical department at Benu Aptieka Latvija, 
• Baiba Pedraudze, HR Director of Repharm Pharmaceutical business. 

Anniversary highlight – a celebration cake and wishes for the future

At the conclusion of the event, a celebration cake was brought into the hall. College Principal Ināra Upmale symbolically shared her “manifestations” – the goals and aspirations that the college aims to achieve in the coming years.