Remember your Alma Mater

Many of them rejoin the University  community to once again take the central stairs with a diploma in their hands. Year by year  the University  has new meetings and  farewells. It is always great, when an alumnus  doesn’t forget her or his Alma Mater and supports it in word and deed. This year the University of Latvia celebrates its 93rd birthday. For such a long period a large number of students has been graduating from the UL. Many of them has stayed in a touch with their Alma Mater and  passed a  link  over to their children and grandchildren.  The University of Latvia is grateful to every alumnus, who  supports  with different  ideas and helps new students by providing scholarships and engaging in various projects. It happens frequently, that the relationship between a graduate and a university does not cease at graduation. Those who have once committed to their chosen university, remain faithful, and proudly carry the name of it through the whole of their life . Many  UL graduates have shown respect and adherence supporting   the University after they finished their studies. Contribution  In 1939, Kārlis Kaufmanis graduated from  the University of Latvia, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Astronomy Department  with a Bachelor's degree, whereas in 1943, he achieved a Master's degree. Kārlis Kaufmanis, Latvia-born Astronomy Professor Emeritus  at the University of Minnesota (USA),  passed away in 2003. He has left by his will 100,000 dollars for the UL to promote the development of  astronomy in Latvia.  It has to be used as  inviolable capital funds,  with interest income  paid as scholarships for talented students of astronomy. In his  will it is written: “ To my beloved science - Astronomy – for  its further  development and prosperity in Latvia". Kārlis Kaufmanis worked as a teacher in Rīga’s secondary schools and lyceums.  Because of political changes in the 1940s-50s he left the country as a refuge, first to Germany, and then to the US. There he worked as a lecturer at several universities for the rest of his life.  During 17 years in the University of Minnesota, K. Kaufmanis’ lectures were delivered to 300,000 students.  In the US and  the world  academic and scientific community Kārlis Kaufmanis became famous for his lecture  on the Star of Bethlehem . He explained the events described in the Bible from an  astronomical view. Already, eight students have received the Kaufmanis’  Scholarship to fulfill the patron’s wish and develop Astronomy in Latvia. Professors Jānis Arnolds Eglītis and Irma Liepiņa-Eglītis supported their Alma Mater especially generously. They are well known for introducing Histology into the study programme  at the Faculty of Medicine. In 2001, both professors bequeathed 410, 000 dollars for the Faculty of Medicine, UL. In addition, significant contribution was given by professor Irma Liepiņa-Eglītis to the Faculty of Medicine,  Department of Anatomy and Histology for improvement, modernization, and optimization  the study process. This donation has helped to enhance the process of modernization .  Professor Kārlis Kaufmanis, as well as both Professors Jānis Eglītis and Irma Liepiņa-Eglītis  proved that the ties linking the  alumni and  the University  are stronger than distance. True patriotism towards the state could be expressed in  supporting  young people, helping  the process of education ,and developing new talents. Active participation Indulis Krauze  has been committed to the University of Latvia all his life - starting from the high school years, when he took part in  the young mathematician school. Then he studied law, at the same time working at the UL Personnel Department. For many years I.Krauze has been singing in the UL choir "Juventus" and arranging its activities. Now he is "Juventus” Honorary Member, and  sings in the choir of UL graduates’ " Jubilate ".  Indulis Krauze takes part in the Latvian University Fund’s activities– supporting a variety of projects, including scholarships for students. "For a couple of years I have been involved in the committee that awards, social Sholarship, called “Ceļamaize” and MMV Petkevičs’ Memorial Scholarship. I regularly meet many young people, high school graduates who have achieved good and outstanding results in various fields, but who may not have sufficient resources to continue studies at the University. Naturally, there is a desire to help these young people, if only with a small contribution, "says Indulis Krauze. When asked what  the University of Latvia means for him, Indulis Krauze responds with Latvian writer  Edvarts Virza’s words: " You bring  a day like the sun for us ,  a wisdom for observant minds you give...", also telling us about  his closeness to his University: " All graduates will  not save a link to  Alma Mater. Many will  leave after studies far away. I believe I have succeeded in this respect, because I have always thought it is important to maintain a link with the Academic Citadel. After all, a participation in the  University’s activities, philanthropy is also a matter of prestige. " In terms of support to the UL, Indulis Krauze believes: "It is necessary to support the University with its wide variety of activities.  The University is a pillar, which is quite strong  to develop itself and  support students, lecturers, staff, and graduates. Another thing with the Fund's activities and projects. Probably I wish to be involved, because I see this sponsorship more like providing a fishing-rod rather than just giving a fish. My initial support was granted to "Juventus", which means ensuring its amateur performances. In "Juventus" I have been singing for 30 years. Lately, I've donated for scholarships for diligent students. " Every day a broad range of projects are carried out with a financial and moral patronage for the UL, improving   the educational environment.  A new, educated and ambitious generation is being raised, which certainly would not  possible without the contribution of alumnus - their experience, enthusiasm, willingness to get involved and participate in this creative process. Alumnus willing to share their experience with new students - this is the greatest gratification for the University. The sense of belonging "It is one of the component parts of Latvia. It is the Castle of Light, where Latvians can draw wisdom. It is also the place where  three of my grandparents had studied before the  Second World War   – Jānis Blumbergs, Velta Grantskalna-Skomba and Haralds Skomba, "answering the question about the role of the University,says Roberts Blumbergs, Honorary Consul of Latvia in the State of Illinois, USA.  Roberts Blumbergs, a grandson of the University’s graduates, lives in the USA, and actively engages himself as a beneficiary of the UL; currently he provides support to the Faculty of Law for inviting circuit judge Ilana Diamond Rovner  with a guest lecture about law enforcement institutions and the judicial system  in the USA. The programming team of the Faculty of Computing was given a boost for the world’s student contest final, where the team scored high success. This year established study programme "Diplomacy" also has been supported in the  Faculty of Social Sciences. Roberts Blumbergs acts in the United States based  Friends of the University of Latvia, which aim is to support the UL and its students. About the organization he says, "Jānis Medveckis, Latvian Honorary Consul in Pennsylvania, is the initiator of the organization. Rūdolfs Brēmanis, my friend and a diplomat in the US Embassy, encouraged me as a Latvian Honorary Consul to engage in UL support organization Friends of the University of Latvia. I believe that  Friends will attract USA citizens, who may  donate to the University. Friends as  non-profit organization has a tax exempt  status in the US, therefore contributors will be able to deduct  donation amounts  from their incomes and therefore pay less income taxes.” When asked about the motives of his involvment in the University support organization in the US, Roberts Blumbergs responds, "I feel very close to the University of Latvia, because I have heard so many stories from my grandmother about the University, where  she studied medicine. I am also an active member of Lettgallia corporation, and its members are very active in the UL life. My grandfather, Jānis Blumbergs was also lettgals and graduated from the Faculty of Chemistry. There are several reasons why graduates should support their Alma Mater, because it ensured your future through education. If you are a manager or a businessman, Alma Mater can help you find  potential employees. Alumnus organizations are a great way to make contacts. Supporting the country's best University also means to show respect for your state and  appreciate the educational and intellectual values, which are the cornerstones of democracy.  In America it is a long tradition - to help his or her Alma Mater. I support my University of Pittsburgh, the Faculty of Law.  Many years my father Gunārs Blumbergs  donated  to his Alma Mater - Harvard University " Dzintra Uibo is  the Chairman of Board in the company "Amaija". For a long time she has been involved in projects related to both the Faculty of Humanities and the Faculty of Medicine as well as  in social Schoolarship "Ceļamaize." Explaining her motivation Dzintra Uibo says: "The University of Latvia has the greatest potential to become an internationally appreciated educational institution. The more support it  gets, the sooner  this ambition would be fulfilled. The University has given me confidence, because when I entered my chosen faculty, I had to stand a tough contest. I am proud that my teachers were great personalities and inspired my classmates.  “Although  it has been over 30 years  since the graduation, we do not lose contacts with the former group members. Still we positively look at the times spent at the University and welcome the ongoing activities that focus on the development ", says Dzintra Uibo. She believes, that the time spent at the University is very important for everybody: "If you have succeeded in your life, it is  natural to thank  your University for it. Besides, participation in the events, organized by the University, is a great opportunity to meet  interesting people of similar thinking." The sense of belonging,  desire to collaborate , and support – it is the best gift of  alumni  to their Alma Mater. These feelings help to build up the University of Latvia, strengthen its community and provide new students with   quality education.

Translated by students of the professional study programme Translator of the University of Latvia.