Six FESS students honoured with University of Latvia Foundation scholarships

At a ceremonial event held on November 5, the UL Foundation brought together and honoured students who have been granted scholarships for the 2025/2026 academic year, as well as the generous patrons who make this support possible. Following a competitive selection process, 114 students were awarded scholarships in recognition of their academic excellence and commitment to purposeful studies.

This year, six FESS students — including one doctoral student — were among the recipients of the UL Foundation scholarships. First-year bachelor’s student in Industrial Engineering and Management Katrīna Brika-Dravniece received the Jelgava Municipality Scholarship, which has been awarded since 2012 to talented, dedicated, and persistent young people. The same scholarship was also awarded to Jana Apaļā, a first-year student in Political Science. Evita Vesmane, a first-year student in Business Management, received the Minna Matilde Vilhelmīne Petkevičs Memorial Scholarship, which supports capable and diligent first-year UL students.

Mārtiņš Edgars Ķeza, a first-year master’s student in Economics, was granted the SIGNET BANK Excellence Scholarship, a newly established award available from this academic year for graduate students in economics and finance. The Kurt Hagen Scholarship was awarded to Elizabete Oboruna-Bernāte, a second-year master’s student in Project Management, while the Timermanis Scholarship for Research in Social Sciences went to Agris Raipalis, a second-year doctoral student in Economics and Management.

Greeting the new scholarship holders, UL Rector Prof. Gundars Bērziņš emphasized: “UL Foundation scholarship recipients, with your determination and talent, you demonstrate that excellence is the University’s highest value — in every research project, academic achievement, and civic initiative. You, our patrons and scholarship recipients alike, are the ones who, through your generosity and commitment, build the foundation of excellence at the University of Latvia. Dear patrons, you set an example of how generosity can create an environment where great ideas are born and dreams come true.”

Elizabete Oboruna-Bernāte, recipient of the Kurt Hagen Scholarship, expressed that participating in a double degree programme, this scholarship allows her to fully focus on her studies and gain international experience: “The Kurt Hagen Scholarship provides significant support and serves as a valuable recognition of my previous academic achievements.”

Katrīna Brika-Dravniece, recipient of the Jelgava Municipality Scholarship, shared her gratitude: “This scholarship is a tremendous support — it will help me cover tuition and daily expenses while commuting regularly to Riga. I am immensely thankful to the donors and proud of my accomplishments. I truly feel appreciated.”

Agris Raipalis, a second-year doctoral student and recipient of the Timermanis Scholarship, described it as a recognition of his efforts in academic research: “I am still only at the very foot of the great mountain of academia,” he reflected. “The scholarship provides essential support for me to continue along the path of science and to resist the distractions of everyday life. It opens important opportunities for collaboration and for exploring new research horizons.”

The scholarship recipients were congratulated by Prof. Margarita Dunska, Vice-Dean for Studies at FESS. Excellence is essential for Latvia’s future; therefore, determination, perseverance, and a purposeful pursuit of new knowledge and ever higher goals are truly commendable. Fundamentally, every investment in education makes Latvia stronger.

At the ceremony, Zaiga Pūce, Executive Director of the UL Foundation, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all patrons in Latvia and abroad for supporting students at the beginning of their academic journeys. Addressing the new scholarship recipients, she said: “The UL Foundation scholarship is a recognition of your passion, an affirmation of your achievements, and a mark of trust in your future. Today, you join a special community that unites hundreds of scholars, patrons, and researchers. From this day forward, you are part of those who care about our Alma Mater and who shape Latvia’s future. I sincerely congratulate you and wish that this scholarship gives you strength and courage to reach new and noble goals.”

Congratulations to the FESS students on receiving the UL Foundation scholarships! We wish you continued success on your path toward academic excellence — may your aspirations come true!