Academic CentreZiņa
The University of Latvia (UL) Foundation began awarding the Excellence Scholarship Ceļamaize / Bread for the Journey in 2006. Since then, the support has been extended to many brilliant and promising 1st year undergraduate students of the University of Latvia – the future makers of our country. One of the most generous patrons is the national company “Archers”, which has made a significant contribution to advancement of students for more than 10 years.
The scholarship programme Ceļamaize / “Bread for the Journey” was created on the initiative of Latvians living in the USA, thus providing support to students who have started their bachelor's studies at the University of Latvia. In open competition, the scholarship is awarded to secondary school graduates showing outstanding results in their studies and activity in public life. In 2020, the patron "Arčers", Anna Justīne Čakste-Rollins, Vaira Inta Pelēķis-Kristofere, Andrejs Jurgens and Aina Galēja-Dravniece, as well as the donors of the campaign continue to invest in the advancement of the most diligent and purposeful young students. With the Excellence Scholarship Ceļamaize, students can confidently start their studies and fully dedicate their time to acquisition of knowledge.
Company “Arčers” invests in the future
The motto of the UL patron “Arčers” “Building the Future!” reflects the company's investment in growth of young talents and contribution to the country's future. The successful and long-term cooperation of SIA “Arčers” with the University of Latvia began in 2009, when the company responded to the call of the University of Latvia Foundation to donate to the fundraising campaign dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the University of Latvia and scholarships to establish the Ceļamaize scholarship fund. During these years, 36 University of Latvia students have received “Arčers” excellence scholarships in the amount exceeding 80 thousand euros.
The company's philosophy is intelligent and sustainable construction. This principle underlies all the daily processes and general work culture at “Arčers”. The implementation of intelligent construction in the company is ensured by its highly qualified employees, and the company promotes sustainability in various aspects both regarding the construction process itself, as well as expanding and strengthening its intelligent team of specialists. Young talents have a special role to play in achieving this goal.
Future champions – Lāsma, Nauris and Paula Katrīna
In academic year 2020/2021, the support of patron “Arčers” was won by three aspiring young people – prospective journalist Lāsma Ločmele, future e-commerce and logistics management system specialist Nauris Osis ambitious physicist Paula Katrīna Purmale.
Scholar Lāsma Ločmele, a 1st year bachelor’s programme student at the University of Latvia Faculty of Social Sciences is gratified to receive the scholarship: “This is a great honour to become a recipient of scholarship Ceļamaize – to feel appreciated and supported. Obtaining this scholarship gives me a greater creative freedom in my chosen professional field, and opens up more opportunities for new individual achievements in journalism. Of course, it also bestows upon me a great sense of responsibility and serves as a reminder that I am on the right track.”
Paula Katrīna Purmale, a student at the University of Latvia Faculty of Physics, Mathematics and Optometry, when asked what the award of scholarship means to her, responds: “Relief. Opportunity to pat myself on the shoulder and take a deep breath of satisfaction before the next challenge. Constant turmoil to prove and affirm my abilities in the future. Full dedication to studies, involvement in the life of the University, ensured by the support of the scholarship. Conviction that I am self-sufficient.”
“The awarded scholarship clearly proves the importance of my dedication – it is no longer about diplomas, but an honour of the university, which I will advance and change with my work and sense of purpose,” comments Nauris Osis, a scholarship holder, 1st year student at the UL Faculty of Business, Management and Economics. The beneficiary explains that applying for a scholarship is a unique opportunity to turn one’s work into both tangible and moral value: “The feeling that the patron and the UL Foundation has chosen one is very uplifting and motivates to prove oneself even more. By applying for a scholarship, you are taking the first step to success!”
If every graduate became a donor!
Jānis Kurlovičs, a researcher and lecturer at the UL Faculty of Medicine and a multiple recipient of scholarships administered by the UL Foundation, also repeatedly donates funds for establishment of scholarships for young researchers. J. Kurlovičs shares his motivation to support new students: “Every path has a beginning – it is also applicable to starting studies at a university. The first step is often the most difficult to take, because the expected challenges and hard work is augmented by uncertainty and doubt as to whether the chosen path is the right one. I very much appreciate the past and future work of the UL Foundation in facilitating this first step and supporting students in their further studies. Every secondary school graduate who is prevented from entering studies due to financial reasons is a great loss for Latvia as a whole. With the support of the UL Foundation, it is possible to reduce and even prevent this injustice.”
“Think about it – if every UL graduate donated at least ten euros a year, how many young people could we, UL graduates, help?! This clearly shows that we have the opportunity to make Latvia better and fairer. I believe that this opportunity will be increasingly used and we will be able to rejoice in the achievements of young people,” Jānis Kurlovičs urges to donate.
