On 10 December, at the introduction of the Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS) international conference University of Tomorrow, the winner of the professor Andris Klauss scholarship – Agate Freiberga – was announced. The patron of the scholarship, Mārtiņš Lauva, entrepreneur and graduate of VUAS, announced the name of the scholarship winner for the seventh time.

Every VUAS student who has proven himself/herself with excellent academic success, motivating progress towards professional growth and active social life could apply for the scholarship. Patron Mārtiņš Lauva revealed that this year the scholarship candidates have been capable, and each of the young people met the set criteria: “I awarded the scholarship for the seventh time, but this year it was especially complicated to choose the scholarship winner. We interviewed five young professionals, and absolutely everyone was able to overcome the bar I set and proved themselves to be eligible for the scholarship.” Commenting on the decision in favour of Agate Freiberga, the patron emphasised Agate`s motivation: “Although all the young people were very motivated, Agate stood out with enthusiasm, self-confidence and determination. Other members of the scholarship committee also appreciated these characteristics of Agate and, as a result, the vote was in her favour.” It is essential to mention the patron`s comment on the desire to continue and support this scholarship for a long time, as students become more and more motivated and capable with each passing year.

The recipient of the scholarship is Agate Freiberga, a 3rd-year student of the Faculty of Translation Studies at VUAS, specialising in the programme “Translation” in German. Hearing her name at the time the scholarship winner was named, a genuine smile appeared in Agate`s face. She thanked the scholarship patron M. Lauva for the evaluation and VUAS for fruitful study process and knowledge: “Receiving the scholarship is one great step in a long professional journey that still has to be done.” To find more about Agate`s studies at VUAS and plans, we invite you to read the story of her study experience here.

Professor`s A. Klauss scholarship was created in 2014, when, thanks to the initiative of Mārtiņš Lauva, the first VUAS student received financial support of EUR 1500.

The patron M. Lauva considers professor Klauss to be the first teacher of his life who gave the first advice in business and the encouragement to be ambitious and reach new professional heights. Professor Andris Klauss (1941-2004) was a Doctor of Economics, professor and head of the Department of Management at the Faculty of Economics and Management of VUAS, as well as the Chairman of the VUAS Senate. A Klaus`s scientific interests were broad - he wrote monographs, scientific articles and methodological publications on various problems in economics. In his 38 years of work as a lecturer, Andris Klaus`s scientific and practical work experience has enriched thousands of students, allowing many to hold high and responsible positions.